7 Ways to Take Care of Your Skin During A Flight

A lot of damage happens to your skin while flying – dehydration, dullness and increased sensitivity are the most basic things. Cabin air contains only 20 percent humidity, which is nearly half the amount that skin operates at best. That means flying can be incredibly dehydrating to the skin and can even inflame sensitive skin conditions like eczema or rosacea. Having an in-flight skin-care routine is not about vanity. It is about keeping your skin safe and healthy because cabin pressure, recycled air and a lack of oxygen inside an aircraft can wreak havoc on your skin. You are in an environment of not the freshest air because the cabin is sealed and does not allow any air from the exterior enter.

Remember the following points to keep your skin happy as you take off for your next holiday and adventure:

1. Before the flight, remember to wash your face well so that you clean the skin off any dirt and deposits. Use an exfoliator or a loofah to help your skin remain clear and clean and promote circulation. Apply a body lotion right after your bath.
2. Try and have more water and fresh fruits that keep your skin moisturized and hydrated from within.
3. Low humidity levels in the cabin over long distances can lead to a decrease in hydration in the outer layer of the skin, which can account for the tightness, dry eyes, and peeling some people experience. So moisturizing is a step that you should never miss. As a matter of fact, keep a small travel-size bottle of moisturizer or hand cream in your bag so you can reapply as and when needed during the flight.
4. A hand cream is handy when you realize that you have a rough skin patch on your arms or face. Applying moisturizer on the hands and elbows will immediately hydrate them. Palms and hands tend to feel extra dry for people with naturally dry skin and this is exactly when your moisturizing hand cream comes to your rescue.
5. During the flight, keep yourself hydrated by drinking water. Refrain from having aerated drinks. Just plain water will help keep your skin hydrated from within. If you are on a long-haul flight, where you can sleep, you can actually apply a skin brightening serum while you snooze.
6. Avoid heavy makeup. At best, you can use a tinted moisturizer. If you must use makeup, use mineral or water-based makeup that does not block your pores.

7. Do apply a moisturizer that has ceramides, or for those that have problem skin, use a moisturizer with hyaluronic acid. Use a cream based formula that your skin can absorb and not leave an oily layer behind.
8. The obvious reason for getting spots after flying is a failure to remove makeup thoroughly. Grease, dirt, and dead skin cells can build up and block your pores. As soon as you land, even if you are jet-lagged — or just plain tired — do not forget to cleanse. If you have to head to a meeting from the airport, take some time to freshen up in the restrooms. Wash your face and apply a toner before you put on any makeup.
9. Try to relax when you are on a flight. Don’t be anxious. Anxiousness is known to cause excessive sweating which you definitely don’t want to deal with.
10. If you can, do try and catch up on sleep. Don’t neglect that, because any additional stress will show up on your skin in the form of dullness and even breakouts.