With Holiday Season upon us, I thought of sharing some skincare tips for traveling comfortably on a long flight, and arriving at your destination feeling as refreshed as possible!
Did you know that airplane air is 50% fresh and 50% recirculated air and has a humidity of around 12% to 15%?
This humidity level is drier than many deserts and will sap essential moisture from your skin, leaving it looking dry and rough.
So I have learned to follow a proper skincare & beauty routine before, during and after I embark on an international trip.
BEFORE I FLY:
I start prepping my skin already a week before my international trip.
I go for a really good hydrating facial around 4 days before I depart.
I would also exfoliate my skin every second day. I have been using Clarins Men Exfoliating Scrub for a while now and I feel it leaves my skin feeling refreshed, ridding it of dull impurities and traces of pollution.
Every 2nd to 3rd day I would also use a hydrating mask, especially the day before I travel. My go to one is the Kiehl’s Cilantro & Orange Extract Pollutant Defending Masque.
Just before I fly, normally while I am in the lounge, I ensure that I prep my skin one final time before I fly.
I start off by using a deep cleansing face wash. I recently started using Kiehl’s Calendula Deep Cleansing Face Wash, it does a great job without stripping or drying out my skin.
Then I use a really good antioxidant, which is essential to protect my skin against harmful oxidating factors like the dry cabin air. I would not use anything other than Skinceuticals’ Phloretin CF which is a powerful antioxidant face serum that neutralizes free radicals induced by environmental stressors such as UVA/UVB and pollution.
After that, I apply an advance SPF50+. I recently started using La Roche-Posay Anthelios XL Ultra-Light Tinted Fluid SPF 50+. The key Ingredients include a patented filtering system which offers SPF 50+ protection against UVA and UVB. It also contains La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water, a real wonder of nature, which reduces sensitivity with its soothing, antioxidant properties due to its unique Selenium content – a mineral that protects the cellular metabolism.
Lastly, I will ensure that I use a really good eye cream. Currently, I am using Clarins’ Super Restorative Total Eye Concentrate.
During my flight, I will ensure that I reapply all these products and keep my skin hydrated with Vichy’s Thermal Spa Water.
Note – alcoholic drinks and caffeine can cause dehydration, so try to stick to water and herbal teas, I even try to have tomato juice while I fly as it contains antioxidants!
AFTER THE FLIGHT:
After I landed before I go through border control or collected my luggage, I will wash my face with an exfoliatant, add antioxidant serum, SPF50 moisturizer and apply an eye-opening concealer and BB cream to my face to give my skin a radiant glow.
I’d love to hear – what are some of your favorite tips for surviving long flights or journeys?
