Summer is the time when most people take off on vacation. But have you ever spent a long time in an airplane only to finally arrive at your destination with acne and/or dry skin? And have you ever wondered why that is? Turns out that the environment in an airplane’s cabin is extremely dry because the recirculated air in a plane actually takes moisture from wherever it can, including your skin. If you have dry skin then, you’ll notice your skin is a lot more dry after flying, while if you have oily skin your skin will get even oilier to compensate for hydration. While we can’t shorten the duration of your trip, we can give you some tips of what to do while traveling so as to avoid problematic post-flight skin. Here, some things to keep in mind next time you embark on your next adventure:
PACK ALL YOUR SKINCARE PRODUCTS
This seems pretty simple, right? But you’d be surprised of the number of people that don’t bother to keep up with their skincare routine while on vacation. While we understand you may not have your complete arsenal of power products, there are a few basics that you should make sure to bring with you, like a cleanser, serum, day moisturizer with SPF, and a good night moisturizer. If you already use Image Skincare products, you can easily buy a travel pack of all your favorite products to carry with you. Aside from being super convenient, these kits are affordable and will keep your skin healthy while you’re away. Not to mention each includes all the basic products recommended above.
HYDRATE & PROTECT SKIN BEFORE TRAVEL
Fight post-flight skin even before you board the plane by applying a hydrating serum and a moisturizer with SPF. The serum will deliver hydration to skin and act as a seal, helping your skin retain moisture. While you may not necessarily be in direct sunlight while flying, you’ll still want to apply a sunscreen over your serum to protect skin from damaging UV rays, especially since you’ll be closer to the sun when flying. Plus, the combination of the serum and moisturizer will further help to keep your skin hydrated.
DRINK PLENTY OF WATER
While products like moisturizers and serums can help keep skin hydrated, it’s also important to hydrate your skin from the inside out with a good amount of H2O. This is especially true while flying. In order to keep your body properly hydrated inflight you’ll need to drink one small bottle of water for every hour of flight. That may add up the trips to the bathroom, but we promise it’s worth it! And forget about misting skin with hydrating sprays while inflight because as soon as you spritz, the air in the plane will absorb that moisture immediately, leaving your skin the same as before.
MASK IT
The most effective way to keep skin hydrated while flying is to apply a hydrating overnight mask. Look for formulas that go on translucent and that are formulated to hydrate your skin for hours. We love Image’s Vital C Hydrating Enzyme Masque ($32). Right before getting your beauty sleep, wash off your serum and moisturizer and apply the mask. Then, you’re free to get your beauty sleep. Literally.
APPLY FACE OIL
Applying a face oil after rinsing off your mask will continue to assure that your skin is moisturized. Focus on applying it on cheeks, forehead, and chin since these areas tend to get the most dry. The great thing about facial oils is that they’re quickly absorbed into the skin because of their light texture. With that being said, do check your skin for dryness every couple of hours and reapply as needed.
EXFOLIATE
After all that time spent flying, you’re going to want to use an exfoliating product to remove dry skin cells that may have accumulated. As a general rule, avoid scrubs that contain grains- these have sharp edges that can scratch and irritate the skin. Opt instead for products containing exfoliating enzymes, like the coconut and papaya enzymes found in Image’s Iluma Intense Brightening Exfoliating Powder ($29.90). Afterwards, feel free to apply another mask to both calm and hydrate skin. Now you (and your flawless skin) are ready to take in the town!