Plane travel: which cosmetics should you take on vacation?

Key points to remember.

100 mL rule : Anticipate the security checkpoint by placing your liquids in a one-liter clear plastic bag. Whenever possible, choose stick or solid formats to save space.
Combat aerial skin dehydration : Humidity drops below 10% in the cabin. Don’t rely on a mist alone to hydrate your skin. Apply a serum and lock it in with a rich cream.
Mandatory UV protection : The rays are more intense at high altitude. A sunscreen stick is essential if you are traveling during the day, even behind the window.
Minimalism and effectiveness : There’s no need to multiply the steps. Focus on hydration and sun protection, without forgetting sensitive areas such as the lips.

4 minutes to understand your skin. Our dermatological diagnostic guides you toward the ideal skincare for your specific needs. Simple, quick, personalized.

Focus on the logistics of carry-on luggage on airplanes.

Preparing your toiletry bag for carry-on luggage requires a bit of planning so you don’t watch your favorite products end up in the trash at the security checkpoint. The golden rule is still the 100 mL rule : each liquid, gel, cream, or aerosol must be in a container of no more than 100 mL, all of which must fit into a one-liter, resealable, transparent plastic bag. While this rule is strictly enforced in airports, it is much more relaxed on trains, where you can bring your usual full-size products without restriction. However, whether you travel by air or by rail, space is still limited.

Choosing a minimalist routine is the key to traveling light while still taking care of your skin.

To optimize your carry-on bag, turn to solid, practical formats. Sticks and balms are your best allies, because they are not counted as liquids and are not likely to leak in your bag due to pressure changes. Also, don’t forget to include a facial cleanser in your suitcase, even if you don’t use it during the trip. It will be essential for removing the impurities that build up on your skin during the journey and throughout your vacation once you reach your destination.

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Airplane: What skincare routine should you follow during the flight?

If you’ve ever felt tightness or itching mid-flight, it’s no coincidence. The real enemy of your skin at 30,000 feet is the extreme dryness of the recycled air. A scientific study conducted on long-haul flights showed that the relative humidity level in the cabin drops sharply to reach less than 10% just two hours after takeoff. For comparison, these are levels typically found in desert regions.

The impact on the skin barrier is immediate. The same study measured the skin’s ability to retain water, a parameter known as “capacitance,” and the results are striking: hydration of the stratum corneum drops sharply over the course of the flight. The most affected areas are the cheeks, followed by the forehead and forearms. By the end of a long-haul flight, the level of skin dryness in a healthy passenger is similar to that of a person with atopic dermatitis. This phenomenon explains why your complexion looks dull and your features drawn as soon as you land.

37%

of cutaneous hydration loss at the cheek level after a long-haul flight.

25%

of skin hydration loss on the forehead after a long-haul flight.

To counteract this skin dehydration, your routine must focus on two pillars: supplying water and, above all, preventing it from evaporating.

To begin with, don’t rely solely on a thermal water mist. When sprayed on its own, it can paradoxically dry out the skin as it evaporates if it is not “sealed in.” Start by applying a hydrating serum, for example one that is rich in hyaluronic acid, then immediately layer on top a rich barrier cream. This occlusive layer acts like a shield against the dry air in the cabin.

Moreover, it is often overlooked, but sun protection is crucial on an airplane. At high altitude, UV rays are much more intense and the windows do not filter out all harmful radiation. Using a sunscreen stick is ideal in this context. This product is easy to apply without getting it on your hands, and it does not count toward liquid restrictions.

Do not forget to care for your lips and hands when traveling by plane by applying a lip balm or a lip oil as well as a hand cream, whether you are on a plane or on a train.