Save your skin after flying long haul

When we think of flying long haul, it often triggers our memory of jetlag and imbalances in our sleep pattern for the days (or weeks!) thereafter. What we often forget, is how much our skin can suffer too!

Plane cabins hold air pressure of less than 20% humidity, which means that the air lacks moisture (a little scary when you consider our skin is most comfortable when the humidity is between 40 to 70%). Because of the dry conditions, our sebaceous glands, which produce the skin’s natural oils, will work in overtime.

Do you have oily skin? This could mean a few breakouts will pop up after you land.

Or do you sit more in the category of dry skin? If so, you may find that flying has worsened it.

Here are our top 4 tips for post-flying skincare recovery:

Credit: Photo by Rémi Bertogliati on Unsplash

1. Hydration is the most important

When your body is in a stressed state of not knowing what time of day or night it is, we often forget to drink our usual 2 litres of water.

Pop a water bottle on your bedside table and carry one with you for the next few days as you get back into the timezone. Also make sure to avoid drinking alcohol, which will only dehydrate you further.

Credit: Photo by Francesca Hotchin on Unsplash

2. Book in for a facial

As well as pretending you are still on holidays, booking in for a facial is also a fantastic idea that will have your skin cheering. Choose one which is hydrating, soothing and healing, great for anything from sunburn to breakouts.

3. Use a serum or a rich moisturizer

Once you arrive home, ensure to exfoliate thoroughly to remove all of the plane grit (yes, we know you know the feeling!). This will allow your products to better penetrate the skin and feel completely resurfaced. We also recommend using an oil-based serum or a rich moisturiser to restore skin while you get a good night sleep.

4. Get those ZZZs

And just how good is your own bed after a month of bed hopping across different locations (or not much sleep at all)!? Try and switch off all screens an hour before bedtime and aim for at least 8 hours per night. We know this can be extremely difficult with jetlag, so try some calming natural oils like lavender to keep your body in relaxation mode, even if your brain is telling you it’s 2pm at 2am!