Derms Share the Skin-Care Products They Won’t Board a Plane Without

Rochester, NY dermatologist Lesley Loss, MD

“It is rather boring, but a travel-size Aquaphor ($4.50) or Vaseline. Both are perfect for chapped lips from the dry airplane air!”

Delray Beach, FL dermatologist Dr. Janet Allenby

“I have three things I always keep in my carry-on: SkinMedica Total Defense + Repair tinted sunscreen ($68)—it is functional as a sunscreen, a skin repair product, along with acting as a foundation; SkinMedica HA5 Rejuvenating Hydrator ($178), which puffs up any wrinkly skin as my skin gets dehydrated with the cabin pressure and environmental changes; and the third is an Avene’s Cicalfate Repair Cream ($28), which acts as a barrier to environmental impact and can be used on any types of irritation.”

Greenwich, CT dermatologist Lynne Haven, MD

“The one item I won’t travel without is SkinMedica HA5 Rejuvenating Hydrator ($178), a topical hyaluronic acid cream that helps the skin retain moisture. I travel a lot to Jackson Hole in Wyoming where it is very dry. I apply this product preflight and during the flight to keep my skin hydrated.”

Beverly Hills, CA dermatologist Rhonda Rand, MD

“If it’s a long flight, I clean my face before I get on plane and tend to wear sunglasses to cover the no make-up look. I just feel so grungy on planes; I figure if I start out super clean, how bad can it get? Next, I bring some gentle cleanser and moisturizer if necessary.”

Prospect, KY dermatologist Tami Buss Cassis, MD

“I always travel with Avene Thermal Spring Water ($14) and EltaMD UV Daily Tinted Facial Sunscreen ($28). I am getting ready to head to St. Barts to scare the winter blues away and I have my hats, sunscreens, swim shirts, and thermal water packed and ready!”

Bloomfield Hills, MI dermatologist Linda Chung-Honet, MD

“Whether it is to explore a new locale or reconnect with colleagues, I love travel—even though I more often find myself heading to a dermatology meeting, rather than for pure pleasure. In fact, my most recent trip was to Chicago for the ASDS, and my next foray will be international to Paris for IMCAS. However, the challenges and stressors of flying to and from my destination can wreak havoc on my general well being and my skincare routine, which, if you know anything about me, is as essential to me as breathing. Things like jet lag, lack of sleep, pressurized cabins, and recirculated stagnant air, to name a few, zap my energy, and my skin is parched and lackluster. But a quick ‘freshening up’ before I land can make all the difference, and I don’t even have to leave my seat to do it. In my carry-on you will find Arcona Triad Pads ($38) to de-grime, Restorsea Day Cream ($150) for re-moisture and re-glow, Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Face Shield ($39) for SPF, Lancôme Artliner Precision Point Eyeliner in Chocolat ($30.50) to perk up my tired eyes, and Laura Mercier Stickgloss Lipstick ($26) in Courtisane or Peony for quick color and hydration for my lips. But, believe it or not, if I had to pick just one, forget the moisturizer and SPF (although in reality, this would never happen)! This dermatologist would pick my Laura Mercier lip color, because a beautiful smile framed with beautiful lips is the best pick-me-up after a long, exhausting plane ride.”

Houston dermatologist Jennifer Segal, MD

“I love to travel, and in the past year I have been to many places, including Paris (twice), Denmark, Stockholm, Hawaii, Los Angeles, Aspen, Telluride, San Francisco, New York, Chicago, Miami, Boston, and Portland, Maine. I love to visit India and other parts of Asia as well. A wide variety of continents and climates! My constant in all of my travels is Avene Cicalfate ($28). It is a soothing, moisturizing barrier cream that can be used all over the face and body, and is especially wonderful at preventing and treating the sensitive skin associated with travel and adjusting to new climates. I use it all over the face every night, especially on the eyelids and neck, which can become sensitive and dry, and I regularly mix it with my sunscreen in the morning for added nourishment and moisturizing. It not only enhances skin health but also skin quality—it gives a beautiful glow. I use Cicalfate on my children frequently—in fact, they know to ask for it! Because it contains sucralfate, a soothing agent, Cicalfate is great for treating any scrapes, rashes, sun or wind burn. While I use it regularly at home, Cicalfate is definitely my go-to travel cream.”

Mellville, NY dermatologist Kally Papantoniou, MD

“I make sure to have CE Ferulic Serum ($166) and HA Intensifier Serum ($100), both made by SkinCeuticals. This C serum helps to protect my skin from free radicals and helps reduce photodamage, all while helping reduce the appearance of age spots and lines…so you know I’m taking this with me. For airplane travel, the HA serum helps boost and maintain hydration levels in my skin. The last trip we took was to Bermuda and I brought along travel sizes of each and this was so helpful.”

Washington, D.C., dermatologist Tina Alster, MD

“As a dermatologist, I always pack mineral sunscreen (A Method BB cream), but I also never leave home without the A Method Antioxidant C-Gel ($118) because it serves many functions: its antioxidant effect protects my skin from ultraviolet light (UVL), reverses damage created by prior UVL exposure, and also serves as a great moisturizer and primer for my makeup! These two products were indispensable during my recent trip around the world during which I was exposed to extreme conditions, including intense sun exposure at equatorial destinations and fierce winds at high altitudes!”

Glenn Dale, MD dermatologist Valerie D. Callender, MD

“My red lipstick.”