As we soar to new destinations, our journey offers more than just a change of scenery—it presents a unique moment to cater to our skin, ensuring it remains hydrated and protected miles above sea level. The charm of turning our cabin seat into a personal spa, complete with indulgent treatments, is becoming increasingly popular. Yet, navigating skincare at 33,000 feet requires expert guidance. To unveil the secrets of effective in-flight skincare, we consulted with renowned dermatologists, Dr. Samantha Mitchell and Dr. Ada Kikam, who shared their wisdom on nurturing our skin while amidst the clouds.
Understanding the Importance of In-Flight Skincare
Flying might not immediately seem like the ideal setting for a beauty regimen. The airplane’s enclosed space, with its recycled air and close quarters, poses unique challenges for maintaining skin health. However, these factors precisely highlight the need for a mindful skincare approach during flights.
The air in plane cabins is exceptionally dry, with humidity levels drastically lower than what our skin prefers, leading to potential dehydration. This condition is especially pertinent on long-haul flights, requiring travelers to prioritize moisturizing products. For shorter trips, a thorough pre-flight skincare routine emphasizing cleansing, hydration, and sunscreen application is recommended by Dr. Kikam to safeguard skin’s vitality.
Key Focuses for High-Altitude Skincare
Amidst the reduced cabin humidity, maintaining skin hydration emerges as the primary goal. Additionally, flying closer to the sun’s rays, particularly through plane windows, increases exposure to UVA light, underscoring the need for diligent sunscreen use to prevent photoaging.
Selecting the Right Products for the Sky
While exfoliation plays a crucial role in our ground-level skincare routines, the air up high calls for gentler care. Avoiding strong desiccants and harsh treatments that could amplify the cabin’s drying effects on the skin is advisable. The focus should remain on nurturing and protecting the skin from the unique environmental stressors of air travel.
Ideal Times and Places for Your Skincare Ritual
The compact and less-than-sterile airplane lavatories are far from the perfect spots for skincare. To circumvent using potentially contaminated tap water, opt for micellar water or pre-moistened wipes for cleansing.
When to indulge in your skincare routine is a matter of personal preference and travel itinerary. Initiating your regimen early in the flight suits those looking to relax and sleep, allowing them to wake up refreshed. For travelers with immediate engagements upon landing, a beauty session towards the end of the flight ensures you arrive glowing and prepared for the day ahead.
Leveraging travel time as an opportunity for skincare is both feasible and beneficial. With a focus on moisturization, sun protection, and practical application, your high-altitude beauty routine can ensure that your skin remains a priority, helping you to disembark feeling and looking your best, ready for the adventures that await.