What to pack for a long flight

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Air in a plane cabin often sits below 20% humidity, drier than most deserts. A long flight pulls water out of skin for hours, and a window seat adds UV that passes straight through the glass. Most skin problems on a trip come from these two things, plus switching to unfamiliar products the night you land.

What travel does to skin

The packing list

1. Your routine in small sizes. Discovery Minis hold a full routine in sizes under 100 ml for carry-on bags.
2. A mist for the flight and dry hotel rooms.
3. Sunscreen you can reapply over makeup.
4. Lip and hand care. Overnight Lip Balm and Hand Cream.
5. Something for tired eyes. Hydrogel Eye Patches after an overnight flight.

On the flight

Board with moisturized skin and no makeup if you can. Mist and press in a thin layer of cream every two to three hours. On a daytime flight in a window seat, apply sunscreen before boarding and top it up halfway.

When you land

Cleanse gently, then use a thicker cream than usual for the first night. Leave exfoliating acids and retinal at home for short trips. Skin that is already dry from the flight reacts more easily.

Frequently asked questions

Does a mist replace moisturizer on a flight?
No. A mist adds water, but it evaporates unless a cream goes on top.

Do I need sunscreen on a plane?
On a daytime flight by the window, yes. UVA passes through glass.

Should I try new products on holiday?
Wait until you are home. A new product and a new climate at the same time make it hard to tell which one caused a reaction.