A plane trip is the start of a great adventure. Whether you are going to a dream destination, a well-deserved vacation, an important international meeting, or to see loved ones, it’s always an exciting moment.

However, in contrast, this trip can be a shock to your skin because the air in planes is drier than in the Sahara desert. The average humidity in the desert is 25%, and most planes are below 20%.

Since long flights stress, dry out and make your skin look tired, in this article, we’ll share tips and tricks on why and how you can keep your skin healthy during your trips.

How does flying by plane hurt the skin?

The answer is simple: because of the height and the lack of humidity in the cabin.

The skin generally keeps its elasticity and natural shine when humidity is between 40 and 70%. However, you should know that most airplanes keep the humidity level at 20%, which stresses and dehydrates the skin, making it look dull and dry.

Keep in mind that blood flow in our bodies and skin slows down at higher altitudes. This is what makes the face look duller and more tired.

5-Step routine to take care of your skin on the plane

1. Take off your makeup and wash your face

Having all our skincare products on hand while flying is not always possible. However, if you don’t have cleansing oil, you can use cotton pads and a moisturizer that contains oil. Then use a water-based cleanser. Here, you can use a cotton pad soaked in mineral water. 

2. Apply a generous amount of facial toner

Use your favorite facial toner after cleansing. The toner will help balance your skin’s pH and keep it from drying out whether you apply it with cotton pads or your fingers. With everything going on with your skin, you want to keep it as balanced as possible.

3. Make use of a moisturizing serum

Any serum will help you, but remember that some ingredients, like hyaluronic acid and collagen, can make your skin more hydrated.

4. Stay moisturized and well-hydrated

Whether you use a cream or a gel moisturizer, massage it gently into your face to lock in the moisture. The most important thing is to start a few days in advance. Don’t drink coffee because it makes you even more dehydrated. Instead, drink lots of water and take lots of fruits and vegetables.

5. Don’t forget about your lips!

When you fly for a long time, your lips tend to get drier than usual and can even crack. There are no sebaceous glands in the skin of the lips, so they don’t make oil to protect and moisturize them. When you travel, don’t forget to use your favorite lip balm to keep your lips moist, and reapply whenever you think you need to.

Will you be taking a trip soon? Don’t be afraid to try out this facial routine so your skin doesn’t get too dry on a long flight.