Long-haul flights throw everything out of whack. You board the flight feeling like a functioning human being, only to disembark 14+ hours later looking like a dishevelled shadow of your former self.
Flying 30,000 feet in the air is tough on your complexion. The average aeroplane has a humidity level of 20 per cent – but our skin, on the other hand, prefers humidity between 40 and 70 per cent. As a result, skin becomes dehydrated. Not only that, the pressurised environment of a cabin can also affect blood flow and lead to dullness.
The good news? With a little preparation and the right products in tow, your skin doesn’t have to suffer on a long-haul journey. In fact, with our six-step in-flight skincare regime, you will arrive at your destination with a complexion that is glowy and hydrated and dangerously good.
Before calling a taxi, double cleanse with an oil-based cleanser, followed by your usual face wash. Double cleansing will ensure that every scrap of makeup and dirt is washed off your face before you arrive at the airport.
Bring an empty water bottle with you on the flight. Those tiny plastic cups that air hostesses hand out? They don’t hold nearly enough water.
After take-off, take your empty bottle to the back of the plane and ask one of the flight attendants for a refill. If you stay hydrated from the inside, your skin won’t get too dehydrated during the flight.
Once the lights are out, it’s time to whip out a face mask. [Disclaimer: You could absolutely mask with the lights on but you might want to give your neighbour a warning: a surprise sheet mask sighting could be terrifying.]
On a long-haul flight, face masks come into a league of their own. Sheet masks deliver a hit of nutrient-dense serum to your skin; using this method, your face can absorb more product than it would with a standard serum application. Similarly, hydrogel masks allow your skin to absorb hydrating ingredients without risk of evaporation.
Before moving on to step five, give your skin 10 minutes to absorb all of the product remaining on the skin, post-mask.
Face mists are a great way to ensure your skin stays hydrated while travelling. Spritz after masking or anytime your face feels a little dry.
Did you know that the sun can damage your skin mid-flight? Aeroplane windows block UVB rays (the ones associated with sunburn) but don’t protect against UVA rays (the ones associated with aging and, sometimes, skin cancer). Ensure you pack a broad-spectrum sunscreen to protect against UVA and UVB damage and reapply as necessary, especiallyif you are seated near a window.
April 07, 2022
October 28, 2021
