If I had a dollar for every time someone asked me about my skincare routine, I’d have enough points for a first-class upgrade on every flight! Whether I’m working a red-eye (almost never) or waking up for an early show time to paradise, one thing remains consistent—I take my skincare seriously. And guess what? It pays off.
People often assume I’m younger than I am, and I take that as the ultimate compliment. But here’s the thing—it’s not just good genes; it’s good habits. My skincare routine has evolved from my teenage charm school days (hello, drugstore Queen Helene Mint Julep mask and that oddly satisfying peel-off mask fromsomewhere I cant recall) to a more refined, holistic approach that keeps my skin fresh, firm, and hydrated.
So, buckle up as I share my travel-friendly skincare secrets, DIY recipes, and pro tips to help you glow, whether you’re at 40,000 feet or just running errands.
Skincare 101: A Love Story That Started in Charm School 30 years ago and counting
My skincare journey began as a 90's girl teen when I learned the importance of the classic wash-tone-moisturize routine in charm school. I also learned visual poise, figure, makeup, hairstyling, communications, social awareness, personal growth and appearance. At home, I experimented with Queen Helene masks, a satisfying peel-off mask, and trusty Avon creams. When breakouts hit, Noxzema was my go-to, along with Oxy10 as my emergency spot treatment. Simple, effective, and just enough to keep my skin in check.
Fast forward to today, and let’s just say my routine has leveled up—big time. While I still love a good face mask, I’ve become a mixologist at heart, curating my skincare (and haircare) from the best nature has to offer. The process gives me so much joy.
Flight Attendant Skincare: Why Hydration Is Non-Negotiable
As a flight attendant, I live up to 16hrs in one of the driest environments—airplane cabins. Did you know that humidity levels in-flight can drop to 10-20%, compared to a comfortable 30-60% at home? That’s a recipe for dehydrated, stressed-out skin. Its been really hitting my skin hard lately so I try to stay on top of it.
To combat this, I focus on three key areas: hydration, protection, and nourishment. Let’s break it down:
1. Cleansing: The Non-Negotiable First Step
- AM: Oil cleanser followed by Castile soap for a gentle, thorough cleanse.
- PM: Double cleanse—first with an oil cleanser to remove makeup and SPF, then with Castile soap to clear out impurities.
2. Exfoliation: Because Dull Skin Is Not on My Itinerary
- Physical exfoliation: Diatomaceous earth (superfine yet effective at buffing away dead skin).
- Enzymatic exfoliation: Papain (papaya enzyme) gently dissolves dull skin without irritation.
3. Detox Mask: A Spa Experience in Your Hotel Room
- Kaolin clay + rose water = The ultimate detox mask to pull out impurities without over-drying.
4. Toning: Bringing Balance Back
- Witch hazel—a classic, gentle astringent that keeps my pores happy and refreshed.
5. Serum Power: Targeted Treatments
- Aloe vera + hyaluronic acid = A hydration powerhouse that plumps and soothes the skin.
6. Moisturizing: Locking in the Glow
- AM: Rosehip oil, apricot oil, sunflower oil (light yet deeply nourishing).
- PM: A richer blend to restore moisture overnight.
7. Eye Cream: Because the Only Bags I Want Are Carry-Ons
- Castor oil—a natural yet powerful moisturizer to keep fine lines at bay. I do have allergy bags to fight with so Im trying to keep manage at all times
8. Sun Protection: Your Skin’s Best Friend
- Vitamin C (antioxidant defense) + Zinc (natural sun protection) keeps my skin protected from UV damage and hyperpigmentation.
9. Retinol (PM Only): The Anti-Aging MVP
- Apply Vitamin C in the morning, always wait at least 30 minutes before applying retinol at night to maintain pH balance and avoid irritation. The two ingredients cancel each other out. I forget the retinol often.
DIY Skincare Recipes for That Flight Attendant Glow ✨
The best skincare doesn’t always come in fancy packaging. Try these DIY skincare recipes using natural, travel-friendly ingredients!
Hydration Booster for Dry, Dehydrated Skin
Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp aloe vera gel
- 5 drops hyaluronic acid
- ½ tsp rosehip oil
Instructions:
Mix and apply before moisturizer for a burst of hydration. Perfect after a long-haul flight!
Glow-Boosting Exfoliator (For Brighter Skin!)
Ingredients:
- 1 tsp diatomaceous earth
- ½ tsp papaya enzyme powder
- 1 tbsp honey
Instructions:
Gently massage onto damp skin, leave for 5 minutes, and rinse for instantly brighter skin.
Soothing Face Mask for Stressed Skin
Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp kaolin clay
- 2 tbsp rose water
- 1 tsp honey
Instructions:
Mix into a paste, apply for 10 minutes, then rinse. Perfect for after a long travel day.
Skincare & Diet: Because Beauty Starts From Within
Glowing skin isn’t just about what you apply; it’s also about what you consume. I stay hydrated and fuel my skin with:
✅ Water, water, and more water (especially on flights!)
✅ Omega-3s (salmon, chia seeds, walnuts) for elasticity ( I use flax supplements)
✅ Antioxidant-rich foods (berries, dark leafy greens) to fight free radicals
✅ Collagen-boosting foods (bone broth, citrus, eggs) for firm skin
Oh, and caffeine? I love my coffee cuban style but I'm a daily matcha girl (my system seems to like it better), I balance caffeine out with coconut water and herbal teas to prevent dehydration.
Final Boarding Call: Key Takeaways for a Glow That Travels With You
✈️ Consistency is key—Skincare is a routine, not a one-time treatment.
✈️ Hydration is everything—Moisturize inside and out.( I get IV infusions to give me a boost)
✈️ Natural ingredients work wonders—You don’t need a $200 serum for great skin. But if I splurge its with DIOR
✈️ Protect your skin—Sunscreen and antioxidants are your best friends. I use non chem zinc based sunscreens
✈️ Your diet matters—Eat for your skin, and it will show!
Whether you’re a frequent traveler or just looking for a skincare refresh, I hope these tips help you achieve a radiant, youthful glow—no matter where your journey takes you.
Got a favorite skincare routine? I want to know about it. Drop it in the comments—I’d love to hear how you keep your skin glowing timelessly!
Until next time, stay radiant, stay hydrated, and keep chasing those adventures!
XOXO, The Flight Attendant Nextdoor
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