Skincare at 30,000 Ft? A Derm Explains the In-Flight Tips That Work

E! Illustration/Summer FridaysHeading up, up & away? You've probably seen more than a few videos of people doing some version of a skincare routine on an airplane. But is it really necessary? Whether they're busting out a full collection of mini products or just using a sheet mask, we consulted with a board-certified dermatologist for the science behind what happens to our skin in-flight, and how we can look hydrated and dewy, no matter how rested we really feel. Pre-flight hydrating cleanser: Hero Cosmetics Gentle CleanserExpert-loved moisturizer: EltaMD Barrier Renewal Complex Face MoisturizerBrightening eye patches: grace & stella Brightening Eye Patches for Dark Circles Dr. Helia Eragi, board-certified dermatologist at Paydar Plastic Surgery & Dermatology in Orange County, California, explained why so many people (even those without normally dry skin) complain of feeling dry & tight on flights: "Airplane cabins typically have very low humidity, often around 10-20%, which can increase moisture loss from the skin and leave it feeling tight, dry, or uncomfortable." And while hydrating skincare can be helpful, there's one surprising skincare product that might be missing from your in-flight routine: sunscreen. Dr. Eragi shared, "Yes, you can be exposed to UV radiation at 35,000 feet—even when you're sitting inside an airplane especially if you have the window seat” For all of the do's & don'ts of in-flight skincare, what ingredients you should (and shouldn't) be using, scroll on before you jet off!Is it safe to do skincare on an airplane? You don't have the same control over your space as you would at home, so keeping yourself and your environment clean is important if you do plan to do any in-flight skincare! "Applying skincare with unwashed hands can transfer microbes and debris onto your face, especially if you're repeatedly touching your skin," Dr. Eragi said. "Airplanes are shared spaces with plenty of high-touch surfaces, including tray tables, seatbelt buckles, and armrests." She added, "Keep your routine minimal. Sanitize your hands before applying products, avoid dipping your fingers into open jars, and opt for clean, travel-sized pump bottles."Touchland Glow Revitalizing Hydrating Hand Sanitizer SprayKeep your hands clean and nourished with this Touchland sanitizer that's like skincare for your hands.Glasshouse Fragrances Marseille Memoir Hand CreamOn the note of not neglecting your hands, don't forget to use a nourishing hand cream once you're done with your skincare routine!Best Products to Pack for In-Flight Skincare Dr. Eragi recommended: Humectants: Hyaluronic acid and glycerin help attract and retain water in the outer skin layers.Barrier-supporting ingredients: Ceramides help replenish the skin's protective lipid barrier.Emollients and occlusives: Squalane, dimethicone, and petrolatum help soften skin and reduce moisture loss. "For an easy in-flight routine, pack a fragrance-free moisturizer, lip balm, and sunscreen for daytime travel," she added.La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Balm B5Dr. Eragi recommended this barrier repair cream by La Roche-Posay for dry or sensitive skin types.Printfresh Autumn Sunflowers Quilted PouchNot only does Printfresh make exceptionally cute pajamas (perfect for a long red eye), they have adorable quilted pouches that can hold all of your essentials!EltaMD Barrier Renewal Complex Face MoisturizerAnother recommendation from Dr. Eragi, this EltaMD moisturizer promotes a healthy skin barrier and replenishes moisture. It's made with squalane, hyaluronic acid, ceramides, vitamin E and niacinamide.Personal Day Emotional Support Lip BalmYou can't board a flight without your emotional support lip balm! This one from Lili Reinhart's brand Personal Day has a buttery smooth texture and comes in three colors/shades.Do's & Don'ts of In-Flight Skincare Do: Focus on hydration, barrier protection, and sunscreen when appropriate.Use a gentle moisturizer containing ingredients like ceramides, glycerin, and hyaluronic acid to help keep skin hydrated. Don't: Experiment with new products, use exfoliating acids, apply harsh scrubs, or over-cleanse your face mid-flight. The dry cabin environment can make already sensitive or compromised skin feel even more irritated.Tower 28 Beauty Mini SOS Daily Hypochlorous Acid Spray Soothe and calm skin with this hypochlorous acid spray that can neutralize breakout-causing bacteria.YISE Beauty Xtreme Glass Vegan PDRN Instant Reset Hydrating Sheet MaskThis hydrogel mask is made with hyaluronic acid, glycerin and niacinamide to melt into skin, leaving you with a post-facial glow in the air.grace & stella Brightening Eye Patches for Dark CirclesNeed to step off the flight looking refreshed and recharged, even if you didn't catch any shut-eye? grace & stella's latest addition to their viral eye patch collection is this brightening variety, made to improve the appearance of tired looking eyes.How to Prep Your Skin Before a Flight Dr. Eragi shared, "the best airplane skincare routine actually starts before you board,” but there is one swap to consider making, she advised: "avoiding aggressive exfoliation, chemical peels, or introducing strong new actives immediately before traveling, particularly if you have sensitive or rosacea-prone skin." "Before a long flight, I recommend gently cleansing your face, applying a hydrating serum and sealing it in with a moisturizer that supports your skin barrier," she added.Hero Cosmetics Gentle CleanserStart your pre-flight routine with a clean slate thanks to this cleanser by Hero Cosmetics that washes away oil, dirt and daily buildup.Cocokind Ceramide Barrier SerumThis is one of my most repurchased product, this serum is made with squalane and beta glucan to hydrate with ceramides and fatty acids to lock in moisture.Summer Fridays Mini Jet Lag Mask + MoisturizerMade with glycerin, hyaluronic acid and niacinamide, this multitasking formula by Summer Fridays can be used as a mask or moisturizer.Is sunscreen needed on daytime flights? Catching a daytime flight? You shouldn't skip your sunscreen step! "Airplane windows block most UVB radiation, but some UVA can penetrate certain aircraft windows. UVA contributes to photoaging, pigmentation, and skin damage," Dr. Eragi shared. She added, "I recommend applying broad-spectrum SPF 40 or higher before a daytime flight, especially if you're sitting by the window and reapply every 2-3 hours for longer flights."EltaMD UV Clear Face SunscreenDr. Eragi is a fan of EltaMD, which "offers broad-spectrum formulations suitable for different skin types." If you have acne-prone skin, she suggests going with the UV Clear SPF 46.EltaMD UV Daily SPF 40If your skin is on the drier side, Dr. Eragi likes "EltaMD UV Daily for skin that requires more hydration."How to Take Care of Your Skin After a Flight “Post-flight skin doesn't need a detox. It needs a barrier reset,” Dr. Eragi said. To hydrate, she recommends: Hyaluronic acidGlycerin To support barrier function: Ceramides And to soothe dry, irritated skin: PanthenolColloidal oatmeal The first step should be "a gentle, hydrating cleanser," before you "focus on replenishing moisture."Medik8 Total Moisture Daily Hydrating Cleansing GelThis silky gel cleanser removes daily impurities without stripping the skin, nurturing your skin's microbiome."I also recommend applying moisturizer while the skin is still slightly damp to help retain hydration," Dr. Eragi added.Dieux Instant Angel Lipid-Rich Firming MoisturizerPacked with peptides, ceramides, glycerin and hyaluronic acid, this rich moisturizer visibly firms and reduces the look of wrinkles over time.How We ChooseThe E! Insider Shop editors and writers search the internet to find the best products out there. 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