What to Pack In Your Carry On for Your Next Long Haul Flight

Air travel is notoriously hard on your skin (dehydration! Recycled air! Germs!). So be sure to turn your next long haul flight into a spa like experience that will make the time tick by faster and improve the look of your skin since air.

Drink Plenty of Water, Pass on Salty Snacks and Alcohol

Hydration is important when flying and will aid in adjusting if you are switching time zones. Do yourself a favor and stay away from salty snacks and alcohol. Pass on salty airplane food and pack your own meals and/or snacks. Food sites like Food 52 and The Kitchn can give you specific advice on meals and snacks that are TSA friendly to pack for your next flight.

Use Hydrating Facial Sprays

I’m partial to Rose Spray and it’s my go-to facial spray/toner when even when not traveling. It is inexpensive and pretty easy to find. I’ve heard good things about the Josh Rosebrook Hydrating Accelerator Facial Spray, Caudelie Face Mist, Captain Blankenship Sailor Sea Mist Refreshing Toner, FIG+YARROW Orange Blossom + Lavender Complexion Water, among others. If you do nothing else, give yourself an occasional spritz of your facial spray of choice a couple of times throughout your flight.

Try Sheet Masks (if You Dare!)

Stock up on sheet masks when they are on at a drug store or Big Box retailer like Target. I like to save up masks when they go on sale and keep them in my travel toiletries so I can always have them on hand for travel. If I'm traveling somewhere on a long flight, I usually apply some sort of mask every day of the trip in addition to the time I spend on my flights. Here are some sheet mask options to try on your next flight: Burt's Bees Hydrating Face Sheet Mask and Yes To Coconut Hydrate & Restore Ultra Sheet Mask.

Don't Forget Face Masks (Go with Options That Aren't Highly Pigmented or Thick)

A long flight is the perfect time to apply masks to add and/or lock in moisture. If you are not comfortable with going with a full on sheet masks, you can apply a mask like Summer Friday''s Jet Lag Face Mask that is creamy in texture and not pigmented.

Always Remember A Facial Moisturizer

An extra layer of moisturizer after any skincare treatments like face masks is also a good idea to make sure your moisturizing efforts last for the duration of your flight. Here's a few facial moisturizers to try: Ursa Major Fortifying Face Balm and Josh Rosebrook Vital Balm Cream.

Essential Oil Blends can Aid in Combating Travel Anxiety

Essential oil blends can be calming for anxious travelers. You can mix your own blends or try this one or this one. Lightly applied essential oils that aren't too fragrant/strong like lavender can also be a nice alternative to perfumes that may irritate other passengers who are sensitive to strong smells (even good smells!). Here are two essential oil blend options to try: Saje Wellness Arrive Revived Travel Oil Blend and Aesop Ginger Flight Therapy.

Hand Sanitizer and Hand Moisturizer.

Air planes are a breeding ground for germs, so clean your seating area with wipes and also don hand sanitizer for the duration of your flight.

Use A Comfy Neck Pillow, Eye Mask and Ear Plugs to Catch Up on Rest

Stocking up on entertainment during flights is great, but also be sure to pack items that will help you get as comfortable (as possible) so you can rest and reduce or eliminate the effects of jet lag. Be sure to pack: a neck pillow, eye mask, and ear plugs.