For those of us who are frequent flyers and spend more time up in the air than on solid ground know all about the perils of dry skin, AKA, “in-flight” skin. Whether you fly for work or pleasure we are sure that by now you are well aware of the importance of HnM (not the clothing brand) but Hydrate and Moisturize. The dry and oxygen deficient air inside the cabin can wreck havoc on your skin. But fret not and listen up because after years of working for a luxury airline I’m sharing my secrets with you all. FYI these secrets are not gender specific and will work for men just as much as for women.
Take a look at my selection of beauty rescue tips for long haul flights so that you can arrive at your destination looking as fresh as ever.
Makeup Remover Wipes
Help your skin out by removing any unnecessary makeup at the beginning of the flight (no one will notice you’re sans makeup face, trust us!). Unclog your pores with these easy to use moisturizing makeup wipes by Butter (even the name affirms moisture) and let your skin just breath.
Men, don’t be throw off by “make-up” remover. These babies remove excess dirt, oil and sweat too!
Hydrating Face Mask
Now that your face is squeaky clean, throw on a hydrating face mask. Our pick by Tatcha will lock moisture in and leave your skin feeling dewy and luminous. If you want to avoid scaring people with the face mask but aren’t lucky enough to wear it in the privacy of your own first class suite or private jet, just hide under the blanket for 10-15 minutes while it works its magic. Easy-peasy.
Facial Mist
Give your parched skin an extra boost of moisture every couple of hours during the flight with this refreshing rose toner by Palmetto Derma. Not only does it hydrate but it also helps get rid of some of the greases that may build up on your face due the drying air of the cabin. The toner is quick and easy to spray and is a great pick-me-up for the skin.
Face Oils
If you do not wish to take the face mask route then you can always use a good face oil to get supple skin on a long flight. We like the one by Jurlique as it helps prevent moisture loss and uneven skin texture. Just apply some on your face and neck and gently massage it into your skin till its fully absorbed.
Hand Lotion
It goes without saying that your face should be well taken care of during a flight but don’t forget about your hands too! The dry cabin air is ruthless and will suck those babies dry. The last thing a woman wants is corps-y looking hands and peeling cuticles! Eeek! Since time is all you have on a long-distance flight, you may as well make the most of it and spend it pampering your skin. So, slather your hands with our pick of hand lotions by Laura Mercier, throw on pair of moisture gloves for extra measure and give your hands some much needed TLC.
Hydrate with H2O
Now that you have all that you need to hydrate your skin from the outside let’s talk about the best way to really hydrate- from the inside. We cannot stress how important it is to drink plenty of water on a long flight. Not only does it benefit your skin but it also prevents blood clots, that form as a result of sitting for hours, from clogging your arteries. Avoid dehydrating beverages like alcohol, coffee ( yes, sadly coffee too ) and sodas. We know just how tempting that glass of champagne is but your body will thank you at the end of the flight. Stick to herbal teas and plain water. Lots of water. In fact, bring your own water bottle on board and the sweet flight attendants will be happy to keep it topped up for you. Yes, running to the restroom multiple times is a real inconvenience but that’s just a small price to pay to ensure that you don’t arrive at your destination looking like an extra from OITNB!
Sleep
Last but not the least, get plenty of sleep. We know you have to catch up on all the latest rom-com’s but take some time out to catch up on some Z’s. Because it’s only when you sleep that your cells really get a chance to repair from all the damages they suffer during the day. Nothing gives your skin that beautiful glow like a good shut eye. . If you are the unlucky few that are light sleepers then we suggest investing in a good pair of noise cancelling headphones, sleep mask and neck pillow to ensure you get your beauty rest. Oh! Remember the herbal teas we mentioned? Here is where they come handy. Drink a cup of warm and relaxing chamomile tea to help you get a sound sleep even at 37,000 feet.
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