There’s nothing quite like the thrill of seeing new places, the adventure of the unknown, and the sheer joy of stepping out of your daily. But let’s be honest, there’s one part of travelling that can be a real drag: the toll it takes on your skin, especially when you’re flying. If you’ve ever stepped off a plane feeling like your skin has transformed into the Sahara Desert, you’re not alone. Let’s dive into why flying can dry out your skin and, more importantly, what you can do to keep that glow alive, no matter how many miles you travel.
Why Does Flying Dry Out Your Skin?
Airplane cabins are not skin-friendly environments. Here’s why:
1. Low Humidity: The humidity levels in an airplane cabin are significantly lower than what your skin is accustomed to. Typically, the humidity on a plane is less than 20%, while normal indoor humidity is around 30-60%. This drastic drop in moisture can sap your skin of its natural hydration.
2. Pressurised Cabins: The pressurisation of the cabin can also affect your skin. While it’s necessary for our safety and comfort, this pressurisation can lead to a drop in the skin’s moisture levels, leaving it feeling tight and dry.
3. Recycled Air: The air in the cabin is constantly being recirculated, which means it’s dry and often filled with contaminants that can exacerbate skin issues.
4. Stress and Lack of Sleep: Let’s face it, travel can be stressful. From packing to navigating airports and early flight times, it’s easy to become stressed and sleep-deprived. Stress and lack of sleep are known to affect your skin’s health, leading to dullness and dehydration.
The Skin-Saving Strategies for Frequent Flyers
Now that we know why flying can be such a skin zapper, let’s talk about what you can do to combat it. Here are some holistic, high-performance strategies to keep your skin looking radiant, even at 35,000 feet.
1. Pre-Flight Prep:
Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate: Start hydrating your skin from the inside out at least 24 hours before your flight. Drink plenty of water and eat water-rich foods like cucumbers, oranges, and watermelon.
Moisturise: Use a rich, hydrating face oil the night before and the morning of your flight. JNS Minimal Skincare Bundle contains all the products you need to keep your skin hydrated and glowing.
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2. In-Flight Essentials:
Facial Mist: A hydrating facial mist can be a lifesaver during a flight. Spritz your face with a mist containing soothing ingredients like rose water or aloe vera every couple of hours to refresh and hydrate your skin.
Keep Drinking Water: Keep hydrated whilst flying. Make sure you zip water regularly to avoid dehydration.
Hand Cream and Lip Balm: Don’t forget about your hands and lips. Keep a nourishing hand cream and lip balm in your carry-on to prevent dryness.
3. Post-Flight Recovery:
Cleanse Gently: Once you reach your destination, use a gentle cleanser to remove any impurities and refresh your skin.
Rehydrate: Apply a hydrating serum and face oil immediately after cleansing to replenish lost moisture. A serum with antioxidants can also help combat any environmental damage from the flight.
Stay Hydrated: Continue to drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can dehydrate you further.
De-Puff With Gua Sha: You can help the skin to balance and de-puff after a long day of travel with a quick gua sha or face massage routine.
Embracing a Holistic Approach to Skincare
Travel is a part of life, and so are the changes our skin goes through as we age. Embracing a holistic approach to skincare means understanding that our skin’s needs can change, especially during travel. Here are some additional tips to keep your skin healthy and glowing:
1. Prioritise Sleep: Adequate sleep is essential for skin health. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night, and try to rest up before and after your travels.
2. Eat for Your Skin: A balanced diet rich in antioxidants, healthy fats, and vitamins can support your skin’s health from the inside out. Think leafy greens, berries, nuts, and avocados.
3. Manage Stress: Sometimes even holidays can feel stressful. Find ways to manage stress, whether it’s through meditation, yoga, or simply taking some quiet time for yourself. Stress can wreak havoc on your skin, so it’s important to find what works for you.
4. Consistent Skincare Routine: Stick to a consistent skincare routine tailored to your skin’s needs. This might mean focusing on hydration, using anti-aging products, or incorporating treatments like face massage and gua sha to boost circulation and promote lymphatic drainage.
The Take-Away
Flying doesn’t have to mean sacrificing your skin’s health. With a little preparation and the right products, you can keep your skin hydrated and glowing, no matter where your travels take you. Remember, the key is to stay hydrated, moisturize effectively, and embrace a holistic approach to your skincare routine. Happy travels, and here’s to radiant skin at every altitude!
Love, Jenny - Founder of Jenny Nordic Skincare
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