A Beauty Editor’s Trick for Refreshing Skin Post-Flight

Headed on a getaway? You’ll want to read this! We’re sharing a beauty editor-approved way to care for your skin post-flight: a DIY sheet mask.

The slightly terrifying-looking photos (correction: selfies) are all over the Internet. Beauty lovers, editors, and celebrities alike are donning their favorite sheet mask, posing for a photo, and posting it on their social media pages for all to see. But scary-faced selfies are only one part of a sheet mask’s appeal. These sheets—typically soaked in hydrating, anti-aging, or brightening serums—are a highly effective way to help treat your skin to a little love and address concerns, be it dryness or a dull looking appearance. What’s more, unlike traditional masks that are often rinsed away once the clock runs out, sheet masks stay on your skin for up to 10 minutes—give or take—and require no rinsing. Instead, it’s best to massage that residual fluid into the skin so it can continue to work into the day or night.

As a beauty editor and self-proclaimed skin care junkie, sheet masks are one of my go-to products when my skin is in need of some extra TLC. On Sunday, at the end of a long work week, I love nothing more than to pop a sheet mask on my face, kick my feet up on the couch, and let the formula do its thing. Sheet masks also come in handy after a long-haul flight to help counteract the drying effects of being airborne. Because let’s face it, nobody likes to land at their final destination with parched, dull-looking skin. Due to their popularity, you’ll likely have no trouble getting your hands on a store-bought sheet mask to use post-flight; we’ve even laid out a few of our favorites, here. But instead of packing multiple sheet masks in your carry-on bag that cater to various skin concerns, why not get creative and make your own to fit your skin’s needs?

Customizing sheet masks with your arsenal mainstays can help save room in your overstuffed luggage, as well as money in your wallet since you can use formulas you already own. Speaking of which, all you’ll need for this sheet mask hack is your favorite skin care serum, oil or essence and dry sheet masks, which you can purchase from most beauty retailers. Best of all, it’s super easy to put together, so don’t be surprised if it’s your new preferred way to mask during at-home spa days or a night in with your girlfriends, too! Here’s how it’s done.

STEP 1: SELECT YOUR HYDRATING SERUM OR ESSENCE

It’s no secret that dry, recycled cabin air can do a number on the skin. Pair that with low humidity levels—at less than half of what skin is comfortable in—on planes and it’s no wonder that dry skin often results after cruising at 30,000 feet for hours. To help balance and hydrate my skin  I normally reach for a lightweight hydrating serum—like Vichy Aqualia Thermal Dynamic Hydration Power Serum—for this trick. Among the uber-hydrating ingredients to look out for in your serum hyaluronic acid sits at the top of our must-have list. This hydration powerhouse—in case you didn’t know—can hold up to 1000x its weight in water. But don’t wrongly assume that you have to spend your entire paycheck. Reach for a product you have on hand already or stick to a budget. Whether you’re looking to splurge or spend a little less, we’ve rounded up a handful of our favorite serums—from the L’Oréal portfolio of brands—that cater to multiple price points, here.

Editor’s tip: If you’re planning on putting this sheet mask together immediately after your flight, store your serum of choice in an easy-to-reach location to save some time rummaging through your belongings. If the formula is a TSA-approved size, store it in your carry-on bag for quick access.

STEP 2: ASSEMBLE YOUR SHEET MASK

Now that you have your hydrating serum figured out, it’s time to put it all together. Grab a dry sheet mask and squeeze a handful of drops onto the areas that will have contact with your skin. Cleanse your skin—masks should never, ever be used on dirty skin—and then place your DIY sheet mask over your face and relax. If you’re a multi-tasker, now’s a good time to start unpacking your things and getting settled into your destination. After about 5-10 minutes, remove the mask and gently rub any remaining liquid onto your skin. To up the hydration ante, follow up with a rich moisturizer, especially if your skin is dry to very dry. Voila—hydrated and refreshed skin! Simple as that.

Editor’s tip: If you have trouble finding dry sheet masks, swap in cotton rounds. Keep in mind that you’ll need a handful to cover the entire surface of your skin.