Should I remove makeup before sleeping on a plane?

How to remove makeup before your flight nap

If practical, do your usual makeup removal routine before boarding so you are ready to sleep. Otherwise, pack your familiar cleanser, makeup remover and moisturizer in travel containers. Keep the routine familiar, because the cabin does not need to host a skincare product launch.4

1. 1Clean your hands before touching your face. Wash with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are unavailable, use hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol. Wash visibly dirty hands with soap and water.
2. 2Remove eye makeup gently. Use a gentle, fragrance free eye makeup remover or micellar water. Avoid harsh products, scrubs and rubbing at your lashes.
3. 3Remove face makeup. Apply a small amount of micellar water to a cotton pad or reusable microfiber cloth and work gently over your face. Micellar water removes dirt, oil and most makeup.
4. 4Follow with a gentle facial cleanser when removing makeup or sunscreen. Heavy or waterproof makeup can need an additional cleanser rather than more force with the pad. Do not scrub.
5. 5Finish with moisturizer. Airplanes can make skin drier, and oily skin still needs moisturizer after cleansing. Reapply moisturizer whenever your skin feels dry, with clean hands.

Can I use micellar water at my seat?

Micellar water usually does not need rinsing, making it a practical makeup removal step when a sink is inconvenient. It is generally a good option for dry or sensitive skin because it cleans without stripping away much of the skin's natural oil.6

For makeup and sunscreen removal, follow micellar water with a gentle cleanser. If you are planning to wear heavy or waterproof makeup, allow for that extra cleansing step before you settle down to sleep. Micellar water cleans skin; it is not an acne treatment.6

How do I moisturize on a plane without touching my face with dirty hands?

Clean your hands first, then apply moisturizer. There is no need to avoid all contact with your face: cleansing, moisturizing and applying sunscreen are appropriate times to touch it with clean hands. Between those steps, avoid unnecessary touching, which can transfer dirt, oil and bacteria from your hands.1

Bring products you already use, especially if your skin is sensitive. Keeping your travel routine similar to your home routine reduces the risk of an allergic reaction to unfamiliar ingredients. Do not compensate for travel by washing repeatedly or scrubbing harder: excessive washing and scrubbing can irritate skin and worsen acne.24

What if the flight continues into daylight?

Removing makeup does not replace sun protection. Harmful UV rays can reach skin through airplane windows. Lower the window shade and use a broad spectrum, water resistant sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher on uncovered skin. Reapply every two hours, or after sweating.4

If you notice lashes becoming thinner or coming out in clumps, speak to a doctor rather than assuming makeup removal is the only cause. For a new rash during or after travel, see a dermatologist and explain where you traveled and when the rash appeared.34