In the glamorous world portrayed in movies and TV shows, air travel seems tres chic with impeccably dressed passengers setting foot in glitzy jet-set lifestyles. But in real life, long airborne spells can be anything less than glamorous for your skin, leading to dull, dehydrated skin. From increased altitude to drop in humidity, a cocktail of factors bleeds out moisture from your skin. Fret not! Here’s your ultimate guide to keeping your skin hydrated and radiant during your flight journey!
Staying Hydrated: The Inside Story
Infuse Some H2O
The inflight dry air strips your skin of its natural oils causing it to dry. That’s where the rule of thumb comes in – drink plenty of water. Experts reckon that gulping down at least one liter for every four hours of your flight time is a decent start. Tip: Before the flight, have a glass or two of water. It’s one surefire way to start the trip hydrated.
Think Twice Before Saying ‘Cheers’
“Would you prefer champagne or red?” might sound like the start of a splendid flight experience, but it’s not so for your skin. Alcohol acts as a diuretic, leading to an increased loss of fluids and electrolytes through your urine. In simple terms, it dehydrates the body, robbing the skin of essential moisture. So, opting for a non-alcoholic beverage instead, preferably water, fruit juice, or herbal teas will be a wise decision.
Pack Healthy Snacks
Being airborne might shift your eating patterns and trigger the longing for unhealthy snacks. Try to avoid sodium-enriched foods that can lead to water retention and facial bloating. Packing your favorite fruits, nuts, or granola bars can not only keep hunger at bay but also prevents skin dehydration because of their high water content.
Keeping Hydrated: The Outside Story
Avoid Makeup If You Can
Yes, we understand the temptation to look your best while traveling. But a thick layer of makeup on a flight will block your pores, preventing the skin from breathing. If skipping makeup is not an option, go for a light, hydrating tinted moisturizer or BB cream and keep the rest of your face makeup minimal. And remember, always take off the makeup – go makeup-free for at least the final part of the flight.
Pack Face Sheet or Eye Gels
Now that you know about the arid environment inside the aircraft, come prepared. A sheet mask or eye gel acts as a barrier to retain hydration, offsetting the dry cabin air. It is advisable to apply one every few hours (for longer flights) to keep your skin soft, supple, and hydrated. These sheet masks often come packed with nourishing elements like hyaluronic acid and ceramides which help to lock in that much-needed moisture.
Moisturizer – Your Best Friend
A quality moisturizer is your armor against on-flight dryness. Go a little more generous in the application than your daily routine. Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin, both of which attract water to the skin, keeping it hydrated. If you’re afraid a generous amount might make your skin greasy, go for the ones that assure a non-greasy, lightweight finish.
Extra Skincare Tips
While drinking water, avoiding alcohol, packing healthy snacks, avoiding makeup, and using plenty of moisturizers are time-tested strategies, here are a few additional suggestions:
- Apply a hydrating lip balm. Lips, being the thinnest skin on your body, can become dry and chapped easily. Keeping a lip balm handy can keep them soft and moisturized.
- Use a hand cream. Just like your face, your hands also need protection, especially the back of them.
- Invest in a good quality natural hydrating mist. Using a hydrating mist packed with ingredients like aloe vera or rose water will keep your skin refreshed and hydrated.
- Opt for window shades down or wear an eye mask. This helps to create a controlled environment that shields your skin from the sun’s intense rays and also encourages sleep, which is necessary for skin rejuvenation.
By following these guidelines, you’ll touch down with skin as fresh and glowing as when you first boarded. So, buckle up, sit back, relax, and let your skin enjoy this flight too. Happy flying!