Travelling can be exciting, but it can also be stressful for your skin. The dry, recycled air on a plane can leave your skin feeling dehydrated, dull, and irritated.
However, with the right skincare routine, you can keep your skin looking healthy and glowing throughout your journey.
Skincare experts recommend starting your in-flight skincare routine a few days before your flight.
This involves using a chemical exfoliant to remove dead skin cells and a hydrating serum to boost skin hydration.
According to Conde Nast Traveler, Drunk Elephant makes some of the best acid exfoliant formulas for all skin types.
Once you're on the plane, it's essential to keep your skin hydrated and protected. According to W Magazine, double cleansing is an effective way to remove makeup and impurities from the skin.
You can use a cleansing balm to remove your makeup and follow up with a gentle, soap-free cleanser.
After cleansing, apply a hydrating face mask and an eye cream to freshen the eye area.
The Total Eye Hydrate from Unwin is a super-hydrating, cooling balm mask that can help reduce signs of dehydration and fatigue for instantly brighter-looking eyes in just 10 minutes.
Understanding Cabin Air and Skin
Airplane cabins are notorious for their extremely dry and low humidity environment, which can wreak havoc on the skin. In this section, we will explore the effects of high altitude on skin, dehydration and dryness, and cabin air quality and skin health.
Effects of High Altitude on Skin
When flying, the body is exposed to high altitude, which can cause changes in the skin.
The air pressure in the cabin is lower than at sea level, which can lead to swelling of the skin and a decrease in blood flow. This can result in a dull, tired-looking complexion.
Additionally, the lower air pressure can cause the skin to lose moisture more quickly, leading to dryness and dehydration.
Dehydration and Dryness
Dehydration is a common problem when flying, as the dry air in the cabin can cause the body to lose moisture more quickly.
This can lead to dry, flaky skin, which can be itchy and uncomfortable. To combat this, it is important to drink plenty of water before and during the flight, and to avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can dehydrate the body further.
Cabin Air Quality and Skin Health
Cabin air quality can also have an impact on skin health. The air in the cabin is recycled and can contain a variety of pollutants, including dust, bacteria, and viruses.
This can lead to clogged pores and breakouts. To combat this, it is important to cleanse the skin thoroughly before and after the flight, and to avoid touching the face with hands that may be contaminated.
To protect the skin during a flight, it is important to keep it moisturised. Using a hydrating serum and a moisturiser can help to lock in moisture and prevent dryness.
Additionally, using a facial mist throughout the flight can help to keep the skin hydrated and refreshed. It is also important to avoid heavy makeup during the flight, as this can clog pores and exacerbate dryness.
Overall, understanding the effects of cabin air on skin is important for maintaining healthy, hydrated skin during a flight. By taking steps to protect the skin and keep it moisturised, it is possible to arrive at the destination with a fresh, glowing complexion.
Pre-Flight Skincare Routine
Preparing your skin for a flight is just as important as packing your bags. The dry air on the plane can strip your skin of moisture, leaving it dehydrated and dull.
Follow these tips to ensure your skin stays healthy and radiant during your flight.
Cleansing and Exfoliating
Starting with a clean face is essential for healthy skin. Double cleansing is a great way to ensure that all traces of makeup, dirt, and oil are removed.
Begin with a milky cleanser to remove makeup and then follow up with a water-based cleanser to remove any remaining impurities.
Exfoliating before your flight can also help to remove dead skin cells and promote cell turnover, leaving your skin looking fresh and healthy.
Hydration and Moisturising
Keeping your skin hydrated is key during a flight. Apply a lightweight moisturizer to your skin before boarding your flight.
Look for a moisturizer that contains ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, which can help to lock in moisture and keep your skin hydrated.
It's also a good idea to carry a travel-sized moisturizer with you on the flight and reapply as needed.
Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid is a powerful ingredient that can help to keep your skin hydrated during a flight.
It works by attracting and retaining moisture in the skin, helping to prevent dryness and dehydration. Look for a serum or moisturizer that contains hyaluronic acid to help keep your skin looking healthy and radiant. Order your ha serum here.
Applying Serums and Antioxidants
Applying serums and antioxidants to your skin before your flight can help to protect your skin from the dry air and other environmental stressors.
Look for serums that contain antioxidants such as vitamin C and E, which can help to protect your skin from free radicals and other environmental pollutants.
Apply your serum and antioxidant before your moisturizer to ensure that your skin is protected and hydrated.
By following these pre-flight skincare tips, you can help to keep your skin healthy and radiant during your flight.
Remember to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, and avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can dehydrate your skin.
In-Flight Skincare Essentials
Travelling by plane can be a stressful experience, but it can also take a toll on your skin.
The dry cabin air can leave your skin feeling dehydrated, dull, and tired. However, there are a few things you can do to keep your skin looking and feeling its best during your flight.
Here are some in-flight skincare essentials that will help you maintain healthy, glowing skin.
