Overseas flights can be exhausting and leave you frustrated when it comes to how your skin looks and feels once you reach your destination. Due to their low humidity levels, airplane cabins can result in dryness and breakouts for everyone. The good news is that there are practical tips you can implement to help your skin feel better during and after your long flight. Healthier skin is important and can boost your confidence and comfort as you disembark, knowing that you look refreshed.
#1 Moisturize
Between the altitude and the cabin ventilation, flying on a plane means that the air is very dry, which can cause problems for all skin types. It can aggravate flaking issues for those with dry skin or lead to breakouts even for people with combination or oily skin.
Keeping your skin care routine consistent can avoid unexpected reactions to a new ingredient or product. If you are not able to use your usual moisturizer, you can opt for one that includes hyaluronic acid. This substance that your body naturally produces has strong hydrating qualities.
You do not want to forget to take care of your lips! When you are dehydrated, they can chap and crack, causing an unsightly appearance and possibly pain. Make sure to pack a nourishing lip balm in your carry-on to apply several times during your flight.
#2 Wear Sunscreen
UV rays can be very damaging to your skin and are a leading cause of skin cancer. When you spend hours in a plane, you should make sure to wear sunscreen, especially at a high altitude. Make sure to wear a sunscreen with at least an SPF 30 and reapply as necessary. This goes a long way in keeping your skin moisturized as it locks hydration in and supports your general health.
If possible, book a window seat because it allows you to control the shade, which is especially important if you fly long-distance on a regular basis.
#3 Hydrate
Staying hydrated during a long flight is key to avoiding headaches, upset digestion, and skin concerns. Prioritizing water and certain warm drinks like hot water with lemon or ginger, or herbal tea can maintain your hydration throughout the flight. You should however avoid alcohol, caffeine, or sugary drinks.
Although regular bathroom breaks can be frustrating, they are practical opportunities to stretch your legs and move your body. Avoiding sitting for the whole flight helps with your blood circulation and can reduce the risk of back pain and muscle cramps.
#4 Skip Plane Food
Plane food can easily lead to breakouts and other skin inflammation due to its lack of nutritional value and highly processed nature. Choosing to eat adequate food before and after your flight can make a positive difference in not only your skin health but your digestive function and energy levels.
You should avoid the following during the 24 hours leading to an oversea flight:
- Alcohol
- Caffeine
- Heavy or spicy foods
- Processed foods
If you need a snack before boarding, you may consider whole wheat crackers, oatmeal, or bananas for filling options that are easy on your digestive system and skin.
What is skin elasticity?
Skin elasticity is really as simple as it sounds. It’s the skin’s ability to snap back to its original state after it’s stretched like when we make a facial expression or get a bit aggressive when applying our skincare routine. Loss of elasticity in the skin causes the skin to sag as it becomes harder for it to bounce back into position, and fine lines and wrinkles form as a result.
Our skin contains three layers, and the dermis, which is the middle layer, contains two proteins known as elastin and collagen that make up the skin’s elasticity. The more elastin and collagen you have in the skin, the more elasticity it’ll have.
Elastin VS collagen
Although elastin and collagen work as a team to maintain skin elasticity, they have different job roles. Elastin allows the skin to perform like a rubber band and tightens the skin, whereas collagen is more like a foundation to hold its shape and adds volume which smooths over fine lines and wrinkles.
How can I maintain skin elasticity?
ADD VITAMIN C TO YOUR DIET & SKINCARE ROUTINE – Vitamin C can increase skin elasticity as it’s an antioxidant that can stabilise free radicals and reduce the breakdown of collagen and elastin caused by environmental stressors, such as UV rays and pollution. To really load up on Vit c, make sure to include it in both your diet and skincare routine.
AVOID LONG PERIODS OF DIRECT SUN EXPOSURE – Now you know that UV rays destroy collagen and elastin, you can easily prevent the skin from losing elasticity just by knowing when to step into the shade. And if it’s unavoidable, slap on a minimum of SPF 30 sunscreen for antioxidant protection.
WATCH YOUR SUGAR INTAKE – Yup, your Krispy Kreme doughnut obsession has gotta go. When we eat or drink high amounts of sugar, our body breaks it down into glucose and carbohydrates, dramatically boosting our insulin levels. This causes a sudden burst of inflammation which can suffocate and destroy collagen and elastin fibres, fast-forwarding loss of skin elasticity. Repeat after us: a doughnut a day keeps skin elasticity away.
How can I improve my skin elasticity?
Collagen supplements. Collagen is a protein found in the skin's connective tissues. ... Retinol and retinoids. Retinol is a form of vitamin A. ... Hyaluronic acid. ... Genistein isoflavones. ... Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) ... Witch hazel extract. ... Cocoa flavanols. ... Laser treatments.
