We Share Our In-Flight Skincare Routines for Fresh and Hydrated Skin

Have you ever been on a long-haul flight and after 15 hours of air con blasting in your face, forgetting to hydrate with loads of water and being at a high, moisture-depleting altitude landed at your destination looking like a dried-up prune?

I’ve been there.

I can't count how many times I’ve landed somewhere, dropped my bags at the hotel, gone exploring, taken some pictures and gasped at how fatigued my skin looked.

But not anymore.

Flying no longer has to be synonymous with dry and parched skin if you commit to an in-flight skincare routine.

Sure, the cabin air will still do the most to zap your skin of all moisture, but with a little time commitment at the start of your flight (that new Chris Hemsworth movie can wait) and an hour before you land, you’ll arrive at your destination looking less corpse-like and more fresh-faced.

While en route to Canada a couple of weeks ago, I did a quick and easy 3-step routine on the plane to not only restore hydration, but to prep my skin for the chilly climate I was going to expose my face to as soon as I walked outside.

Adore Beauty’s Senior Content Manager and Beauty IQ Uncensored Podcast host Joanna Fleming on the other hand had more of an elaborate in-flight skincare routine which might be more up your alley if you have really dry skin.

If you’re getting ready for a long-haul flight, here’s what to pack in your carry-on to take your skin care to new heights - literally.

1. Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micelle Solution.

What: Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micelle Solution 250ml

Fast facts:

• A gentle, micellar solution that removes make-up and impurities on the skin while still respecting the skin’s natural balance.

• Uses its gentle micelles to capture dirt, sebum and makeup.

• Is suitable for even the most sensitive skins.

• Is hypo-allergenic and is also fragrance, alcohol and soap-free.

Makeup wipes should be considered cultural artifacts by now and although I’d forgive you for only using them when on a flight, why not substitute with a micellar water instead?

The OG of micellar waters, one bottle of the Bioderma micelle solution sells out every 6 seconds all over the world - a true testament to how good it is.

While I don't have sensitive skin, this is still suited to all skin types and I love that it doesn't leave my skin feeling dry.

I packed an apocalyptic amount of cotton rounds in my carry-on, but I only needed 5 to get my full face of makeup off.

I generally try to avoid wearing makeup before a long-haul flight, but if I do, this is what I’ll use to take it off.

Unfortunately we don’t stock the 100ml (and both got ours elsewhere) but what I’ve done before is transferred some from my bigger bottle into a travel-friendly, re-usable pump bottle.

2. Medik8 H.E.O. Mask.

What: Medik8 H.E.O. Mask

Fast facts:

• The new Medik8 H.E.O mask is clinically proven to deliver and lock in hydration for up to 72 hours.

• Promises to improve the appearance of dryness, dullness as well as fine lines and wrinkles.

• Promises glowier and plumper skin when you wake up.

• Works to replenish moisture levels in dry and extremely dehydrated skins.

• Nourishes the skin barrier and visibly plumps the skin.

• Is 100% vegan and is alcohol and cruelty-free.

• Step 1 works to deeply hydrate and Step 2 locks in moisture.

I actually threw this hydrating mask in my carry-on at the very last minute.

I originally had a serum and small moisturiser but thought I would swap them out for the H.E.O mask instead for a couple of reasons…

Firstly, this nourishing mask kind of takes the place of both those things. 

Second, this mask duo is a leave-on, so I know my dry plane skin will be drinking up those hydrating ingredients like blue sea kale, ceramides and hyaluronic acid while I try and catch some sleep.

I love how well-rested this mask makes me look (you can read my Medik8 H.E.O. mask review here).

I also love that I don’t have to hold on to a sheet mask to dispose of or run to the bathroom to rinse anything off (although I do love a sheet mask on the plane!).

Don't worry, there’s no stickiness or tacky feeling, it just feels like a juicy moisturiser.

And don’t let the small tubes fool you. These 2 x 50ml tubes pack a big hydrating punch.

Listen to what Jo and I got up to on our trip to Canada in the Beauty IQ Uncensored podcast episode below:

3. Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask.

What: Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask

Fast facts:

• This cult lip mask (loved by celebs like Kate and Lila Moss) is designed to keep your dry pout moisturised and hydrated while you sleep.

• Lovers of this lip sleeping mask will wake to softer and more supple lips.

• Reduces flakiness, dryness and helps smooth lips. 

• Hero ingredients include vitamin C (protects from external aggressors), Berry Mix Complex™ (soothes and softens), coconut oil, shea butter and Murumuru seed butter for lasting hydration and moisture.

• Has a glossy, balmy texture.

• Comes in four delicious flavours: Berry, Gummy Bear, Sweet Candy and Vanilla.

A plane skincare routine isn’t complete without a nourishing lip salve or balm.

My Sahara-dry lips are in need of constant moisture at the best of times, so you can imagine how much more dry and parched they get on a long-haul flight under the constant air-con and not drinking enough water. 

This is the perfect lip companion for a long-haul flight because it's meant to be like a mask for your lips so it will go the distance rather than you having to re-apply every hour or so!

Now, if you have really dry skin and need a few more hydrating products, check out Joanna Fleming’s in-flight skincare routine reel below.

After disembarking an almost 24-hour flight back home, I was almost blinded by Joanna’s skin, it was that glassy.

Here are the products she uses in order:

1. Bioderma Hydrabio H2O Solution Micellaire Cleanser

2. Aspect Intense Hydration Sheet Mask (5 pack)

3. Laneige Cream Skin Mist

4. Bioderma Sensibio Defensive Rich 40ml

5. Habitual Beauty Rejuvenating Facial Oil 30ml

6. PCA SKIN Hyaluronic Acid Lip Booster 6g

And there you have it! Our in-flight skincare routines to keep skin moisturised and hyrdrated on a long-haul flight!

Booked a holiday and want some more travel beauty tips? Check out one of these articles below:

• The Travel-Sized Beauty Essentials I Took With Me on an Overseas Trip

• Exactly What a Seasoned Traveler Packs (& Doesn’t Pack) In Their Holiday Toiletries Bag

• I Went to Europe for 6 Weeks & Here Are the (Many) Beauty Things I Regret Taking With Me