Traveling: the best skin care routine while on the road
Traveling can be an exhilarating experience, but unfortunately a lot of times when you arrive in a new country or city your face doesn’t match the excitement you feel. In fact your skin can look outright dull, exhausted, and older than its true age. That’s because airplane cabins are depressurized and exceedingly dry, pulling moisture from your skin. Your skin may even flake or break out due to the arid conditions on board. So how do you avoid showing up with your skin looking less than perfect? Follow our guide to keep your skin looking great while on the plane and most importantly after.
Step #1 Scrub and Hydrate the Night Before
You might be thinking that a scrub might be too harsh for your skin before you go through the stress of traveling but it’s the perfect way to slough away dead skin cells and prep skin for a big dose of moisture. Use a gentle scrub such as Clean + Invigorating Daily Scrub from Garnier and gently massage your skin to remove dead skin cells and impurities. Wash it off with lukewarm water. Then apply a hydrating mask that will nourish and hydrate your skin for the next day. For dry skin we recommend something creamy and thick so that your skin can absorb moisture and build up its natural barrier. For oily skin use something gel-based so you don’t overstimulate your skin into excess oil production. For sensitive skin stick with something gentle and replenishing that is free of parabens and fragrance.
Step #2 Hydrate From the Inside
The day before your flight it’s a good idea to hydrate your body with water and eat antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables, such as citrus fruits, berries, and leafy greens.
Step #3 Board with Your Beauty Kit
Remember to have the following on hand; the best makeup remover for your skin (since you’ll be flying you probably won’t be able to wash your face the way that you are used to so we recommend an all skin type-friendly micellar water), a hydrating moisturizer with SPF, a mist spray and lip balm. Place all items in a clear bag and make sure none of the products exceeds 3.4 ounces (100 ml). You don’t want to have to trash an amazing product because it’s bigger than regulations permit.
Step #4 Remove Your Make Up
Before you nod off or start watching a two-hour blockbuster, take the time to gently remove your make up with your best make-up remover of choice. It will give your skin a chance to breathe and can help prevent clogged pores.
Step #5 Apply Moisturizer
This step is crucial as we’re trying to fight against the desert-like dryness in the airplane cabin. Once skin is clean, apply a hydrating moisturizer with SPF, as you may be exposed to sun on the plane. At this high of an altitude exposure is extremely strong, so you need to protect yourself with SPF 15 or higher. Even if you’re not the best plane sleeper, you’ll arrive looking like you got your full eight hours after moisturizing and protecting your skin.
Step #6 Skip Alcohol
Did you catch that you get really dehydrated on planes? Now that you’ve worked super hard to make sure your skin is hydrated before you board your flight, don’t dehydrate your body by drinking alcohol. Stick to water so you don’t feel groggy and look tired when you arrive. Also to add external hydration to your skin, spritz with a water-based mist and then apply moisturizer to lock everything in. Your skin will be hydrated and its natural barrier will be protected with the moisturizer.
Step #7 Replenish Your Body and Skin Until You Adapt to Your New Destination
If it’s still daytime when you arrive we recommend a moisturizer touch-up. If it’s evening, you can proceed with your ideal nighttime beauty routine. You’ll be amazed by how your in-flight skin care routine has positively affected your skin.
There you have it — with seven simple steps you can arrive at your next destination with gorgeous, well-rested skin even if you had a long-haul flight.
