Your Essential Korean Skincare Guide: Airport and Flight Routines

Travelling, particularly by air, can be a thrilling experience filled with the excitement of new destinations and adventures. However, the journey, especially long-haul flights, can wreak havoc on your skin. This is where the importance of a Korean skincare routine comes into play. Offering a comprehensive and effective approach to maintaining healthy skin even at 30,000 feet, understanding why and how to incorporate a Korean skincare regimen during your travel can make a significant difference in how your skin feels and looks upon arrival.

The Unique Challenges of Air Travel for Your Skin

Air travel presents a unique set of challenges for your skin. The air inside an aeroplane cabin is notoriously dry, with humidity levels often dropping to 20% or lower, compared to the 30-60% found in a typical indoor environment. This drastic reduction in humidity can strip your skin of its natural moisture, leading to dryness, irritation, and an overall lacklustre appearance. Additionally, the cabin pressure and recycled air can exacerbate these issues, causing your skin to feel tight and uncomfortable.

Moreover, travel stress, changes in time zones, and disrupted sleep patterns can further contribute to skin problems. These factors can trigger the release of cortisol, a stress hormone that can increase oil production, breakouts, and inflammation. Therefore, a well-thought-out skincare routine is essential to combat these adverse effects and keep your skin hydrated, balanced, and glowing throughout your journey.

Korean Skincare prep

One key principle of Korean skincare is layering lightweight, hydrating products. This method ensures that the skin receives continuous hydration without feeling heavy or greasy, which is crucial in the dry environment of an aeroplane. Starting with a gentle cleanser to remove impurities, followed by hydrating toners, essences, and serums, can create a moisture-retentive base. Sealing this with a nourishing moisturiser and protective barrier, such as a sleeping mask or occlusive cream, can lock in hydration and prevent moisture loss.

Preparing Your Skin at the Airport

The preparation for a flight should begin well before you board the plane. At the airport, take advantage of the time before departure to thoroughly cleanse and prep your skin. Removing makeup and applying a hydrating, alcohol-free toner can help balance the skin's pH levels and prepare it for the next steps.

Cosrx Centella Water Alcohol-Free Toner

This toner is formulated with 10% Centella Asiatica leaf water and mineral water from Jeju Island. It's designed to calm and hydrate the skin effectively.

Innisfree Jeju Orchid Skin

A hydrating toner that contains Jeju orchid extract, known for its anti-aging properties. It's alcohol-free and suitable for all skin types.

Using a sheet mask at the airport can be particularly beneficial. Sheet masks, a staple in Korean skincare, are soaked in concentrated serums that provide intense hydration and nourishment. Applying a sheet mask in the airport lounge can give your skin a much-needed moisture boost before facing the flight's dehydrating conditions. Additionally, it offers a moment of relaxation and self-care amidst the hustle and bustle of travel.

Mediheal N.M.F Nude Gel Mask

Delivers a burst of hydration, locks in moisture, and improves skin texture.

Dr. Jart+ Dermask Water Jet Vital Hydra Solution

Deeply hydrates and replenishes moisture, suitable for all skin types, especially dry skin.

In-Flight Skincare Routine

Once on board, maintaining a simplified yet effective skincare routine can make all the difference. Begin by ensuring your hands are clean before touching your face. A gentle facial mist or spray throughout the flight can help replenish moisture and soothe the skin. Look for mists that contain ingredients like hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, and green tea, which provide hydration and anti-inflammatory benefits.

d'Alba White Truffle Vital Spray Serum

Hydrates, brightens, and revitalises the skin with its infusion of luxurious white truffle extract and other nourishing ingredients.

d'Alba White Truffle Refresh Aqua Serum

Provides intense hydration, brightens the skin, and improves elasticity with the luxury of white truffle extract.

Another crucial step is applying a lightweight hydrating serum. Serums packed with humectants such as hyaluronic acid and glycerin can attract and retain moisture in the skin. Follow this with a rich moisturiser to create a barrier against the dry cabin air. For an added layer of protection, consider using an overnight mask or an occlusive cream to seal in all the previous layers of hydration.

