If you are lucky enough to be traveling anytime soon, or are just daydreaming about jet setting to Tahiti, be aware that traveling can take its toll on your skin. Here are my beauty and skin care tips for when you are flying sky high.
Hydrate: Make sure you drink plenty of water before and during your flight. When you are properly hydrated you feel less sluggish, and this will help you beat the jet lag. When you do not feel 100% it shows on the outside. The cabin pressure within the plane can lead to bloating and swelling of the fingers and toes, so opt for water and fruit, over soda and salty snacks.
Moisturize: There is almost no humidity within the cabin of a plane. That means the air circulating around you is pulling moisture from your skin, eyes and mucous membranes.
Apply a lotion or cream to your entire face and body prior to your flight and re-apply often while on board. Choose products with humectants, meaning they draw in and retain moisture. If you suffer from oily skin, don’t falsely believe that the dry air from your flight is doing your pores any favors. You still need hydration if you have oily and acne prone skin. Your skin will go into overdrive and produce even more oil to make up for the lack of moisture. While I am a huge fan of facial mists year round, there is speculation on whether or not using these mid-flight will lead to further surface moisture loss from your skin when the cabin air evaporates the water. So just to be safe, save your hydrating spray for when you arrive to your destination for an instant pick me up.
Decreased moisture within your throat and nasal cavity can increase your chances of catching a cold or the flu. Viruses have a much easier time embedding into airways when there is less moisture and mucus creating a protective barrier. A saline spray may be a good option for those who are prone to sore throat and or nosebleeds during flights.
Avoid Makeup: Anyone who knows me, as a makeup artist and makeup addict will not believe I just wrote that! The truth is I have oily skin and large pores so I dread a public face sans foundation, but any time I have worn a full face of makeup on a flight, it looks horrific by the time I land. My foundation will crack and oxidize, turning darker because of my increased oil production, my well-defined brows will have faded and my mascara will have left dark smears on my oily eyelids. I suggest opting for just a facial moisturizer, BB or CC cream and a tinted lip balm, that is it! Just accessorize with an over sized pair of sunglasses and you will not feel the need for eye makeup. Keep a pouch of essentials- mineral powder, mascara, blush and perhaps a bright lipstick in your carry-on so you can apply after your arrival.
Protect your Hair: If you have longer locks, never wear them down during a flight. When your hair is down there is greater surface area for moisture to escape from. Treat your hair with nourishing oil and either braid it, put it in a topknot or a sock bun. For another layer of protection wear a handkerchief or a silky scarf tied into a turban around your head.
Sun Protection: The debate on whether or not an aisle or window seat is better is very simple to me. I always request a window seat, not for the view, it is so I can pull the window shade completely down. While the rules of etiquette may not be set in stone when it comes to who’s arm rest belongs to who, it is cut and dry when it comes to the window- whomever sits next to it, is in control of it. Remember you are not on the surface of the earth anymore and the intensity of UV exposure increases with elevation. In your approved quart size bag, containing 3oz containers, there must be a sunscreen, preferably with an SPF of 30. As always choose a sunscreen that states it is broad spectrum or has a high PA+++ rating. Don’t forget to apply sun-protection to the sides of your face, neck, ears and hands as these areas often go over looked. Make sure your carry-on lip balm contains sunscreen. Those oversized sunglasses are not just for hiding your lack of eye makeup; they are protecting your retinas from damage and preventing crow’s feet.
These tips should have you feeling ready to embark upon your next trip. Your suitcase is packed, your skin is prepped and you will be departing with everyone wondering - Who is that woman with the headscarf, dark shades and GORGEOUS skin?!
Blog Written by askderm's in house Esthetician Chantal Monique
Chantal Monique is a NYS licensed Esthetician and Makeup Artist. She has 7 years experience in skin care and makeup artistry. Her specialties include makeup application and facial treatments, her work has included upscale clientele, a private investigator undercover and independent film work. Chantal also has a background in the Fine Arts. With the unique combination of her education as well as the desire to help people feel beautiful, Chantal provides expert skin care knowledge for our customers as well as the must have ingredients and trending looks. With an ever growing portfolio and clientele askderm is excited to be teamed up with Chantal for future blogs, informational videos and skin care tips!
