Written by Sofia Marin, Brand & Content Lead at La Prima
Jet lag doesn’t just mess with your sleep. It shows up on your skin too. Puffy eyes, tightness, dullness, and that strange texture that makes makeup sit wrong. After years of crossing time zones, I’ve stopped thinking of jet lag as just a sleep issue. It’s something your skin feels too.
Here’s how I’ve learned to take care of my face when the clock feels upside down.
1. Flying is a stress test for your skin
Think about it. You're sitting in dry cabin air, probably not drinking enough water, wearing sunscreen or makeup for hours, and likely sleeping poorly. Your skin reacts like it’s been through something intense.
Before I fly, I prep the same way I would for a long day outdoors. A gentle cleanser, hydrating toner, lightweight serum, and a good cream to seal it in. In-flight, I might add a mist if I remember. When I land, I always do a full reset. Nothing too active, just clean and calm.
2. Keep your routine bright, not busy
After long flights, skin tends to look flat and feel off. This is where Vitamin C is a staple. It helps with radiance, evens out skin tone, and softens that travel-induced fatigue.
I’ve been using our Vitamin C Skincare Travel Kit for a while now, and I love how it simplifies everything. The serum brightens without any stickiness, and the eye cream helps my face look more rested than it really is.
3. Hydration means more than drinking water
Yes, you should drink water, but don’t forget your skin needs topical hydration too. Glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin-rich creams help lock in moisture after hours in recycled air.
After I land, I skip anything that feels harsh or active. Just cleanse, tone, serum, and moisturize. That alone makes a huge difference.
4. Avoid overcorrecting
It’s tempting to exfoliate or mask right after a flight, especially if your skin feels rough or dull. But I’ve learned that less is more. Stick to soothing products and avoid anything new or intense. Your skin needs time to rebalance.
5. Sleep isn’t the only kind of rest
Even if you’re not sleeping well, a few minutes of quiet skincare can do wonders. I use that time to check in with myself. Breathe while applying toner, slow down with moisturizer. That little pause becomes a moment of grounding.
Jet lag fades eventually. But how you take care of your skin through it shapes how you feel for the rest of the trip.
If your skin needs a travel companion
The Vitamin C Skincare Travel Kit is small, lightweight, and genuinely helpful. It fits in your bag, works with any schedule, and gives your skin that bright, fresh look even when you’re running on local coffee and minimal sleep.
I never leave without it.
Sofia Marin,
Brand & Content Lead at La Prima
