How to Avoid the Dreaded ‘Flight Face’ While Traveling

There’s a dizzying amount of planning and preening before jetting off on your next getaway—but have you given thought to “flight face”? You know the dreaded look: dry, dull, and puffy—the post-flight aftermath of a long trip or a red eye route. Flight face can be especially frustrating if you’re headed to a destination wedding or for a special occasion where you want to radiate your best dewy and hydrated self right off the plane.

NYC-based esthetician Danielle Gamble of Danielle Gamble Skin told Travel + Leisure that flight face occurs due to the low humidity and recycled air in the cabin which is harsh on our skin. “The longer the flight, the more your complexion is zapped of hydration which leads to breakouts, dullness, and uncomfortable tightness,” she noted. Gamble recommends scheduling a facial as close to your departure as possible, ideally the day before. “It’s a surefire way to ensure you land with the glowy and clear skin of your dreams.”

When perusing the facial services menu the day before your flight she advised to “communicate with your esthetician about your hydration needs and get specific about focusing on penetrating moisture after extractions.”

Given the desert aridness of air travel, it’s vital to seek out an esthetician who uses advanced modalities like Sonophoresis and Iontophoresis. (The former utilizes electrical currents to drive molecules into the skin, while the latter uses ultrasound waves to make channels for deeper absorption of all of the hydration-packed serums, masks, and skincare goodness.) “These methods are proven to deliver hydration and active ingredients deep into the skin,” Gamble said.

To combat post-flight puffiness and to ensure you look as snatched as possible, Gamble said to add a lymphatic massage to your facial. “Lymphatic facial massage is essential for looking your best,” she said. “It boosts circulation, stimulates blood flow, and helps move excess fluid from the face to reduce puffiness. This is why so many celebrities swear by lymphatic facial massage before hitting the red carpet.”

Once you’re on board, lock in your glow with a nourishing leave-on mask. “When you’re settled in your seat and with clean hands (don’t forget the hand sanitizer), apply a generous layer of a moisturizing mask. Your skin will absorb what it needs. For longer flights, keep reapplying. My top picks are the Sisley-Paris Black Rose Cream Mask and the MBR Hyaluron Mask.”

To maintain your post-vacation glow, Gamble said booking a facial when you arrive home is necessary, especially if you visited an extreme climate like the beach or went on a ski getaway. The truth of the matter is, every day is a good day to get a facial—and your pores will thank you, too.