How to Stay Glowing After a Long Flight

Flying can take a serious toll on your skin. Between the dry cabin air and less-than-ideal environment, many of us step off the plane feeling tired, dehydrated, and not our best. But what if you could land glowing and refreshed instead of looking like a jet-lagged mess? Inspired by some of the hottest TikTok and YouTube tips, I've put together my go-to flight skincare routine that actually works.

If you want to skip the “travel fatigue” look and hit the ground running, these tips are for you.

1. Pre-flight Prep: Start Strong

The secret to radiant skin starts long before takeoff. Here's how to prep:

Wear Compression Socks Early: Don't wait until you're on the plane—slip them on before heading to the airport. They'll help reduce swelling and keep blood circulation steady throughout the flight.
Use Vitamin C Products: Vitamin C is your best friend for brightening and protecting your skin. Apply a vitamin C serum and c vitamin face cream before sunscreen to shield your skin from oxidative stress. (Hint: This is also a great way to sneak in some anti-aging benefits.)
Don't Skip Sunscreen: Even if you're not sitting by the window, UV rays can penetrate airplane windows. Opt for a lightweight, non-greasy sunscreen and keep your makeup minimal. A little tinted moisturizer goes a long way.

2. Hydration Is Key

Airplane cabins are notoriously dry because the air is pulled in from high altitudes, where humidity is practically nonexistent. Counteract this by staying hydrated:

Drink Up: Aim for 8 ounces of water every hour. Avoid caffeine and alcohol, which dehydrate you even more. It's also good to ask for a cup of hot tea and keep your nasal passages moist by sniffing the water vapor through your nose.
Hydrate Your Skin: Use a facial mist during the flight for an instant pick-me-up.

3. In-flight Skincare

Once you're in the air, focus on keeping your skin clean and hydrated. Here's what works:

Cleanse and Reapply: Use a gentle cleansing pad to remove sunscreen or makeup residue, then reapply your vitamin C serum for a boost.
Layer a Collagen Mask: My favorite travel hack is using Rxmoore collagen korean face mask designed for long wear. Unlike traditional sheet masks that dry out after 20 minutes, this mask stays hydrating for hours. It's perfect for replenishing moisture, restoring elasticity, and creating a barrier against the dry air. Bonus: You won't need to constantly touch your face, reducing exposure to cabin germs.

4. LED Light Therapy

For the ultimate skin rejuvenation mid-flight, bring an red light therapy mask. Red light and near-infrared light work wonders for boosting skin vitality, reducing inflammation, and promoting relaxation—just what you need on a long journey.

Choose a Travel-friendly Mask: Not all LED masks are created equal. Bulky, hard-shell designs are tough to pack, and handheld devices only target small areas, making them inefficient. I recommend a lightweight, flexible light therapy face mask. It's compact, easy to use, and delivers even coverage across your entire face. Imagine something lighter and thinner than your iPad—slip it into your carry-on, and you're good to go.

Glow On

With a little planning and the right products, you can step off the plane looking like you just walked out of a spa. No more dry, dull skin—just a refreshed, radiant you ready to take on your next adventure.

Next time you fly, try these tips and let me know how they work for you!