Maintaining Skin Health During Long Flights: Tips and Tricks

Ever stepped off a long flight feeling like your skin has aged a decade? You’re not alone. The cabins environment on long flights can wreak havoc on your skin. But fear not, with a bit of prep and some inflight skincare tricks, you can step off your next flight with healthy, glowing skin. As a frequent traveler and a doctor with a passion for aesthetic medicine, I’ve had my fair share of trial and error when it comes to maintaining skin health during long flights. Today, I’m sharing my tips and tricks to keep your skin looking fresh and healthy, even after a 10-hour flight.

Why Long Flights Affect Your Skin Health

Before we dive into the how let’s understand the why. Airplane cabins have extremely low humidity, sometimes even lower than the Sahara Desert. This lack of moisture in the air causes your skin to lose moisture too. Add to that the high altitude, recycled air, and stress of travel, and you’ve got a recipe for dull, dehydrated skin. But that’s not all! Ever noticed that your feet and ankles swell up during flights? That’s because of reduced circulation. Guess what? That happens to your skin too, leading to puffiness and exaggerating the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

But it’s not all doom and gloom

With some simple steps, you can counteract these effects. I’m torn between keeping it basic and going all out, but ultimately, I think it’s best to cover all bases. Maybe I should clarify, these steps aren’t just for the ladies, gents you too can benefit from a little inflight skincare routine.

Your Inflight Skincare Routine

1. Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate

I can’t stress this enough. Drinking plenty of water is the simplest and most effective way to keep your skin hydrated. I try to drink at least 8 ounces of water every hour. It might mean a few extra trips to the loo, but your skin will thank you.

2. Cleanse Your Skin

Start your inflight skincare routine by cleansing your skin. You don’t need to go to the bathroom for this, micellar water and a cotton pad or wipe will do the trick. This will help remove any dirt, oil, or makeup, creating a clean base for the next steps.

3. Mist Your Face

Facial mists are a game-changer. They provide an instant boost of hydration and can be used throughout the flight. I like to use a mist with hyaluronic acid, which helps to bind moisture to the skin. Just remember to choose a travel-sized bottle to comply with airline regulations.

Is this the best approach? Let’s consider something. If you have oily skin, you might want to opt for a mist without hyaluronic acid, as it might lead to excess oil production.

4. Apply Serum or Essence

Serums and essences are lightweight yet packed with active ingredients. I prefer to use a hydrating serum or essence with ingredients like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, or panthenol. These humectants help to draw and lock moisture into the skin.

5. Moisturize

Your regular moisturizer might not cut it mid-flight. That’s why I recommend using a rich cream or sleeping mask. These products provide intense hydration and create a protective barrier on the skin to prevent further moisture loss.

But here’s where I’m a bit stuck. If you have oily or acne-prone skin, should you still use a rich cream? It might lead to breakouts. Maybe a lightweight gel moisturizer would be a better option? Let me know your thoughts in the comments.

6. Don’t Forget Sunscreen

If you’re sitting by the window, you need to apply sunscreen. The UV rays are much stronger at higher altitudes, and that window won’t protect you. Opt for a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30.

7. Lip Care

The lips are often neglected in skincare routines, but they need hydration too. A hydrating lip balm with ingredients like shea butter, cocoa butter, or beeswax can work wonders. And don’t forget to drink plenty of water to hydrate from within.

8. Hand Care

The low humidity affects your hands too. I always carry a hand cream in my travel bag. Look for one with ingredients like glycerin, shea butter, or ceramides. And remember, the skin on your hands is thinner than the rest of your body, so it needs extra care.

9. Eye Care

The eye area is delicate and prone to dehydration. An eye cream or eye mask can help to keep this area hydrated and plump. If you’re not comfortable using an eye mask in public, you can apply an eye cream instead.

10. Avoid Touching Your Face

This is a good practice in general, but even more so on flights. Airplanes are notorious for being breeding grounds for bacteria. Touching your face can transfer these bacteria to your skin, leading to breakouts. So, keep your hands off your face!

Post-Flight Skincare

Your skincare routine doesn’t end when you step off the flight. The first thing I do when I get to my hotel is a double cleanse. This helps to remove any dirt, oil, or impurities that have accumulated on my skin during the flight.

Then, I apply a sheet mask. Sheet masks are great for providing an instant boost of hydration. And they’re perfect for travel as they’re single-use and individually packaged.

Finally, I follow up with my regular skincare routine. This helps to restore my skin’s natural barrier and replenish any lost moisture.

Lifestyle Tips for Healthy Skin During Long Flights

Maintaining healthy skin during long flights isn’t just about your inflight skincare routine. Your lifestyle habits also play a significant role.

1. Get Enough Sleep

Sleep is crucial for overall health and wellbeing, and that includes your skin. Lack of sleep can lead to dull, dehydrated skin and exaggerate the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. So, make sure you’re getting enough sleep before and after your flight.

2. Eat a Healthy Diet

What you eat can greatly impact your skin health. Eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats can help to keep your skin looking its best. And don’t forget to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.

3. Avoid Alcohol and Caffeine

It might be tempting to indulge in a glass of wine or a cup of coffee during your flight, but these beverages can dehydrate your skin. Instead, opt for water or herbal tea to keep your skin hydrated.

Don’t Let Fear of Dry Skin Stop You from Traveling

Long flights don’t have to mean dry, dull skin. With these tips and tricks, you can step off your next flight with healthy, glowing skin. So, don’t let the fear of dry skin stop you from exploring the world.

And if you’re planning a trip to Istanbul, why not pay us a visit at DC Total Care? We offer a range of aesthetic treatments that can help to keep your skin looking its best. From non-surgical aesthetics to skin care & laser treatments, we’ve got you covered.

FAQ

Q: What is the best moisturizer to use during flights?
A: The best moisturizer to use during flights is a rich cream or sleeping mask. These products provide intense hydration and create a protective barrier on the skin to prevent further moisture loss.

Q: Should I wear makeup on a long flight?
A: It’s best to avoid wearing makeup on a long flight. Makeup can clog your pores and prevent your skin from absorbing moisture. Instead, focus on keeping your skin hydrated with a good skincare routine.

Q: How can I prevent my feet from swelling during a long flight?
A: To prevent your feet from swelling during a long flight, make sure to stay hydrated, wear comfortable shoes, and move around the cabin when possible. You can also wear compression socks to help improve circulation.

Q: Is it safe to use the water in the airplane bathroom to wash my face?
A: It’s best to avoid using the water in the airplane bathroom to wash your face. The water in airplane bathrooms is not potable and may contain bacteria that can irritate your skin. Instead, use micellar water and a cotton pad or wipe to cleanse your skin.

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