If you've ever arrived at your destination with chapped lips and oilier-than-normal skin — neither of which was an issue before takeoff — you just experienced Airplane Acne. 

There is no need to be weirded out by this sudden change as millions of other travelers confessed to experiencing the same syndrome. As you plan for your next trip, it's important to prepare yourself and your skin against breakouts. 

Why is my skin so bad after a long-haul flight? 

Imagine prepping your skin with an intense 8-step routine before your flight only to arrive at your dream destination with acne and dehydrated skin. Like airsickness, airplane acne is yet another response of the body to a new environment. 

According to dermatologists, airplane acne is a result of dryness and low humidity and the skin reacts to this change in environment. Unlike your immediate environment where temperature and humidity are optimal, most commercial airplanes are built with High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters that produce dry and recirculated air with low humidity. 

The average humidity level in an aircraft at high altitude is lower than 20%, which is way below the optimal humidity level of 40%. This condition can affect the skin cells, dehydrate the skin moisture, and cause clogged pores and acne. Likewise, hormonal response to crossing time zones contributes to stress and acne. 

You are more likely to experience airplane acne on international long flights than on domestic flights. As you cross borders into new time zones, the adrenal gland secretes home cortisone and androgen (particularly in women). 

This forces the body to reset and an increased production of androgen levels causes an imbalance that leads to acne. In addition to the poor environment in long-haul flights, poor sleep, stress, and in-flight junk foods can lead to airplane acne. 

What is the best in-flight skincare?

Skincare might seem exhaustive as there is a pre-, in-, and post-flight skin routine. And yes, you bring skin care products on a plane, so there is no excuse. The essence of inflight skincare is to promote and supply hydration, particularly on dry and combination skin, since the dry aircraft air is bound to strip away moisture. Here are all the long-haul flight essentials you need;

Hydrating cleanser:

Start by cleaning your face with a hydrating cleanser that straps dirt and also replenishes moisture. You can use micellar water or any water-based face cleanser.

Hydrating face mist: 

Follow up with a hydrating face mist to dampen skin. It also serves as a primer before applying serums or moisturizers.

Hydrating face mask: 

A flight mode hydration mask is one of the best things you can do for your skin. It penetrates deep into the pores, protects your skin against dryness, and provides immense hydration. After misting, plop a hydrating face mask for some hours.

Face oil or moisturizing face cream: 

Depending on your skin condition, apply a face oil or a moisturizer on your damp face. This promotes penetration and reduces your chances of dryness or acne breakouts. 

Sunscreen: 

Like every skin routine, sunscreen is necessary for various reasons. Sunscreen protects your skin from UV radiation that penetrates deeply, especially in high altitudes. 

Lip balm: 

Your lips are not safe from the low humid air, hence ensure you have a lip balm at hand. Re-apply regularly to keep them juicy and prevent dryness or cracks. 

Hand/Foot Cream: 

Skincare also extends to your hands and feet, so you should endeavor to protect them as you protect your face. Use a foot or hand cream to keep your hands and feet moisturized. We recommend you get them before your flight as the complimentary sample creams will do you no good.

Can you bring skin care products on a plane?

You are allowed to bring skincare on the airplane, according to the Transport Security Administration (TSA). However, you are only allowed to bring a travel-size amount, that is, a quart-sized amount of skincare. For checkpoint sake, it should be nothing more than 3.4 to 4 ounces or 100 ml per skin product.

What skincare essential do you do after your long-haul flight? 

You've managed to survive in-flight dryness and the only thing that can make your day is a shower and the sweet embrace of your bed. While you might be tempted to do so, skin experts encourage travelers to adhere to a post-flight skin routine that purifies, replenishes, and supplies your skin with the right products. Unsure about the skincare essentials to use, here's all you need;

Cleanser: 

Start by thoroughly cleansing your skin to get rid of all the skincare you used while traveling. 

Exfoliate: 

If you frequently break out or easily get clogged pores, exfoliate to draw out impurities. Exfoliating is optional and should only be done if necessary. 

Face mask: 

You can also apply a face mask to replenish your skin with nutrients. Choose a facemask infused with plant oils, Ceramides, and hyaluronic acid.

Face wash: 

Use a face wash to remove any trace of the clay masks. Focus on your T-zones and gently rub your skin. Rinse with lukewarm water. 

Face moisturizer: 

Finish up with a face mask to hydrate the skin. We recommend Dermaclara's hyaluronic acid face moisturizer for your post-flight routine because it hydrates, protects, and moisturizes. 

Face silicone patch: 

Before you set out for the following day, apply a silicone face patch overnight to de-stress and improve your skin appearance and texture. Dermaclara's silicone patches are an important travel beauty routine that have been proven to promote collagen production, so you can look radiant and plump throughout the day. 

Where can you buy the best travel skincare sets?

With millions of skincare outlets, purchasing skincare is now increasingly difficult for skincare enthusiasts. In addition, many skincare brands have been proven to be dubious as their products do not deliver the intended promises. 

If you are among the confused populace looking to get quality skincare sets, here are some of the trusted travel skincare brands that offer skin care for long flights;

Dermaclara Beauty: 

Dermaclara Beauty is a skincare brand known for its numerous lines of medical-grade silicone patches. With thousands of loyal customers, Dermaclara Beauty has continued to deliver their promises by offering silicone patches that hydrate, plump, and replenish the skin. 

We offer travel-size silicone patch sets that can be applied easily. Every patch is also reusable, so you are assured of the value of every purchase.  

Online Beauty Stores: 

You can also get travel-size skincare in various online stores without breaking the bank. Choose brands that have multiple positive responses from past buyers and ensure you do your research before buying.

Physical stores: 

Likewise, physical stores near your vicinity offers some of the best travel skincare sets that you can take on flight. Walk into any of these stores and pick out your desired product.