Going somewhere? I hope so! Vacationing is more than a privilege these days; it’s a right. And it’s a right you should absolutely be exercising at your leisure, even if just to get a few weeks’ reprieve from the craziness that is everyday life in today’s America.
But travel itself is a crazy thing, isn’t it? The stress involved in booking flights, getting through TSA, and ultimately enduring a long stretch aboard a pressurized tube tens of thousands of feet in the air, all while potentially quite nervous about the whole thing… Worth it in the end, but still. At the very least, you deserve better than upset skin while you’re flying.
With this in mind, the following describes some of the most essential skincare items you should consider sliding into your carry-on for a fuss-free, muss-free flight of personal epidermal pampering.
Before Your Pack
TSA operates a ‘3-1-1’ rule for taking liquids, gels, and aerosols aboard a plane. This rule translates to 3.4oz (or 100ml) containers of product, packaged in a 1-quart bag, being allowed to go aboard with you; products in larger containers must go in your luggage. This means you have to pick your products carefully, say a handful of those suggested below!
Hydrating Facial Mist
Airplane cabins aren’t the most conducive to unbothered skin; the air is conditioned heavily up there, with a low humidity level that can quickly dehydrate your skin over time too. A travel-sized hydrating mist would be a great little refresher for your face mid-flight, with some bonus juice for your parched skin.
Lightweight Moisturizer
Speaking of hydration, a good, lightweight moisturizer could be a lifesaver late into long-haul flights. Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid or ceramides, which are ideal for preventing dry patches! The accelerating dryness of airplane cabin air can also contribute to rapid skin aging if you’re not careful – so, alongside this, maybe consider an anti-aging skincare product with peptides or antioxidants for some extra support.
Lip Balm with SPF
Lips are skin too, friend! Don’t overlook your lips, particularly when they’re just as prone to dryness on flights as other parts of your body. A nourishing lip balm can soothe your lips – but get one with an SPF rating too, and give yourself a little extra protection against UV exposure through the plane windows.
Gentle Facial Wipes
Facial wipes are practically a must for any vacation, whether you’re heading to Appalachia for a camping getaway or Andorra for something altogether more glamorous. Simply put, it’s a quick and convenient way to remove oil, sweat, and makeup without needing water – a godsend for the travel bag.
Under-Eye Patches
Flights are great for interrupting your sleep – and not just because of the resulting jet lag! Don’t be surprised if your eye bags get angry with you for all the disruption; get yourself some hydrogel under-eye patches to help reduce the puffiness and dark circles that ensue from long stretches of dry air and interrupted sleep.
Spot Treatment
Last but absolutely not least, you’ll want something in your back pocket if you’re prone to breakouts. A small tube of spot treatment can make a big difference to your confidence levels; choose one with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide to reduce inflammation during or after a flig
