The summer is synonymous with vacation, but unfortunately, traveling, and air travel specifically, can wreak havoc on your skin. Wherever you’re headed this summer, make sure you know how to best protect your skin during and after your travels.

First things first, pack your skincare products. If you are carrying onto an airplane, or using a weekender bag, transfer your products to small/TSA-approved dispensers – it’s worth the headache to have your products with you when you arrive at your destination. Don’t rely on hotel products because most are made with cheap ingredients and your skin will suffer.

Airplanes are a breeding ground for germs and other factors that can devastate your skin, leaving you broken-out and dulled-out upon touchdown. The air is stale, recirculated, and extremely dry which causes your skin to become parched and weak, even lasting for days after your voyage.

Skin is comfortable when the humidity in the air is between 40% and 70% but the humidity in the air on airplanes is about 20% which is what causes dryness, flakeyness, and redness. On the reverse side, skin can become oily to counteract the dryness in the air. Either way, your skin will be in bad shape unless you take necessary precautions.

Hydrate and Moisturize

Hydration and moisture are essential when flying, no matter how long or short the flight, and will help protect your skin against the dryness in the air. Board the plane with a clean, make-up free face, and drink plenty of water prior to your departure.

Throughout the flight drink even more water and apply a good moisturizer, preferably one with SPF. When we fly, we are 10,000 feet closer to the sun and UV-rays can penetrate the windows just as they do when we’re on the ground. In fact, pilots and flight attendants have shown higher rates for skin cancer because of their frequent closer proximity to the sun. You may be able to shut your own window shade, but you can’t control everyone else’s around you, so take precautions!

Disinfect and Protect

Carry sanitizer with you and wipe down all surfaces when you get to your seat – arm rests, seat belt, tray table, remote, etc. Unfortunately, the airplane crew isn’t always able to do a thorough disinfection, so it’s better to play it safe than risk transferring strange germs from the arm rest to your skin. With so many air-borne germs in the cabin, spritz a disinfecting spray on your face or put on a sheet mask. Our CliniPrep™ is perfect for the job!

Sheet masks are also wonderful to use because they are packed with moisturizing ingredients and literally provide a shield from any unknown elements. If you are a bit embarrassed about a sheet mask – although you shouldn’t be because you will be the one landing with a fresh, dewy glow! – under-eye masks are subtler and also provide good protection and moisture.

Avoid Extra Puffiness

Snacking during your flight is somewhat inevitable, however it’s best to avoid sugary and overly-salty foods to prevent bloating and excessive water retention. The cabin’s pressure and airplane’s elevation are already putting us at a disadvantage when it comes to puffiness and looking swollen and it can also cause dullness in the skin. The cabin is pressurized between 6,000 and 8,000 feet, which is the equivalent of standing on top of a mountain, causing less blood flow to the skin, which may make for a dull appearance. Using a face roller will help diminish any puffiness and help with circulation.