Cosrx Hyaluronic Acid Hydra Power Essence

This serum is known for its lightweight texture and high concentration of hyaluronic acid, which deeply hydrates the skin without feeling heavy.

Benton Aloe Propolis Soothing Gel

Though marketed as a gel, this product can function as a lightweight serum due to its hydrating and soothing properties. It contains aloe vera and propolis extract to calm and moisturise the skin effectively.

Innisfree Green Tea Seed Cream

Formulated with green tea and green tea seeds to provide nourishment and moisture to dry skin.

Etude House Soon Jung 2x Barrier Intensive Cream

Specifically designed for sensitive skin, this cream helps strengthen the skin barrier while providing deep hydration.

Cosrx Ultimate Nourishing Rice Overnight Spa Mask

This mask is enriched with rice extract, which helps to brighten and soften the skin while providing nourishment. It's particularly good for those looking to achieve a more radiant complexion.

COSRX Ultimate Moisturizing Honey Overnight Mask

Formulated with 87.26% propolis extract and natural beeswax, this mask provides deep nourishment and hydration. It's excellent for dry or irritated skin.

Remember your lips and eyes, which can be particularly vulnerable to dryness. A nourishing lip balm and a hydrating eye cream can prevent chapped lips and moisturise the delicate skin around the eyes.

Innisfree Soft lip balm intensive moisture - with canola honey

Innisfree's Soft Lip Balm Intensive Moisture provides deep hydration and nourishment, leaving lips soft and smooth with long-lasting moisture.

Innisfree Green Tea Hyaluronic Glow Eye & Faceball

 Infused with green tea seeds and green tea extract from Jeju Island, this eye cream deeply hydrates and nourishes the delicate skin around the eyes, helping to reduce puffiness and fine lines.

Etude House Moistfull Collagen Eye Cream

Formulated with Baobab oil and Super Collagen™ water, this eye cream provides long-lasting hydration and helps improve elasticity, making the skin around the eyes appear firmer and smoother.

Staying Hydrated from the Inside Out

While an external skincare routine is vital, internal hydration is equally important. Drinking plenty of water throughout your flight is essential to keep your body and skin hydrated. Avoiding alcohol and caffeine, which can be dehydrating, is also advisable. Opt for water, herbal teas, or other hydrating beverages to maintain optimal hydration.

The Post-Flight Skincare Reset

Upon arrival, resetting your skincare routine is essential to help your skin recover from the journey. Start with a gentle double cleanse to remove any impurities and product buildup from the flight. Follow with a hydrating toner and essence to replenish lost moisture and soothe any irritation. Using a calming sheet mask can provide an extra hydration boost and help restore the skin's natural balance.

Innisfree Apple Seed Cleansing Oil 

Features apple seed oil to cleanse gently and maintain skin hydration.

Cosrx Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser

Known for its gentle formulation with a low pH level (pH 5.0-6.0), which helps maintain the skin's natural acidity. It effectively cleanses without stripping the skin of moisture.

Pyunkang Yul Essence Toner

This toner is formulated with minimal ingredients, making it suitable for sensitive skin while providing ample hydration.

Mediheal N.M.F. Aquaring Ampoule Mask

 This mask is formulated with natural moisturising factors (N.M.F.) that help hydrate and soothe dry, sensitive skin.

Incorporating a serum with antioxidants, such as vitamin C, can help to combat the effects of free radicals encountered during travel. Finish with a nourishing moisturiser to lock in all the hydration and protect your skin from environmental stressors in your new destination.

Some By Mi Galactomyces Pure Vitamin C Glow Serum

Contains Galactomyces and Vitamin C for brightening effects

TL;DR

Travelling can be stressful for your skin, but with the right Korean skincare products, you can maintain a healthy and radiant complexion throughout your holiday. Maintaining hydration is vital at the airport and during flights, with facial mists and sheet masks particularly useful. By following these tips, you can ensure your skin remains as beautiful and healthy as ever, no matter where your travels take you. Embrace the meticulous care and innovative formulas of Korean skincare, and your skin will thank you.