Maintaining Hydration
One of the most important things you can do for your skin during a flight is to keep it hydrated.
The dry cabin air can cause your skin to lose moisture, which can lead to dryness, flakiness, and even breakouts. To combat this, it is essential to drink plenty of water before, during, and after your flight.
You should aim to drink at least eight ounces of water every hour to keep your skin and body hydrated.
In addition to drinking water, you can also use serums, facial oils, and masks to help hydrate your skin.
Serums and facial oils contain concentrated ingredients that can penetrate deep into your skin to provide intense hydration. Masks, especially sheet masks, can also help to lock in moisture and keep your skin looking plump and radiant.
Protecting with SPF
Another essential in-flight skincare tip is to protect your skin from the harmful effects of the sun.
Even though you are inside the plane, the sun's rays can still penetrate the cabin windows and cause damage to your skin. To protect your skin, it is essential to wear a broad-spectrum SPF of at least 30.
You should also use a lip balm and eye cream that contains SPF to protect the delicate skin around your lips and eyes.
This will help to prevent dryness, fine lines, and wrinkles. Make sure to apply your SPF every two hours to ensure that your skin is protected throughout your flight.
Moisturize
Finally, it is essential to moisturize your skin during your flight. The dry cabin air can cause your skin to become dry and flaky, which can lead to irritation and breakouts.
To combat this, you should use a moisturizer that is rich in hydrating ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and ceramides.
You should also use a facial mist to help refresh and hydrate your skin throughout your flight.
A facial mist can help to soothe and calm your skin, and it can also provide a quick burst of hydration when you need it most.
Overall, following these in-flight skincare essentials can help you maintain healthy, glowing skin during your flight.
By keeping your skin hydrated, protected, and moisturized, you can arrive at your destination looking and feeling your best.
Managing Makeup and Sleep on the Plane
Makeup Tips for Long Flights
Wearing makeup on a long flight can be damaging to the skin, especially if it is a full-face of makeup.
The dry air in the cabin can cause the skin to become dehydrated leading to breakouts, irritation, and dullness. Therefore, it is recommended to skip the makeup altogether or keep it minimal.
If one prefers to wear makeup, they should consider using a lightweight foundation or BB cream with SPF, which can provide coverage and protection from the sun.
A concealer can be used to cover up any blemishes or dark circles. It is also advisable to avoid using mascara as it can cause flaking and smudging due to the dry air.
Maximising Sleep Quality
Getting good quality sleep on a plane can be challenging, but it is essential to ensure that the body is rested and refreshed upon arrival.
One way to maximise sleep quality is to use a sleeping mask. A sleeping mask can block out the light and help the body to produce melatonin, which is essential for a good night's sleep.
Another way to maximise sleep quality is to ensure that the body is comfortable. It is recommended to wear comfortable clothing and shoes, which can help to regulate the body temperature and improve circulation.
Additionally, it is advisable to pack a neck pillow, which can provide support to the neck and head, and help to prevent stiffness and pain.
In conclusion, managing makeup and sleep on a plane can be challenging, but it is essential to ensure that the skin remains healthy, and the body is rested and refreshed upon arrival.
Post-Flight Skincare Recovery
After a long flight, the skin may feel dry, dull, and dehydrated. It is important to take care of the skin post-flight to restore its natural moisture and glow.
Here are some tips to help with post-flight skincare recovery.
Cleansing and Rejuvenating
Cleansing the skin is crucial after a flight as it helps to remove any impurities and unclog pores.
A double cleanse method is recommended for post-flight skincare recovery. This involves using a cleansing balm to remove makeup followed by a gentle, soap-free cleanser to cleanse the skin thoroughly.
This method helps to ensure that the skin is free from any dirt, oil, and makeup that may have accumulated during the flight.
Facial massage is also an effective way to rejuvenate the skin after a long flight. Massaging the face helps to improve blood circulation, which in turn helps to promote lymphatic drainage.
This helps to reduce puffiness and inflammation, leaving the skin looking refreshed and rejuvenated.
Intensive Moisture Replenishment
Moisturizing the skin is essential after a flight as the skin tends to lose moisture during the flight.
Using an intensive moisturizer helps to replenish the lost moisture and keep the skin hydrated. L
ook for a moisturizer that contains ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and ceramides as they help to lock in moisture and keep the skin hydrated for longer.
Addressing Inflammation and Breakouts
Inflammation and breakouts are common after a flight, especially if the skin is sensitive.
Using a toner that contains ingredients such as witch hazel or tea tree oil can help to soothe the skin and reduce inflammation. These ingredients have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that help to calm the skin and prevent breakouts.
In conclusion, taking care of the skin post-flight is essential for maintaining healthy and glowing skin.
Using a double cleanse method, facial massage, intensive moisturization, and addressing inflammation and breakouts are some of the effective ways to restore the skin's natural moisture and glow.