Hydrate: Make sure you drink plenty of water before and during your flight. When you are properly hydrated you feel less sluggish, and this will help you beat the jet lag. When you do not feel 100% it shows on the outside. The cabin pressure within the plane can lead to bloating and swelling of the fingers and toes, so opt for water and fruit, over soda and salty snacks.
Moisturize: There is almost no humidity within the cabin of a plane. That means the air circulating around you is pulling moisture from your skin, eyes and mucous membranes.
Apply a lotion or cream to your entire face and body prior to your flight and re-apply often while on board. Choose products with humectants, meaning they draw in and retain moisture. If you suffer from oily skin, don’t falsely believe that the dry air from your flight is doing your pores any favors. You still need hydration if you have oily and acne prone skin. Your skin will go into overdrive and produce even more oil to make up for the lack of moisture. While I am a huge fan of facial mists year round, there is speculation on whether or not using these mid-flight will lead to further surface moisture loss from your skin when the cabin air evaporates the water. So just to be safe, save your hydrating spray for when you arrive to your destination for an instant pick me up.
Decreased moisture within your throat and nasal cavity can increase your chances of catching a cold or the flu. Viruses have a much easier time embedding into airways when there is less moisture and mucus creating a protective barrier. A saline spray may be a good option for those who are prone to sore throat and or nosebleeds during flights.
Avoid Makeup: Anyone who knows me, as a makeup artist and makeup addict will not believe I just wrote that! The truth is I have oily skin and large pores so I dread a public face sans foundation, but any time I have worn a full face of makeup on a flight, it looks horrific by the time I land. My foundation will crack and oxidize, turning darker because of my increased oil production, my well-defined brows will have faded and my mascara will have left dark smears on my oily eyelids. I suggest opting for just a facial moisturizer, BB or CC cream and a tinted lip balm, that is it! Just accessorize with an over sized pair of sunglasses and you will not feel the need for eye makeup. Keep a pouch of essentials- mineral powder, mascara, blush and perhaps a bright lipstick in your carry-on so you can apply after your arrival.
Protect your Hair: If you have longer locks, never wear them down during a flight. When your hair is down there is greater surface area for moisture to escape from. Treat your hair with nourishing oil and either braid it, put it in a topknot or a sock bun. For another layer of protection wear a handkerchief or a silky scarf tied into a turban around your head.
Sun Protection: The debate on whether or not an aisle or window seat is better is very simple to me. I always request a window seat, not for the view, it is so I can pull the window shade completely down. While the rules of etiquette may not be set in stone when it comes to who’s arm rest belongs to who, it is cut and dry when it comes to the window- whomever sits next to it, is in control of it. Remember you are not on the surface of the earth anymore and the intensity of UV exposure increases with elevation. In your approved quart size bag, containing 3oz containers, there must be a sunscreen, preferably with an SPF of 30. As always choose a sunscreen that states it is broad spectrum or has a high PA+++ rating. Don’t forget to apply sun-protection to the sides of your face, neck, ears and hands as these areas often go over looked. Make sure your carry-on lip balm contains sunscreen. Those oversized sunglasses are not just for hiding your lack of eye makeup; they are protecting your retinas from damage and preventing crow’s feet.
These tips should have you feeling ready to embark upon your next trip. Your suitcase is packed, your skin is prepped and you will be departing with everyone wondering - Who is that woman with the headscarf, dark shades and GORGEOUS skin?!
Chantal Monique is a NYS licensed Esthetician and Makeup Artist. She has 7 years experience in skin care and makeup artistry. Her specialties include makeup application and facial treatments, her work has included upscale clientele, a private investigator undercover and independent film work. Chantal also has a background in the Fine Arts. With the unique combination of her education as well as the desire to help people feel beautiful, Chantal provides expert skin care knowledge for our customers as well as the must have ingredients and trending looks. With an ever growing portfolio and clientele askderm is excited to be teamed up with Chantal for future blogs, informational videos and skin care tips!