How do you maintain plush and hydrated skin, mid-flight? This is the question beauty-conscious travellers are asking before jetting off on their European holidays.
Formulating an in-flight skincare regimen is the key to maintaining hydration and luminosity. Long haul flying causes chaos for the complexion — with low humidity, a lack of sleep, and UV rays causing dull, dry and sensitive skin.
For dermatologist and skincare expert Dr. Dennis Gross, holiday hydration should be proactive, not reactive. “Think of pre-flight hydration as a way to protect and strengthen your skin before it’s exposed to the dry, recycled air of a plane. With the right preparation, your skin stays balanced and resilient so you arrive looking refreshed, not depleted,” he says.
Here, Gross shares how to keep the complexion radiant and hydrated, while travelling.
What Should We Be Doing To Prepare Our Skin For A Flight?
Start with hyaluronic acid combined with peptides for advanced hydration — that truly makes a difference.
To properly prep your skin, begin the night before your flight. Layer a hydrating serum like DermInfusions underneath a rich, breathable moisturiser to strengthen the skin barrier.
If you have the time, apply a treatment mask for added benefits. I like the Hyaluronic Marine Hydrating Modeling Mask for an extra boost of moisture. Finish with the Hyaluronic Marine Oil-Free Moisture Cushion to seal everything in without feeling heavy.
What Products Do You Have In Your In-Flight Routine?
I always pack essentials that keep my skin balanced, hydrated, and clear while I travel.
First is the Hyaluronic Marine Meltaway Cleanser. It requires no water, so it’s perfect for cleansing on a plane or in a hotel room. It removes dirt, oil, and sunscreen without stripping the skin.
Next is the Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel, a gentle two-step exfoliator that smooths skin, clears pores, and keeps everything in balance. Step one exfoliates with a balanced mix of acids, while step two neutralizes and delivers soothing, anti-aging ingredients. This keeps the skin smooth, clear, and in balance, without any downtime.
For hydration, if I want something rich, I use the Blur Cream. For a lighter texture, I go with the Serum. Both combine hyaluronic acid with peptides to deeply hydrate and improve firmness.
I also never skip sunscreen, even when flying, because UV rays can penetrate aeroplane windows. And of course, I drink plenty of water throughout the flight to keep myself hydrated from within.
Subscribe
Want more T Australia? Subscribe to the magazine and receive a bonus issue
One Tip For Protecting Dry Skin and One For Oily Or Combination Skin While Flying?
For dry skin, the key is to layer hydration. Start with a serum to pull moisture into the skin, then seal it in with a richer cream to strengthen the barrier. Cabin air is extremely dehydrating, so prepping the skin before takeoff is essential.
For oily or combination skin, gentle exfoliation before your flight can make a big difference.
Use the Alpha Beta Extra Strength Daily Peel to remove dead skin cells, balance oil production, and keep pores clear. This helps prevent excess shine during the flight and allows your moisturiser to absorb better. Follow with a lightweight moisturiser, which hydrates without adding oil or clogging pores.
One Ingredient We’re Sleeping On? And How Should We Be Using It?
One ingredient the industry has long underestimated is hyaluronic acid. While it is widely used, most formulations rely on a single molecular weight, which only hydrates the surface of the skin.
What many people do not realize is that true, long-lasting hydration requires multiple molecular weights of hyaluronic acid to penetrate and treat the skin at various levels.
That is the science behind our DermInfusions line, which uses five molecular weights of hyaluronic acid to deliver deep, layered hydration throughout the skin. Each weight reaches a different layer to plump from within, smooth fine lines, and reinforce the moisture barrier. This creates what I call three-dimensional plumping, hydration that not only improves surface texture but also restores bounce and volume.
For Frequent Fliers, How Can We Maintain Healthy and Hydrated Skin?
The best approach is to be proactive. Start using products that strengthen the moisture barrier before dryness becomes an issue.
Ingredients like ceramides and multi-weight hyaluronic acid help lock in hydration and keep the skin resilient, especially during long flights.
For an extra boost, I recommend doing a hydrating mask or using an at-home facial steamer once or twice a week. Both help replenish moisture and keep skin looking refreshed between flights. Steaming also preps the skin to absorb your skincare products more effectively, making it a simple but impactful step in your routine.
Below, T Australia’s edit of hydration heroes for adding to your in-flight arsenal.
This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.
