How Pilots Maintain Healthy Skin During Winter Flights

Delta Air Lines pilots Larissa Vculek and Paul Janowicz shared their skincare travel advice with us, and based on their insights, we’ve compiled some popular beauty products to help you kick off your travel skincare routine.

Key skin care tips from Vculek? Focus on hydration, particularly when dealing with winter conditions. “Moisturizing is crucial,” Vculek shared via email. “Hydrate your skin as much as possible before heading into cooler climates.”

And, don't forget sunscreen! “I always apply SPF,” she said. “Whether in my tinted moisturizer or foundation, wearing it daily—even in colder climates—is vital!”

"For colder environments, I prefer thick, cream-based moisturizers as they last longer on my skin throughout the day, compared to gel-based ones that absorb too quickly," explained Delta Air Lines pilot Paul Janowicz.

Given Janowicz’s recommendation for heavy-duty moisturizers, we believe CeraVe’s moisturizing cream will be a great option for travelers. Users describe it as a "godsend" for dry skin, and it’s currently one of Amazon’s top-selling face moisturizers. This rich cream provides deep nourishment to dry skin thanks to its combination of moisturizing ceramides and hydrating hyaluronic acid. Ceramides help restore your skin barrier during long travel hours and dry airplane air. It can also be used as a soothing hand cream.

For your carry-on, you can transfer some of the cream into a travel container.

Available for purchase on Amazon for $16.02.

“Moisturizing is essential, and I double-moisturize at night in cold conditions,” wrote Delta Air Lines pilot Larissa Vculek. “If my skin looks too dry, I will also apply a hydrating serum at night... [with] age-defying antioxidants that feature clean, simple ingredients to help fight breakouts.”

In line with Vculek's recommendations, we suggest Blume's light yet nourishing Meltdown Oil. It contains antioxidant-rich natural oils, including rosehip seed, tamanu seed, and black cumin seed oils, which hydrate the skin, brighten dark spots, balance oil production, and, with their antibacterial and anti-inflammatory benefits, can help calm acne and prevent future breakouts. I use this serum myself and love it so much I’ve subscribed to make sure I never run out.

Bonus: It's small enough for carry-on luggage!

Purchase it from Amazon or Ulta for $28.

Hyaluronic acid is a hydration powerhouse for dry skin, known for its ability to plump fine lines and restore the skin’s barrier. This effective formula is The Inkey List’s top-selling product and is crafted to effortlessly absorb into the skin, providing immediate moisture without leaving a sticky or greasy feel.

Get it from The Inkey List for $10.

Vculek emphasized the importance of sunscreen, whether flying or going about daily activities. “Always remember to wear SPF,” she said. “It’s crucial to wear it every day, even in colder climates!”

We recommend Black Girl Sunscreen for sun protection. It offers broad-spectrum defense and dries invisibly without leaving a white residue, making it easy to apply and blend. The formula also contains moisturizing ingredients like jojoba, avocado, and sunflower oils, which nourish your skin while protecting it.

Get it from Target for $15.99.

If you're looking to indulge a little, these magnetic travel containers are a favorite among TikTok users thanks to their clever design and stylish appearance. Their magnetic build ensures they stay neatly packed in your luggage, and their curved edges make scooping out products both easy and comfortable. Plus, they're designed to be leakproof, watertight, and airtight.

Get a set of three from Amazon or Cadence for $42.