There are so many great, enriching things that come with travel: meeting new people, exploring new sites, experiencing new cultures, tasting new foods, getting that sun-kissed skin, taking cute selfies and Insta-content, and more. While all of that is fabulous, there’s one thing that stands between you and the destination and that’s an airplane (unless you take a boat or car). While we are so fortunate to live in a time when we can hop on a plane and travel anywhere in the world, there is one downfall to the jet-set life, and that’s the effects it has on your complexion. You know, dehydration, puffiness, irritation, breakouts - just in time for landing.

So I’m sure you can imagine what I am going to say next. 

It takes a small arsenal of practical, targeted, and portable (TSA friendly) skincare products to combat the list of harmful side-effects from flying -- so your good skin doesn’t run off course. Also, don’t wear makeup and drink lots of water.

First things first. Airplane air is the enemy. Instead of taking your skin to new, glowy heights, it takes your complexion down one turbulent path. Why? Because plane air is dry -- very dry. It lacks serious moisture which could (often) leave you feeling greasier by the end of the flight -- not drier. So if you’ve been there, and experienced that, I want you to know that it's because dry air zaps everything and anything of its water content, including your skin! To compensate, your skin may produce more oil in the span of a few hours. This oil carries bacteria with it -- the kind of bacteria that can make you break out.

So how does one take care of his/her skin at 35,000 feet? Grab those little white cocktail napkins that they hand out and BLOT! Or, if you want to be fancier, bring your own. I personally like the Boscia Black Charcoal Blotting Linens. The blotters are made from 100 percent natural Abaca Tree fiber to absorb excess oil and reduce shine (you can even use them over makeup) and black bamboo charcoal to actively purify pores, keeping your skin clear, refreshed, and refined.

It doesn’t stop there though. Do you know what makes the oil a whole lot worse? [eye roll: yes, it gets worse]. When the oil gets trapped beneath the dead skin. This is the real root of those unwanted vacation breakouts. To avoid this, take preventative measures by exfoliating pre-flight. Whether you do it right before you leave the house or if you bring portable exfoliating pads, make the time to gently exfoliate those dead skin cells away. Some of my favorites exfoliants: BeautyRx Advanced Exfoliating Pads and BeautyRx Essential 8% Exfoliating Serum.

After you exfoliate, follow up with a serum to deliver the ingredients deeply into the skin. I recommend one that contains hyaluronic acid. As an added step, you can use a Jade Roller - Shiffa Beauty Jade Roller and Herbivore Botanicals Jade Facial Roller - after applying your serum. A jade roller helps increase circulation, drain congested lymph nodes, and stimulate collagen production.

Once that's complete, your skin is properly prepped and ready to mask. This step is preferable with a mask that you don’t have to, or want to, wash off; such as the Tata Harper Resurfacing Mask, Boscia Tsubaki Deep Hydration Sleeping Mask,Origins Drink Up Intensive Overnight Mask, and Skyn Iceland Travel Size Hydro Cool Firming Eye Gels. No mess necessary!

There you have it! Your first-class ticket [routine] to stepping out of the plane with a glowy, fresh and clean complexion!

PSA: Don’t be embarrassed in doing an expert beauty routine in-flight. Look at it as putting the glamour back into travel and a mini spa sesh just for you. 

Happy, hydrated and safe travels!