Skin care, proper hydration and more

As a travel writer, I've traveled the world dozens of times, visiting far-flung destinations from Morocco to the Maldives. Although Emerson may have believed that it was not the destination, but the journey that mattered… he never flew. From dry cabin air to decreased blood flow, the elements of flying leave most passengers with “flight face” – dehydrated and bloated.

On a recent 30-hour trip to Kenya from San Diego, I dreaded back-to-back red-eye flights and long layovers. Then, determined to make the most of it, I decided to use the long-haul flight as an opportunity to take care of myself. I've rounded up some of the best beauty and wellness treatments in an effort to see which ones might counter the ill effects of flying, in the hopes of stepping off the last flight feeling refreshed. Here's exactly what I did.

Moisturize, hydrate, hydrate

Our skin feels most comfortable in 40 to 70 percent humidity, but during a flight, cabin humidity is typically 10 to 20 percent. This creates transepidermal water loss, which the skin may attempt to compensate for by retaining water. Combined with a lymphatic system that isn't functioning at its peak because we're largely sedentary, blood flow and circulation slows, leading to swelling, while decreased humidity creates dehydrated skin.

To ensure you're adequately hydrated for your trip, fill your water bottle after security and drink before boarding a flight where beverage service – and restroom access – is more limited. “The best defense is a good offense,” says a board-certified dermatologist. Azadeh Shirazi, MD. “Given the low humidity in airplane cabins, it’s best to stock up on skin hydration before your flight.” This means taking in extra fluids and applying hydrating skin products to boost hydration, so you're covering your bases inside and out. “Skin flooding is a K-beauty inspired technique where, after cleansing, you apply a hydrating toner or spray, followed by a water-based serum, and finish by applying a moisturizer with sunscreen to seal in the hydration,” adds Dr. Shirazi.

Although I love the intensely hydrating aspect of sheet masks, wearing one in public requires a certain amount of immodesty. So while I wore one on the plane, if you prefer to maintain the horror movie vibe of a full face mask for a pre-flight ritual, apply one either at home before your travel, or in a discreet airport lounge before boarding. THE Vitabrid C12 double mask is my choice; it contains hyaluronic acid and works in 10 to 20 minutes to plump the skin with hydration. It's completely saturated with serum, so applying it to a sink can help reduce damage.

Certified Cosmetic Dermatologist Michele Green, MD, also recommends adding sunscreen to your in-flight skincare routine. “The sun's UV rays can be even more powerful in flight, the closer you get to the ozone layer. So, sunscreen is essential to protect your skin from harmful UV rays that can increase your risk of developing skin cancer or signs of premature aging,” says Dr. Green.

Relieve (or prevent) bloating

Changes in cabin pressure, as well as salty in-flight snacks and prolonged sitting, can cause bloating and swelling. Keep your lymphatic system moving by getting up and stretching every hour. This can be a daunting prospect on a red-eye flight, but if you can maintain it during the hours you're awake, you can still prioritize sleep while maintaining circulation. While you're up, take the opportunity to drink a bottle of water and reapply moisturizer.

Bloating due to water retention can be combatted by hydrating yourself with vitamin-rich snacks, such as fruits and vegetables, and magnesium-filled almonds. If possible, try to avoid salty foods, alcohol and caffeine, which can further dehydrate you.

Chloe Ward, functional diagnostic nutrition practitioner and certified integrative nutrition coach, advises eating protein-rich snacks to stabilize blood sugar levels. She also suggests “incorporating anti-inflammatory foods like turmeric and ginger to reduce bloating and post-flight discomfort.”

Wearing compression socks can also minimize swelling. While they may not be as attractive as your favorite fuzzy slippers, they will prevent swollen ankles and increase circulation.

Maximize stopovers

Use a stopover to reap the benefits of body movement. Even if it's just a brisk walk around the terminal, mobilizing your body will help reduce water retention. If you have a longer layover, look for a more immersive source of activity in the area. During my seven and a half hour layover at New York's JFK Airport, I visited TWA Hotel for a long swim in the heated rooftop pool. Swimming is great for stretching the whole body, as is yoga (which can be done in any quiet corner of the airport).

Caring for hair

Just like low humidity on a plane dehydrates your skin, it can also dry out your hair. If possible, use a deep conditioner before your trip. I like Michael Christopher Calm Treatment for my dry hair so it feels soft and hydrated before it flies.

My Naturally Wavy Hair Usually Gets Messy During a Long Flight, So I Tried the Viral TikTok sock loop method do my hair on the plane. I love everything about lazy girl beauty, so I was thrilled that these curls worked well on my second red-eye flight. I chose to place the scarves on the side of my head, rather than the top and back, which meant less volume but more waves. This was my first time trying this trend and I accidentally rolled one side much looser than the other; lesson learned: rework the sock loops until they are even before going to sleep.

Prioritize sleep

It's not always easy to sleep on flights, but being prepared can help you fall asleep, giving your body time to repair itself. A silk eye mask to block out light is gentle on the skin, and a neck pillow can help maintain your alignment and minimize tension. Personally, I avoid sleeping pills (which can be dehydrating, among other side effects) on planes and use CBD instead. The laws around CBD are constantly changing (the TSA allows CBD with less than 0.3% THCbut during an international flight, the instructions are less clear), so I opt for a THC-free mixture like Joy Organics Tranquil Mint Tincture.

During my long-haul flight, I coated the BluZen Well-being shea butter and vanilla lip mask before I fell asleep and I applied Luzern Force de Vie Lux Cream in my face. When I woke up, I was pleasantly surprised to see how soft my skin was. Still, next time I fly, I plan to opt for the Creme Intensive formula for a richer formulation.

Freshen up and arrive in style

After waking up, keep eye wipes, like Biotrue Micellar Eyelid Cleansing Wipes, handy. They are easy to grip and will gently and thoroughly cleanse your eye area. I also tried a new eye drop, LUMIFY Redness Reliever, which made my always dry eyes feel more comfortable and eliminated the redness. To fight against dark circles, I rolled on the Back to Earth Skin Glow Eye Cream with coffee extract (caffeine may help reduce redness and swelling).

At the end of the flight, brush your teeth, apply deodorant and change into clean clothes. This will help you reset, feel less groggy, and be ready to take on the next stage of your journey. Sprinkle on a little dry shampoo to absorb oil and increase your volume (I like a non-aerosol powder like Billie Flof for traveling). Sometimes I also wear makeup before landing, but after 30 hours of pampering/flying time, I didn't feel like I needed it!