It’s that time of year when many of us are jetting off on our holidays and for millions of us, this means travelling by plane to get to our destination. If you’re off to northern Europe, the flight time probably won’t be too bad, but if you’re travelling farther afield, you may already be starting to worry about the effect of plane travel on your skin. The arid, recycled air on planes is well known for playing havoc with even the most well-behaved complexions, so we’ve put together a guide to how to keep your skin looking fresh for your hols, even after a long-haul flight:
Prepare Your Skin
If you’ve got time before you fly, then adding an hydrating sheet mask into your skincare routine is a great idea. However, if you’re flying in the next few days, take a Maskology Hyaluronic Acid Professional Sheet Mask on the plane with you and use it just after take-off. It will give your skin a deep wash of moisture and prevent your skin from drying out throughout the flight. It contains hyaluronic acid derived from natural sources and chamomile which will prevent redness and inflammation.
Use an Antioxidant
Antioxidants are substances that help protect the skin’s surface from oxidative damage caused by free radicals and environmental aggressors like UV and pollution, as well as the harsh, dry, recycled air that is present during air travel. That’s why it’s important to use products containing antioxidants during your flight. SkinCeuticals Phloretin CF Antioxidant Serum is a topical ferulic acid serum that provides advanced protection against environmental damage and neutralises free radicals. It refines texture for a smooth and more uniform skin tone, is paraben-free and is ideal for normal, oily, combination, and ageing skin types.
Opt for Hydrating Ingredients
One of the main complaints that people have after flying is how dry their skin feels. Using the products we’ve mentioned above will go a long way to preventing too much drying, but using products which contain hydrating ingredients is also important. Dermalogica Antioxidant HydraMist is a refreshing antioxidant shield with flash-firming properties to improve skin texture while intensely hydrating dry, dehydrated skin. It’s perfect for keeping on hand and using as a refreshing spritz and contains hyaluronic acid, which acts as a hydration magnet to quench dehydrated skin while pea extract creates instant firming action to lift and tighten.
Practice Lymphatic Drainage
Another common effect of flying on the body is the feeling of puffiness and water retention. Sitting in one place for hours on end, as well as too much salt intake thanks to convenience food, during a long flight causes water retention, which shows up as facial puffiness. Thankfully, it’s something you can tackle without taking up too much of your precious case space, using a Hayo’u Clear Quartz Beauty Restorer. Used on its own, or with a facial oil, sweep the gua sha in an upward motion over the contours of the face, including the cheeks and the forehead, to disperse water retention and reduce facial puffiness.
Use an SPF
We really shouldn’t have to remind you of this, but you’d be amazed by how many people forget to take an SPF in their hand luggage and end up with sunburn before they even reach their hotel! Elemis Daily Defence Shield SPF30 is a broad spectrum SPF30 sunscreen that is clinically proven to help protect the skin from environmental microparticles and harmful UV rays. It’s in a handbag-friendly 40ml tube and is a perfect base for make-up, allowing you to remain glam even with plenty of protection.