Aka, how to navigate a long-haul flight without looking like you’ve stepped foot on a plane.

Long-haul (and even short haul) flights can play havoc with your skin. Ever landed to find to your complexion dry, puffy and dull? You’re not alone. Low humidity, increased exposure to UV rays and recycled cold air are all to blame. Throw in salty plane food, alcohol, caffeine, a lack of sleep and zero movement, and you’ve got the perfect recipe for a bad skin day.

So, what to do about it? With some clever packing and pre-planning, you can work to minimise the damage and avoid the dreaded ‘flight face’. From the beauty products to make room for in your hand luggage to the skincare steps to follow whilst on board, this is how to navigate a long-haul flight without looking like you’ve stepped foot on a plane.

CLEANSE, CLEANSE, CLEANSE

One of the most important steps of your in-flight skincare routine: cleansing. Pre-boarding - or as soon as that seatbelt sign goes off - remove all makeup and ensure your base is fresh, clean and product-free.

The quickest, easiest route (and perfect for any mid-flight cleanses you might want to do) is a micellar water. A sink-free way to cleanse, it means you can apply at your seat with just a cotton pad. Containing micelles - molecules that act like magnets for oil and impurities - micellar waters work to gently cleanse without stripping the skin’s natural oils or leaving a residue.

Short on hand luggage space? This Works have created In Transit No Traces, a tub of rosewater and mint-infused pads that wipe away makeup and grime. 

For a deeper cleanse, Eve Lom’s Cleansing Oil Capsules are perfect for travels. Each capsule contains just the right amount for a cleanse, while it’s formulated to leave skin hydrated for up to 12 hours after use. 

And after you land? It’s time for another cleanse to remove any dirt that’s settled on the skin during the flight – unavoidable thanks to the recirculated air.

KEEP ON MISTING

Ever wondered what happens to your skin on a plane? According to experts, skin is happiest at around 40 to 70 percent humidity. On a flight, you’re looking at about 20 percent. See the problem? Luckily, facial mists are a quick and easy way to keep the skin feeling moisturised throughout.

Think of your skin as a sponge: when dry, it won’t soak up any moisture, but dampen it first and it’ll wipe up spills no problem. This is what a face mist will do for your skin. Spritz as the first step post cleanse to create a moist base for your skincare to cling to, but also keep to hand for an instant refresh throughout the flight.

Charlotte Tilbury's Charlotte's Magic Hyrdator Mist is one of the brand's newest additions. With an oxygenating, hydrating formula, it helps to actually shield the skin from pollution (perfect on a flight) and - thanks to Kombu extract - reduce the sings of digital fatigue (much needed when squinting at that tiny screen). 
 
Dermalogica’s Antioxidant Hydramist delivers an active antioxidant shield to protect the skin while you fly. And Origins’ cult Mega Mushroom spray uses the power of mushrooms to soothe redness and irritation whilst plumping the skin.

Need a pick-me-up prior to landing? Pixi’s Vitamin Wakeup Mist cools, refreshes, and wakes up the skin thanks to a mix of orange blossom water and citrus fruit extracts. Just what you need after an interrupted night of sleep.

Technically not a mist, but an essence, Pat McGrath Labs Divine Skin: Rose 001 The Essence works in the same way – just pat onto the skin rather than spray. A lightweight emulsion, it instantly hydrates while calming, protecting, nourishing and replenishing the skin barrier.

APPLY A FACE MASK

No longer reserved to your bathroom, sheet masks are the perfect way to give your skin a hit of hydration without taking up precious hand luggage space.

Charlotte Tilbury’s Instant Magic Facial Dry Sheet is a genius invention that contains no moisture (perfect for that liquid allowance). Pop onto the skin and leave to work for 15 minutes. Thanks to a blend of shea butter, avocado oil and rosemary leaf extract, it’ll hydrate and brighten the skin without any mess.

If you don’t mind a little mess, then Guerlain’s Super Aqua-Mask Intense Hydration Mask is worth every penny. A thick, creamy formula coats the skin, delivering buckets of hydration, helping to build up resistance against future dehydration.

Flying home for a far-flung beach holiday after too much sun? You’ll want to pack one of Pixi’s Aftersun Sheet Masks for the way back. Featuring cooling aloe vera, cucumber and chamomile, it helps to instantly refresh, replenish and re-hydrate the skin.

If sheet masks aren’t your thing, make room for Sisley’s Hydra-Flash Intense Moisturising Mask works in as little as 10 minutes to deliver instant freshness, calming any tightness in the skin.

Last but not least, the eyes. Sure to show the effects first, Charlotte's Hollywood Skin Secrets Immediate Eye Revival Patches work to depuff, brighten and smooth the eyes in just 10 minutes. Perfect to quickly whip on as you're landing.

GET SERIOUS ABOUT MOISTURISING

We’ve talked about misting and masking, so you understand that moisture is key on long-haul flights. But this is where we get serious.

First stop post-masking, is a hyaluronic acid. The must-have ingredient for thirsty skin, it works like a magnet to attract moisture (one gram of hyaluronic acid can hold six litres of water), meaning it’ll make any moisture-boosting products work harder. Elizabeth Arden have created Ceramide Hylauronic Acid Capsules that are perfect for your travels. 

On top, you want to be applying a thick, creamy moisturiser, and Charlotte Tilbury’s Magic Cream is a great place to start. Coming in a variety of sizes, including a handy 30ml, it’s renowned for delivering dewy, luminous skin. Finish with an oil on top, to lock everything in. Augustinus Bader’s The Face Oil is rich in amino acids, vitamins and synthesised molecules that enhance the skin’s natural reparative process.

Our top tip: don’t forget about the hands and lips. These can be one of the first parts of the body to dry out. Dr. Barbara Sturm’s Super Anit-Aging Hand Cream absorbs quickly to provide immediate and long-lasting relief. And for the lips, Kiehl’s Butter Mask For Lips helps repair the lip’s moisture barrier overnight, blanketing dry, flaky lips with coconut oil and wild mango butter. Apply just before you try and get some shut eye.

GET YOUR BEAUTY SLEEP

The best route to a seemingly quicker flight and glowing skin? Getting as much sleep as you can on board. This Works’ Stress Check Breathe Out, a rollerball featuring a blend of essential oils which can help beat any flying anxieties, and the Deep Sleep Pillow Spray, which uses a mix of lavender, camomile and vetiver to calm the mind.

When it comes to sleep-inducing skincare, Dermalogica have nailed the formula with their Sound Sleep Cocoon Night Gel-Cream, infused with lavender, sandalwood and patchouli to soothe the skin and calm the mind.

You might have read about the benefits of magnesium when it comes to sleep, well Kiki Health have created a Magnesium Oil Spray that you can apply topically. 

To keep out any unwanted light? Slip’s Pure Silk Sleep Masks not only block out the light, but the silk helps your skin retain moisture and keeps your skincare products in place.