Airplane travel is notorious for drying out skin, but a moisturizing face mask will counter the effects of pressurized cabin air. You may not have enough time to squeeze a facial treatment into your typically busy day, but time spent on an airplane is prime time for some luxurious face pampering. The ideal face mask for a flight isn’t messy or complicated and disappears without bothersome cleanup.
Now, let’s talk about hydration for the inner you. Staying hydrated before, during and after a flight is vital if you want to avoid jet lag and fatigue. Start by skipping gas-producing fizzy drinks before the flight. They can cause gastrointestinal discomfort such as gas pain and bloating.
During the flight, leave the miniature bottles of alcohol or caffeinated drinks on the drink cart and reach instead for stomach soothers such as decaffeinated coffee, herbal tea, mint tea and chamomile tea. Caffeine can be dehydrating and messes with your normal sleep cycle so that you arrive at your destination feeling sluggish. An alcoholic drink may help you sleep at the beginning of the flight, but it’s guaranteed to wake you up after a few hours.
Consider adding a slice of lime to plain water for a refreshing twist. The antibacterial properties of lime or lemon can alleviate the sore throats that plague many air travelers.
Here’s hydration for the outer you. These are some favorite single-dose skin-saving face masks that cost less than $20. They calm irritated skin and reinvigorate even the most tired skin.
Karuna Anti-Oxidant+ Face Mask, $8, Sephora
This light and refreshing, single-use, deep conditioning sheet mask needs only 15 minutes to help replenish and protect skin with immediate hydration. Green-tea extract soothes skin and hyaluronic acid moisturizes.
Laneige Water Pocket Sheet Mask Water Bank (Moisturizing), $6, Sephora
A comfortable, non-slip mask that won’t slide off. It dispenses high doses of hydrating, quick-penetrating Hydro Ionized Mineral Water. Super for a long flight as it hydrates thirsty skin above the clouds.
Olay Regenerist Luminous Overnight Mask Gel Moisturizer, $24, Target
Unlike a typical peel-off mask, this gel-based moisturizing face mask absorbs right into the skin to reveal bright, pearlescent-looking skin. This mask won’t leave any greasy stains on the airline’s pillow during your overnight flight. There’s no need to rinse this one off your face when you arrive. Just prepare to wake up with a hydrated, glowing complexion.
Touch in Sol My Daily Story Mask Pack in Moisturizing Ceramide, $3, touch in Sol
This moisturizing mask leaves zero stickiness and no trace of serum after use. The soothing formula includes ceramides, which help protect the skin from moisture loss and daily environmental stress. This sheet mask balances your skin’s oil and leaves skin soft, smooth, and supple.
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Overnight Gel Mask, $3, Target
This overnight face mask helps diminish signs of dryness by wrapping skin in a deep moisture gel cream while you sleep, and it leaves no sticky residue.