If you ever did a couple of long-haul flights, you know that jetlag face is definitely a thing. If you’re like me, you usually depart a plane with a face that feels oily AND dehydrated at the same time and a mop of unruly hair that’s simultaneously greasy and dry. Here’re the best beauty products to fight jetlag!
Prep – Before even getting on that plane
Before going on a long trip, I try to pamper my face as much as possible. Masks, hydration, what-have-you. I always board with a clean face that I slathered in a hydrating toner, some anti-oxidant serum (fighting those free radicals), sunscreen, and my secret weapon: a hydrating, occlusive sleeping pack (have a look at my post here) that I put on over the sunscreen and that will fight that water loss that’s going on at 30.000 feet (Laneige Water Sleeping Mask).
On the plane
Drink. Water. I’m not even kidding. I’m not big on sheetmasking during flights, so that’s my way of combating dehydration.
You made it!
The secret to combat jetlag face is all in a good cleanse and a lottttttt of hydration. You want both to get the grime of several airports and a plane (or several) from your face and give it a lot of calming, soothing care.
I start my routine with a shower. Because flying is just icky, and that recycled air? Ugh. In my skin and bodycare both, I try to both clean thoroughly and bring some moisture and hydration back into my skin (not the same). On my body, it’s easy – shower and slather on some nice body lotion. For my hair, my fave shampoo and conditioner.
Cleansing…
For my face, it’s a bit more elaborate. The shower is actually is great step before you’re starting your skincare routine – it not only wakes you up enough to go through the steps, but also opens up your pores. (If you’re extra good, do your cleansing before you hop under the shower.)
First, cleanse. I bring out the big guns for that – I usually like cleansing oils, but after a long flight, I absolutely need a deep-cleansing, foaming, face wash. I like cosrx Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser face wash for that. I also tend to break out after travelling, so here’s where I inspect my face. If I can see trouble brewing, I opt for a clay mask, like pai’s copaiba deep cleanse AHA mask.
… and nourishing skincare routine
Then, hydration! If my skin is only dehydrated, I use a hydrating toner (if you’re seriously dehydrated, go for the 7 skin method). Then, of course, a nice soothing sheet mask. My go-tos are usually Papa Recipe Bombee Honey mask (I mean, honey! It’s good for you.), or a simple My Beauty Diary Aloe Vera mask. Try to stay awake for the next ten to 15 minutes.
If there’s a spot lurking somewhere, I pop a cosrx acne patch (review) over it. My eyes are always puffy after a flight, so I go for some eye patches. Usually I’d opt for Shangpree’s Gold Hydrogel Eye Mask, but for the purpose of travelling I choose Estée Lauder’s Stress Relief Eye Mask.
I follow up with a nice, repairing moisturiser (PC Clinical Ceramide-Enriched Firming Moisturizer or Stratia Liquid Gold), and hop into the nearest bed if possible.
And come next morning and a bucket of coffee, I look halfway decent. Success!
