Taking care of your skin should rank fairly high on your travel to-do list (well, at least on ours). Dermatologist Dr Matilda Mphahlele dives deeper into what to do when in the air…
1. Spritz With Fact Mist
Why: Using a moisturiser and skin products that contain hyaluronic acid help retain the moisture in the skin. Using mists is an additional measure that reduces the trans-epidermal water loss (water evaporating off your skin). There are no guidelines that prove one method works better than the other.
2. Stay Moisturised
Why: The use of moisturisers during long flights helps reduce the bad effects from the environment (air filters; air conditioners). But for short flights, studies show minimal benefit.
3. Slather On SPF
Why: The ozone layer usually filters some of the UV rays before they reach the ground. During a flight, we lose some of that protection – making sunscreen very important. Your ‘block must include a high-spectrum UVA/UVB and visible light coverage.
4. Sanitise Your Digits
Why: Certain germs can live on surfaces for hours or days, even! Based on how close passengers are to each other, sanitising reduces the spread of other infections. Avoid touching your face, too.
READ MORE: How To Be That Girl *WITHOUT* A Skin Crisis While Travelling
Travel Tips
Pack A Few Resealable Plastic Bags
You never know when you’ll need one. You can use resealable plastic bags to organise your beauty products, waterproof or safeguard them against spilling. Or, instead of packing a whole pack of make-up wipes, you can throw enough for your trip in a plastic bag to keep them fresh. Transparent bags also make it easier to go through airport security checkpoints.
Keep Sippin’ On Plenty Of Water
Staying hydrated while travelling is crucial for maintaining healthy-looking skin. Drink plenty of water and avoid caffeinated beverages, as they can dehydrate you further.
Bottled Water FTW
A 2019 study found that tap water on both major and regional U.S. planes had varying levels of bacteria, including E. coli. So, when brushing your teeth or rinsing your face in-flight, it’s best to stick to bottled water.
Reader Advice:
“I’m the queen of maskne, so I pack a tiny bottle filled with Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Liquid and sprinkle it on the inside of my mask before and during a long flight. It’s amazing at preventing breakouts.” – Lebo, 30
“I use Pixi On-The-Glow Multi Use Moisture Stick. Packed with aloe vera, it’s like a soothing balm that hydrates, calms and brings your complexion back to life with just a swipe.” – Stephanie, 27
“Without fail, my shampoo and conditioner explode in my bag. So I unscrew the lids, cover the tops with plastic wrap, and then screw the lids back on. One hundred percent leak-proof.” – Lindsay, 38
READ MORE: The Best Sunscreens Tested And Approved By Editors
Shop WH’s Favourite Travel Skincare Products
These are the skincare staples always in our carry-on. And yes, most come in travel-size minis. Obsessed!
BIODERMA Sensibio H2O Micellar Water
Washing my face in an aeroplane bathroom is a no-go for me. It’s small, messy and the tap water is questionable. This 100ml bottle of micellar water is travel-friendly and great for cleansing your skin on the plane or after a long day of activities while you’re away. Just apply to a cotton pad and swipe on your face and neck before doing the rest of your skincare routine.
— Kelleigh Korevaar, Managing Editor
Avene Thermal Spring Water
Loud people and sunburns—travel is rough on skin. This mist is hydration and refreshment in a spritz. A quick spray soothes irritation, revives tired skin, and feels downright refreshing.
— Gotlhokwang Angoma-Mzini, Editor
Skin Functional Hydration Juice
This hydration boost replenishes skin’s moisture content, creating plump and smoother skin. It also includes anti-ageing ingredients like peptides to encourage collagen creation. Niacinamide is an all-around hero for blemish-free skin.
— Michelle October, Features Editor
Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream
My secret weapon against dry skin, I use this fragrance-free, OG multipurpose balm to moisturise my lips and nostrils during long haul flights. I struggle with nose bleeds, especially when exposed to dry air, so it helps ease the discomfort in my nose. It can also be used to treat flaky skin, sunburn and scrapes.
