Even if you’ve only taken one flight in your life, chances are you’ve suffered the effects of “Airplane Air,” the dry, germ-laden mix of recirculated air in the airplane cabin. Itchy eyes, clogged sinuses, and dry skin are symptoms of this monster, and no wonder: There’s less than 25% humidity on an airplane, compared to 35% in most homes. But you can keep the situation under control with a few simple steps the next time you board. After all, aren’t security lines, high ticket prices, and noxious seat neighbors enough?
1. Bring your own bottle of water and drink frequently during the flight. Although the amount depends on the flight time, most experts recommend that you drink at least 2 full cups more than you normally drink. Your skin is going to lose a lot of moisture in the arid atmosphere and it’s important to keep it hydrated from the inside out.
2. Stay away from caffeinated drinks. Although that crying baby won’t make it any easier, stay away from alcoholic beverages, too. They dehydrate you and can leave you with a deadly hangover at 8,000 feet.
3. Head to the bathroom every hour or so to splash some warm water on your face. Besides the obvious benefit of rehydrating the pores, moving around increases blood circulation in the legs and reduces swelling in the feet.
4. Pack some moisturizer in your carry-on and use it whenever your skin feels tight. If your skin is normally oily, the dryness could trigger more oil production, so try cleansing your face once in a while or spritzing on some toner.
5. Nasal passages dry out easily in airplane air, so carry an over-the-counter nasal spray to ease congestion.
6. Reduce tension around the eyes by rubbing in a nutrient-rich, moisturizing cream and using eye drops to lessen their bloodshot appearance.
7. Try to sleep as much as possible on the plane. Although you may not want to disturb your normal sleep pattern, the more rest you get, the better you’ll feel when you disembark. Invest in an eye mask, earplugs, and travel pillow to ensure smooth sailing throughout your flight.
8. After arriving at your destination, take a warm shower or bath as soon as possible. It won’t completely replenish the moisture you lost on the plane, but it will help restore your skin’s natural moisture levels.