What a Dermatologist Packs for In-Flight Skincare
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The exact on-board skincare routine I follow every time I fly- no makeup, no dryness, no regrets.
Flying is one of life’s greatest paradoxes: it's exciting and soul-expanding, but also incredibly dehydrating and skin-aggravating. As a board-certified dermatologist (and frequent traveler), I’ve crafted the perfect in-flight skincare ritual that keeps my skin calm, dewy, and breakout-free even at 35,000 feet. Here's everything that makes it into my carry-on.
My In-Flight Skincare Bag: What I Actually Use Mid-Flight
I’m not about fluff, especially when I have limited overhead space and even less patience. My goal for in-flight skincare is comfort, hydration, and barrier support; no heavy layers, no full glam, and absolutely no guilt about skipping makeup.
First Rule: No Makeup on Flights
I have a strict “no makeup” policy when flying. Planes are basically flying Petri dishes of recycled air, and makeup just adds an occlusive layer that traps all that lovely plane crud into your pores. Instead, I go for breathable hydration with subtle skin-tone-evening benefits.
Tower 28 SOS Daily Rescue Spray
This is my holy grail mist. I keep a travel-size version in my bag and give my face a spritz as soon as I wake up from a plane nap and again right before landing. It contains hypochlorous acid, essentially a gentle antimicrobial that calms inflammation and keeps breakouts at bay.
Pro tip: It’s also incredible for refreshing your underarms or hands mid-flight when you don’t want to elbow wrestle your way to the lavatory sink.
Bubble Water Cream Moisturizer
I don’t want to wear a thick occlusive cream on a plane, but I do want something that cushions my skin from the dry, recirculated air. This cream is light, fast-absorbing, and surprisingly effective at keeping moisture locked in. Plus, it layers well.
EltaMD Skin Recovery Redness-Reducing Tinted SPF
Over my moisturizer, I apply EltaMD’s Redness Tinted SPF, which offers the perfect touch of coverage and calming. It evens skin tone, protects the barrier, and feels feather-light. Honestly, it’s like a real-life Instagram filter that fights free radicals.
111Skin Sub-Zero De-Puffing Eye Masks
If I’m sleeping on the plane, I’ll slap these on under my eye mask. They’re cooling, de-puffing, and have just enough drama to make you feel like that girl. These are my secret weapon for arriving with bright, awake eyes…even if I’m dying inside from jet lag.
Optional: Dr. Jart+ Sheet Mask (Only If I’m Feeling Extra)
If it’s a long-haul flight and I’m in full skincare mode, I might use a hydrating sheet mask like Dr. Jart+’s Ceramidin or Soothing Hydra Solution. But honestly? Peeling off a sheet mask in-flight gives me the ick. I usually stick with the under-eyes and mist instead.
Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask
My lips are drama queens on airplanes- cracking, flaking, rebelling. This lip mask is thick, juicy, and stays on forever. I reapply generously during the flight and again right before descent.
CeraVe Healing Ointment (My Savior)
Dry elbows? Cuticles? Nose raw from recycled air? CeraVe Healing Ointment is my fix for all of it. I bring a small tube and dab it on anywhere that starts to feel chapped or raw mid-flight. It’s petroleum-based but lightweight, and it plays nicely with even the most sensitive skin. I honestly don’t get on a flight without it.
Don’t Forget the Non-Negotiables
Eye mask – Crucial for blocking out that overhead reading light from the guy in 16A.
Neck pillow – I don’t care how silly I look; I’m not arriving with a crooked cervical spine.
Hydration – I drink a lot of water but not so much that I’m constantly climbing over people to pee. Window seat behavior only, always.
TL;DR: My Dermatologist-Approved In-Flight Skincare Essentials
| Product | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Tower 28 SOS Spray | Antimicrobial hydration refresh |
| Bubble Water Cream | Lightweight, breathable hydration |
| EltaMD Skin Recovery SPF | Subtle coverage + barrier support |
| 111Skin Eye Masks | De-puff + hydrate while sleeping |
| Dr. Jart+ Sheet Mask (optional) | Extra boost for long-hauls |
| Laneige Lip Mask | Long-lasting lip hydration |
| CeraVe Healing Ointment | Emergency dry spot rescue |
| Eye Mask & Neck Pillow | Sleep saviors |
Final Thoughts
Flying doesn’t have to mean sacrificing your skin. Whether it’s a red-eye to Europe or a quick hop down the coast, your skin deserves the same care in the air as it gets on the ground.
And remember: don’t wear makeup, hydrate inside and out, and spray liberally. Your post-flight glow will thank you.
What’s in your in-flight skincare bag? Drop a comment below or DM me on @dralidempsey. I love seeing what other skincare junkies can’t fly without.