— Kemong Mopedi, Deputy Editor
The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA
I’m probably repeating myself here, but I can’t help it – I swear by the Pixi On-The-Glow Multi Use Moisture Stick. That being said, this moisturiser from The Ordinary is another staple I can’t live without.
It’s a non-greasy formula loaded with skin-friendly ingredients like amino acids, fatty acids, ceramides and hyaluronic acid. These work together to keep your skin’s outer layer protected and hydrated without any oily residue. Perfect for on-the-go hydration!
— Chamain Van Zyl, Digital Editor
Skin Republic Hyaluronic Acid + Collagen Sheet Mask
As much as a long-haul flight would be the perfect time for a 10-step skincare routine (finally, you have the time), I try to touch my face as little as possible. Sorry, the germs freak me out! A sheet mask with hyaluronic acid is the ultimate plane-friendly product; you avoid touching your skin too much and the hyaluronic acid helps to moisturise and combat the dry skin that you get when flying. I love this one because it packs a punch for its price (a 67% increase in skin hydration).
— Kelleigh Korevaar, Managing Editor
FILORGA Time-Filler 5XP
It’s creamy yet light, easily absorbable and leaves skin feeling silky and hydrated for hours on end. Inflight, you’ll rest assured knowing that the cream’s hard at work smoothing out your wrinkles and plumping up your skin. You’ll have no reason to reapply!
— Kemong Mopedi, Deputy Editor
Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask
I’ve got two of these products – one for on-the-go and one safely stashed in my room. This buttery, hydrating mask locks in moisture overnight—no reapplying mid-anything needed. Packed with berry antioxidants, shea butter and vitamin C, it revives even the driest lips, ensuring you arrive looking refreshed—even if you barely slept. Bon voyage, chapped lips!
— Gotlhokwang Angoma-Mzini, Editor
Coola Suncare Classic Face Organic Sunscreen Mist
Sunscreen, sunscreen, sunscreen! It’s non-negotiable when flying. A 2015 study found that pilots and cabin crew have roughly twice the incidence of melanoma as compared to the general population. I would apply my trusty face sunscreen beforehand and top up on the plane with a mist like this SPF50 Coola Suncare Classic Face Organic Sunscreen Mist.
— Kelleigh Korevaar, Managing Editor
Swiitch #SilkStick Duo
Roll-on sunscreen, one for summer and one for winter, to address your skin’s changing needs. The winter #SilkStick adds hydration to its SPF50 formula, while the mattifying summer stick protects while blurring pores and minimising texture.
— Michelle October, Features Editor
Cerave Hydrating Cleanser
Nothing’s better than a gentle, no-fuss cleanser after a long travel day. It removes that “sticky travel feeling” without stripping, thanks to ceramides and hyaluronic acid. No tightness — just clean, hydrated skin wherever your travel bag takes you. Because dehydration should stay in your cocktail, not your face.
— Gotlhokwang Angoma-Mzini, Editor
Lemon Verbena Hand Gel
Since Covid, I’ve been more conscious of how easily germs spread and how few people actually wash their hands. I always keep a little sanitiser bottle on me, and this one’s perfect with its handy hook that clips onto my handbag.
The World Health Organisation and the National Institute for Communicable Diseases recommend regular handwashing with soap and water as the best defence against germs, but this is a great backup when that’s not an option.
— Chamain Van Zyl, Digital Editor
SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore
If there’s one thing that flights, car and hotel air con and unpredictable climates have in common, it’s their ability to leave your skin feeling like parchment paper in a desert storm. Enter this luxurious moisturiser that doesn’t just hydrate—it rebuilds. With an optimal ratio of 2% ceramides, 4% cholesterol and 2% fatty acids, it replenishes what travel stress strips away.
— Gotlhokwang Angoma-Mzini, Editor
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Invisible Fluid SPF50+
I never ever, ever skip sunscreen. My go-to is this ultra-thin, non-greasy sunscreen that melts into skin like a VIP lounge pass, offering high protection without white cast or stickiness. Whether you’re beachside or camping, it defends against UV rays without clogging pores—or your travel plans.
— Gotlhokwang Angoma-Mzini, Editor
