An Australian dermatologist has unveiled the crucial skincare items she never boards a flight without, offering practical advice for maintaining skin health during air travel. Dr Leona Yip, a consultant dermatologist based in Brisbane, shared her five essential beauty purchases that she consistently packs in her carry-on luggage for long-haul journeys.
Why In-Flight Skincare Matters
Dr Yip, who works at Skin Partners, emphasised that having a few strategic skincare products in your carry-on and using them mid-flight can significantly impact your skin's condition both during and after flying. She explained to Daily Mail, "Cabin humidity can drop below 20 per cent, so skin loses moisture and feels dehydrated and tight quickly." The dermatologist added, "Simple, hydrating products go a long way - it's much easier to prevent dehydration in-flight than to fix stressed skin after you land."
Affordable and Accessible Solutions
Perhaps surprisingly, the skin expert's go-to in-flight hydrating skincare essentials are both affordable and readily accessible. Indeed, all five of the travel-friendly products can be easily sourced at Chemist Warehouse, with each item costing less than $15. This makes her recommendations practical for frequent flyers and occasional travellers alike.
Dr Yip's Five Essential Products
1. Avene Thermal Spring Water 50ml Mist
Her first recommendation is the Avene Thermal Spring Water 50ml Mist for sensitive skin. Sold at the pharmacy chain for $8.99, Dr Yip describes it as "a must-have for in-flight skin hydration." She shared on her @drleonayip_dermo account, "When it feels a bit stuffy, this mist is also a rescue for me. I bring it for all short and long-haul flights." The French cult beauty buy is renowned for its unique mineral and biological composition that softens and soothes the skin effectively.
2. Cetaphil Moisture Cream 100g Tube
Next on Dr Yip's skincare recommendations is Cetaphil's Moisture Cream in a travel-friendly 100g tube. Priced at $8.39, Dr Yip explained this moisturiser is perfect for all-over application. "I use it to moisturise my arms and legs every few hours," Dr Yip wrote in her post. Cetaphil is a brand frequently recommended by dermatologists thanks to its simple and gentle formulations. This intense moisturiser contains skin barrier-restoring ingredients like sweet almond oil, vitamin E, vitamin B3 and Pro-Vitamin B5.
3. CeraVe Advanced Repair Balm 50ml
Following that, Dr Yip recommends a more intensive healing balm for hand hydration. "My hands get very dry in-flight, especially after washing," Dr Yip explained, adding that she counteracts this by regularly applying CeraVe Advanced Repair Balm 50ml, which costs $14.39. As a humorous aside, the skin expert noted, "Did you know you lose your fingerprints when your fingers are too dry? It might be a problem at immigration where thumb printing is needed!" CeraVe is another dermatologist-favoured skincare brand thanks to its non-comedogenic soothing and reparative formulations. This particular multi-purpose repair balm is especially good for restoring extremely dry and rough skin.
4. Dermal Therapy Original Lip Balm 10g
The fourth product on Dr Yip's in-flight skincare list is non-negotiable: lip balm. "Always," Dr Yip exclaims. "Don't forget lips that dry out very quickly in-flight. I reapply frequently on board." Her suggested product is Dermal Therapy's Original Lip Balm 10g, which is priced at $5.49. The no-frills lip balm contains camphor, clove oil and menthol as its hero ingredients, which are all designed to alleviate soreness and discomfort effectively.
5. Mouthwash and Mints
The final item in Dr Yip's beauty travel bag is "mouthwash and mints." She adds, "I hate bad breath!" This practical addition ensures overall freshness during lengthy flights, complementing the external skincare routine.
Beyond Topical Products: Internal Hydration
The last words in the expert's post saw her explain that keeping the skin hydrated in-flight isn't only about what you're applying to it – but also what you're putting into your system. "Keep alcohol to a minimum [and] drink lots of water," she suggested. Furthermore, Dr Yip recommends trying to catch as much sleep as you can on long trips for the sake of your skin. But if that's just not possible, aim to correct the course and get a decent amount of shut-eye once you're back in a real bed.
Additional Travel Tips from Experts
While Dr Yip focuses on skincare, other travel experts offer complementary advice for comfortable flying. Travel Writer Jo Kessel provides several tips for what to wear on flights:
- Scarf Hammock: Not only does it count as an extra layer, but it can also be creatively crafted into a 'scarf hammock' and used to raise your feet on long-haul flights.
- Elasticated Trousers: Opt for trousers to protect skin from potential cuts, scrapes or hazards. Because flying tends to expand the gut, it's best to avoid anything tight.
- Compression Socks: They're hard to put on, tight and definitely not sexy, but then again neither is deep vein thrombosis. If travelling long haul, put on compression socks before take off and remove after landing.
- Long-Sleeved T-Shirt: Choose a long-sleeved top made from a breathable material such as cotton. These are best for protecting arms, general comfort and for countering fluctuations in cabin temperature.
- Take Your Trainers: Stick to comfortable, closed-toe shoes (preferably trainers) with socks. Flip flops or bare feet are absolute no-nos - most plane floors, especially in the toilets, are filthy.
- No Belts or Metals: To avoid getting frisked at security checks, never use belts and always wear a beaded necklace instead of anything metallic.
- Dress Up for Upgrade: If the rest of your outfit is informal jeans, trainers and T-shirt, a smart jacket can make all the difference if you're angling for an upgrade. A jacket is also a handy extra layer.
Combining Dr Yip's skincare expertise with general travel advice creates a comprehensive approach to comfortable and healthy flying, ensuring travellers arrive at their destinations feeling refreshed and looking their best.
