Now that the summer holiday has begun, and with many of us our newfound freedom of travelling overseas again. Nothing can ever beat the stomach flips of excitement that you feel when the pilot turns off the final seatbelt sign just before landing. But what happens to your skin on a flight? Which can mean that your skin could look a little bit worse for wear, on your arrival to your dream holiday destination, especially if your travel-sized minis arent targeting your skin needs.
With most of the problems that our skin faces is the result of dry cabin air and low air pressure. Mentioned on allure,”Typically, skin is comfortable when the humidity is between 40 to 70 percent” Most airplane cabins are at about 20 percent. Thats less than half of what we are used to”.
Even though our skin can become dehydrated during a long or short fligh, if can also cause our skin to form oily skin, breakouts and puffiness. This is because our skin is desperately trying to hang on to water and compensate for the arid conditions.
But we can still do plenty to keep your skin protected and help to keep post-flight breakout at bay…
Prep your skin
Hydrate your skin instensely with serum and sheet masks are a great beauty equivalent to a tall glass of water to your skin. Apply them at least a few day before your due to take your flight, is like an insurance policy against what happens during the flight and guarantees to keep it plump and full of moisture before you board.
Boost your skins defence
You might not be aware, but you still need to apply sunscreen to your face especially if you’ll be departing or arriving in daylight, as the sun’s UV rays are significantly stronger above cloud level.
Apply a mid-flight serum
During a flight, your skin loses around one cup of water every hour you’re in the sky. So to give your skin a fresh glow, there are plenty of skincare options available on the market – hyaluronic acid and vitamin C will both give your skin a mid-flight hydration boost. Hyaluronic acid, a molecule that can hold upto 1000 times it’s own weight in water and vitamin C serum to reverse the look of ashen colouring.
It might be worth remembering that plance cabins are pressurised to simulate conditions found at 7,000 feet – feeling like your on top of a mountain – this is so less blood and nutrients are transported to the surface of the skin.
Cell renewal is speed up
The sleep hormone melatonin normally rises for only a few hours before bed and increases your skin’s ability to repair itself. Between the hours of 2 am and 4 am, when cell renewal ramps up, flighting can disrupts the circadian rhythm – this is the body clock that tells you when you should be awake or asleep.
How to beat the bloating
Fluid retention combined with air pressure from salty in-flight snacks and being sedentary for large amounts of time can create the perfect storm for making your face look puffy. When you are flighting, your lymphatic system is put under stress, which causes the body’s lymph flow to slow down, ultimately leading to swelling.
Here are a few ways to help you beat the bloating feeling whilst your flighting:
- Make sure to get up and move around whilst your in flight
- Keep away from drinking fizzy drinks
- Drink lots of water
- Avoid drinking alcohol and caffenie in flight
- Stick to eating healthy snacks
- Figure out what foods to avoid that makes you feel bloated and skip them pre-flight
Shop these in-flight products to avoid ‘plane face’…
Skin Republic | Skin Booster Retinol and Squalene £14.99
The Skin Republic Skin Booster Retinol and Squalene 1% Serum is a water-free formulation infused with 1% retinol to minimise signs of ageing. The velvety serum is enriched with squalene. A true multi-tasking skin hero, the ingredient seeks to moisturise the skin, while reducing the appearance of fine lines and dark spots. The formula also seeks to help dissolve dirt and oil, and can be used as a nightly treatment or combined with any Skin Republic mask to boost results.
Herbivore | Moon Fruit Serum £49.71
A retinol alternative serum that visibly improves the look of fine lines and wrinkles and helps to firm skin with 1% Bakuchiol and plant-based peptides. Bakuchiol, an Ayurvedic herb, provides wrinkle smoothing benefits similar to retinol without irritating dryness and redness. This jelly textured serum absorbs quickly treats signs of aging on both the face and neck.
Foreo | Green Tea Purifying Sheet Face Mask £13.90
Powered by pure Japanese green tea, the dual-mode mask unleashes a rich dose of antioxidants to curb environmental toxins. Best suited to oily and blemish-prone complexions, the face mask comforts irritated skin and utilises powerful water-binding sugars or ulmus davidiana root, plus evening primrose oil and kudzu root to hydrate, nourish and clarify. Recommended for oily, stressed and breakout-prone skin.
Garnier | Moisture Bomb Hydrating Face Mask £2.99
Envelop thirsty skin in the Garnier Chamomile Hydrating Face Sheet Mask, a deeply nourishing treatment that helps to minimise dryness and sensitivity. The lightweight tissue mask is infused with a rich serum containing Glycerin, Chamomile and Hyaluronic Acid, which delivers instant and lasting moisture to skin in order to ease feelings of irritation and tightness. After use, skin feels calm and comfortable and is infused with a healthy-looking glow. Suitable for dry and sensitive skin types.
Seventy One | Eco Sun Shield Spf50+ Face Sunscreen £20.41
SEVENTY-ONE PERCENT Eco Sun Shield Invisible SPF 50+ is a very high protection face sunscreen with mineral filters. Formulated with natural ingredients and delivered in an eco-friendly packaging, to respect both the skin and the environment. High water resistance.
Vichy | Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Serum £25
Natural-origin hyaluronic acid is combined with VICHY’s highest concentration of Volcanic Mineralizing Water, rich in essential minerals. The lightweight gel texture of the serum creates a soothing veil upon application, helping to support the skin’s natural barrier and defend against pollutants. Suitable for all skin types, even sensitive skin, the serum summons a hydrated, healthy-looking glow for up to 24 hours.
