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Secrets to Avoid Flaky Makeup: A Dermatologist's Guide to Perfect Skin on Long Flights

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Keeping skin hydrated and radiant during a long-distance flight can seem like an impossible mission. Dry cabin air, combined with travel stress, usually turns our face into a flaky and dull canvas. Dr. Idris, a renowned dermatologist, shares her expert protocol for arriving at your destination with perfect skin, regardless of how many hours you spend in the air.

Pre-flight preparation: the foundation for hydrated skin

Before boarding, your skin needs proper preparation to face the harsh conditions of the airplane cabin.

Gentle but effective cleansing

Start with a glycerin-based moisturizing cleanser that:

  • Removes makeup and impurities without irritating
  • Keeps the skin barrier intact
  • Provides initial hydration

Dr. Idris recommends opting for travel-sized cleansers (less than 100ml) that can be transported in carry-on luggage.

Strategic exfoliation

For flights over 6-7 hours, light exfoliation prepares the skin to better absorb moisturizing products:

  • Exfoliating wipes with lactic and glycolic acid (moisturizing)
  • A small amount of salicylic acid to control sebum production
  • Practical format that doesn't require rinsing

Expert tip: Avoid aggressive exfoliants that could compromise the skin barrier before exposure to dry air.

The secret of DIY glycerin mist

Instead of the usual mineral water sprays that evaporate quickly, prepare your own hydrating mist:

  • 20% pure glycerin
  • 80% water
  • Optional: a few drops of rose water for aromatherapy and anti-inflammatory properties

"Water alone evaporates quickly and can leave skin drier than before. Glycerin acts as a humectant, attracting and retaining moisture," explains Dr. Idris.

The layered hydration technique during flight

Combat inflammation first

Cabin pressure and altitude changes cause swelling, especially around the eyes:

  • Use a serum with arnica and roll-on applicator
  • Gently massage from center outward
  • Also apply on the jawline for a temporary "lifting" effect

Layered hydration strategy

Just as you would bundle up in cold weather with several layers of clothing, your skin needs a similar approach:

  1. Base layer: Light hydrating essence or gel
  2. Middle layer: Hydrating serum with humectant ingredients
  3. Top layer: Denser moisturizer to seal in moisture
  4. Occlusive layer: For very dry skin or extremely arid climates

"The key is adapting the layers to your skin type. Oily skin will need fewer layers than dry skin," clarifies the dermatologist.

Don't forget delicate areas

The neck and eye contour are areas that show dehydration quickly:

  • Use specific products for these areas
  • For the eye contour, opt for light but hydrating textures
  • The neck needs richer formulas as we age

Maintenance during flight: maintain constant hydration

The revolutionary silicone tape trick

Although popularized to "replace" Botox (which is impossible), silicone tape has a real benefit during flights:

  • Minimizes transepidermal water loss
  • Can be applied on forehead, between eyebrows, eye contour, and neck
  • Keeps hydrating products sealed on the skin

Recommended areas: Forehead, expression lines, eye contour, and front of neck.

The CO2 oxygenation mask

About halfway through the flight, apply a special CO2 mask:

  • Mix the components in a small container
  • The reaction releases CO2 that increases skin oxygenation
  • Keep for 45 minutes and remove gently

"Unlike sheet masks, this doesn't trap dirt and really improves your skin's ability to retain moisture," emphasizes Dr. Idris.

Strategic reapplication

During the rest of the flight, maintain hydration with:

  • Glycerin mist every 2-3 hours
  • Anti-inflammatory roll-on in areas prone to swelling
  • Additional moisturizer in areas that feel tight

Upon landing: the final touch for radiant skin

To look fresh upon arrival, apply an illuminating serum on the cheeks that:

  • Evens skin tone
  • Provides immediate luminosity
  • Hydrates as a final step

This protocol is not only ideal for long flights, but also for those living in dry climates or experiencing seasonal skin dehydration. Adapt the layers according to your specific needs and enjoy hydrated skin in any circumstance.