Are you someone who notices every new shop at the airport or you get attention from the security guard as you make your way to your boarding gate? Do you have a small suitcase ready with the two-three day’s essentials? Do you have all sorts of loyalty points when you travel for work or pleasure?
If the answer to the above questions is yes and then you’re a frequent flyer.
Taking flights often for work or for pleasure has become second nature to many of us. And frequent travels do take a toll on our skin health. To balance that, we need to adopt modern routines.
While there is information easily available for the need of compression stockings, which improve blood flow, or what meds to keep handy while flying, not a lot of people know what they should be doing before, during and after a flight to make sure their skin is hydrated and healthy. If you’re one of the frequent flyers or even someone who flies sporadically but would like to take care of their skin, I have the best routine for you.
Before we start, it’s important to underline that apart from the type of skin – oily, dry, normal – your age and your gender also play a pivotal role in figuring out what routine you should be following for your best skin health. In case you’re confused or would like to have a more in depth understanding, reach out to your dermatologist.
Also read: Intermittent fasting is great for your skin. Does it mean you can eat anything?
Before the flight
To start off, make sure you’re getting good sleep. This is key in any journey – you can’t replace a good night’s sleep. Some people are prone to eyes being puffy due to travel, so the night before use a reusable eye mask for better results. In case you have dark circles or are prone to those, use vit E laden eyes masks to nourish the super sensitive skin.
Hydrate well the day before travel as you may be in a rush the next day. Make sure you’re drinking at least two litre of water and flushing out all the toxins from your body, so you feel energetic and rested for the long-haul flight.
Invest in a good moisturiser or hydrogel that not only refreshes your skin, but maintains the moisture for the next 24 hours. Add it to your night time routine, along with niacinamide serum for optimal outcome.
Just before boarding the plane, lather your SPF strengthened sunscreen again as most airplanes don’t have UV protected windows. And yes, even if you have a beard, you need to use sunscreen.
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In flight
The way these planes are designed, the humidity inside the cabin is less than 20 per cent, making our skin quite dry. In addition, you’re exposed to the sun rays at a high altitude. Those who are prone to oily skin will feel that more heightened during the flight as the dryness of the airplane air can lead to sebum production, resulting in oiler skin.
First thing first, make sure you are carrying a moisturiser, sheet masks, and lip balm. My tip to all my patients, both men and women, is to keep a small pouch with travel size products in their bag or briefcase. You’ll thank me in your 60s.
Depending on the flight time, keep applying moisturiser and lip balm every hour to combat the dryness of the plane. In case you have the time for it, use a sheet mask for the fresh feeling. When else are you going to sit still for a mask? Might as well use this travel time.
Keep hydrating well with water or plain soda and try eating a snack every few hours. Walk around a bit to increase the lymphatic circulation. Not only does this help reducing swelling in legs, it makes the eyes less puffy.
Also read: Sleeping more won’t fix your dark circles. Check vitamin levels & coffee consumption too
After the flight
Once you’ve reached your destination and are ready to call it a night, make these tiny tweaks to your usual routine so that your flight travel doesn’t stand in the way of your freshness.
If you skipped the face sheets on the flight, the best time to do it is while wrapping up for the night. And men, don’t avoid this step. Your skin needs extra care, especially if you have a beard. Just part your beard a bit and massage the sheet in when taking it off, to make sure you’ve sufficiently nourished your skin. Use a facial mist at the end of your night time routine and an overnight moisturising sleeping pack.
Once you get used to tweaking your skin care routine for flights, you’ll feel fresh and glowing for your next destination. Fly high with your skin bright.
Dr Deepali Bhardwaj is a dermatologist, anti-allergy specialist, laser surgeon and internationally trained aesthetician. She tweets @dermatdoc. Views are personal.
(Edited by Anurag Chaubey)
Thanks Doc for sharing