It’s no secret that flights can wreak havoc on the skin. Recycled cabin air, low humidity, UV rays, and, more often than not, a lack of sleep can leave your skin feeling extra dry, lifeless, and dehydrated.
To help keep your complexion in check, we spoke to Michelle Ryan, a skin expert and Ultraceuticals’ National Trainer, for an essential five-step in-flight skincare routine so your skin looks and feels refreshed, hydrated and energised when you land.

  1. Cleanse

During a flight, you may feel extra oily, dehydrated, sensitive, or prone to the odd blemish. This is where cleansing steps in. I suggest opting for a gentle cleanser, like Ultra Hydrating Milk Cleanser (€43.00), which will remove makeup and daily residue while leaving the skin perfectly hydrated. Hot tip: take a reusable make-up remover pad to pat your skin dry and wipe away residue gently.

  1. Mask 

If you’re flying for more than a few hours, you might have time to add a mask step. The Ultraceuticals Ultra Energising Mask (€55.00) is the ultimate complexion pick-me-up. After cleansing, let a thick layer of the mask sit on your face and neck for 5-10 minutes before removing it with warm water. You’ll notice an immediate impact; the skin feels stimulated and looks visibly dewy. Follow with the rest of your routine as usual.

  1. Correct

When flying, I want to target dehydration and the effects of tired, jet-lagged and dull skin. Here’s where serums come in! For hydration, my go-to is the Ultraceuticals Ultra B² Hydrating Serum (€70.50). It’s a moisture-enhancing, oil-free serum that provides long-lasting hydration to the skin. Then, I reach for the Ultraceuticals Ultra C Firming Serum (€82.00). With two powerful peptides and Pure Vitamin C, it promotes revitalised, brighter and supple-looking skin.

  1. Hydrate

Locking vital moisture and serums is essential to keeping your skin feeling well-nourished and comforted. During the long haul, you’ll want to reach for a rich, luxurious moisturiser like Ultra Moisturiser Cream (€79.50), which features powerful moisturising ingredients, such as Provitamin B5 and Shea Butter, that soothe and nourish the skin.

  1. Protect 

No matter where you are – even in the sky, it’s always a good idea to apply – and reapply every two hours! – a broad-spectrum sunscreen to protect your skin from damaging UVA and UVB radiation.  The Ultraceuticals’ Ultra UV Protective Daily Moisturiser SPF 50 (€54.50) offers high sun protection plus a vital blend of moisturising ingredients, including Shea Butter, Sodium Hyaluronate and Provitamin B5, to hydrate the skin.
This July, purchase an Ultra B² Hydrating Serum & Ultra Energising Mask to receive a free Essential Hydration Kit- offer available at ultraceuticals.ie and in Ultraceuticals’ Clinics & Salons nationwide.