Joanna Czech's Skincare Survival Guide For Frequent Flyers

Forbes

06-06-2025

Joanna Czech products
Joanna Czech is the facialist behind some of the most famous faces — think Cate Blanchett, Kim Kardashian, Hailey Bieber, and Anna Wintour, to name a few. Nearly 40 years in the beauty business, with studios in New York, Los Angeles, and Dallas, she's built a loyal following, loved for her science-driven, results-focused approach.
Joanna Czech portrait
Now in time for vacation season, Joanna shares her skincare tips to keep the complexion fresh and glowing on the go.
Staying hydrated by drinking water is essential for any flight you take. Many of us dislike using airplane bathrooms and avoid drinking water because of this, but don't trade off water consumption for this, you can carry sanitizers or wipes for this. Your water intake can also depend on the length of the flight; I personally drink a lot of water.
Here's a fun fact: you can lose up to 30 percent of your skin's moisture after just a four-hour flight. That's why I make sure to stock up on water as soon as I get to the airport, and even before if possible. A lot of people suffer from dehydration after flying, not just because of their skincare routine, but because they simply aren't drinking enough water during their flight.
I keep my in-flight skincare routine simple, primarily because flying can significantly disrupt your skin's balance. The cabin air pressure actually dehydrates skin, which can then mess with your skin's protective barrier, leading to irritation and breakouts.
For any flight, I always reach for pH-balancing products, like "The Toner" from my skincare line, or Swiss Perfection's Balancing Water. "The Toner" is a travel-size essential for me now. For a 3-4 hour flight, my routine involves applying a few drops of my C+ Serum (a great antioxidant) after toning, and then sealing it all in with The Balm. My skincare line was designed for practicality, so it's all TSA-friendly. The cold plane temperature can throw off your skin's pH, making a balancing toner crucial.
The Toner by Joanna Czech
For longer flights, say 12-14 hours, my routine is a bit more involved. After waking up, I use my Cleansing Wipes, followed by "The Toner" to balance my skin's pH. I then apply Swiss Perfection eye patches and a Bioeffect sheet mask. After removing the masks, I apply a few drops of C+ Serum, and then The Balm, especially if I'm heading straight to work and need to look refreshed. My "The Kit" skincare set even includes extra compartments for essentials like a toothbrush and toothpaste.
It's tough to beat travel fatigue, but maintaining your routine and prioritizing sleep are key. Try to shift your sleep schedule before you go, and change your watch to your destination's time as soon as you board. Get as much rest as you can on the plane—a silk eye mask really helps—and be mindful of what you eat and drink. Once you land, jump right into the new time zone for meals and sleep, and keep drinking plenty of water.
When traveling through airports and on airplanes, we're exposed to a lot of irritants. That's why I always bring an effective hand sanitizer and wipes to clean my immediate area. Look for a hydrating sanitizer to combat dryness, and make sure to wipe down your headrest, screen, and all surrounding surfaces, especially on international flights.
I always prefer traveling with clean skin and no makeup to keep my complexion as clear as possible. If you're planning to sleep on a plane, simple essentials like my cleansing wipes, Toner, and The Balm can help maintain your routine as if you were at home.
These are an absolute must for me, even if they aren't the most aesthetically pleasing. Compression socks help maintain proper blood flow and reduce any swelling. If you typically can't fit into your shoes or your feet and legs feel uncomfortable upon landing, this hack will save you.
Part of sticking to a proper skincare routine while traveling is making sure you have your best and most-effective products with you on-the-go. My skincare line was inspired by my travels because I felt so limited about what I could bring with me on flights. Find travel-friendly sizes and products, as well as chic pouches to house your goods (bonus points if it's water-resistant)! Need antioxidants, soothing ingredients, within these five products you cover it all.