16 May 2024
Written by Vichy Skin Expert, Kasey
Find me on our online skin community, Skin Société!
The importance of skincare when flying
The effects of air travel on the skin
Tips for maintaining healthy skin while flying: what to do and what to avoid
The importance of skincare when flying
Flying can often leave the skin feeling dehydrated and dry due to recirculated air, air conditioning and sitting in a pressurised environment for long periods of time. What’s more, if you don’t stick to your normal skincare routine during a long-haul flight, you’re missing the opportunity to replenish any lost moisture. Another factor many people don’t think about while flying is UV rays which can penetrate glass and reach your skin through aeroplane windows. UV radiation creates oxidative stress and deep damage to the skin if it isn’t adequately protected with broad-spectrum sunscreen. All these factors can compromise the skin’s barrier function and create moisture loss. That’s why using very hydrating skincare on a flight, such as a hydrating serum, moisturiser, and broad-spectrum sunscreen, can help to keep your skin moisturised, protected, and radiant.
The effects of air travel on the skin
Flying can often leave the skin feeling dehydrated and dry due to recirculated air, air conditioning and sitting in a pressurised environment for long periods of time. What’s more, if you don’t stick to your normal skincare routine during a long-haul flight, you’re missing the opportunity to replenish any lost moisture. Another factor many people don’t think about while flying is UV rays which can penetrate glass and reach your skin through aeroplane windows. UV radiation creates oxidative stress and deep damage to the skin if it isn’t adequately protected with broad-spectrum sunscreen. All these factors can compromise the skin’s barrier function and create moisture loss. That’s why using very hydrating skincare on a flight, such as a hydrating serum, moisturiser, and broad-spectrum sunscreen, can help to keep your skin moisturised, protected, and radiant.
Tips for maintaining healthy skin while flying: what to do and what to avoid
- Hydrate the night before: Ensure to use very moisturising products the night before your flight, to reinforce the skin-barrier function and help give your skin an extra boost before taking off.
- Go make-up free: During your flight, dermatologists recommend going minimal with your makeup. This will stop makeup from clogging the pores during the flight, as well as allow you to top up your hydrating and protective skincare as needed.
- Hydrate in-flight: Altitude, lack of oxygen, recirculated air, and air conditioning all stress and dehydrate the skin. That's why we recommend applying products to prevent dehydration to replenish lost moisture and help to keep the skin barrier strong.
- Protect from UV: You might think that broad-spectrum sunscreen isn’t necessary on a flight, but UV radiation is at its highest when you’re at higher altitudes, leaving your skin vulnerable to damage. This is even more vital if you’re flying in a window seat as this increases your exposure and the possibility of sun damage. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen generously to all exposed areas of the skin before your flight and don’t forget to re-apply every few hours. This step will also ensure your skin is protected once you disembark in a sunny destination.
- After flight TLC: Post flight, treat your skin to a gentle exfoliation and a good amount of hydration. We recommend Normaderm 3-1 Cleanser which acts as a cleanser, scrub, and face mask, followed by a hydrating serum such as Minéral 89 Hyaluronic Acid Booster and moisturiser such as Minéral 89 100H Moisture Boosting Cream Rich.
Our recommended routine for flying, with Dermatologist tested skincare to keep your skin hydrated and protected
Discover what Vichy Consultant Dermatologist, Dr. Mary Sommerlad, has to say about our hydrating skincare recommendations.
Step 1: Minéral 89 Booster Serum
Lock in hydration with the Minéral 89 Booster Serum. Its lightweight gel texture uses hyaluronic acid, essential minerals, and our highest concentration of Vichy Volcanic Mineralizing Water to hydrate the skin while repairing skin-barrier function.
“For effective, soothing hydration and suitable for all skin types. I recommend Minéral 89 Hydrating Serum with Hyaluronic Acid.”
Step 2. Minéral 89 100H Moisture Boosting Cream Rich
Follow your serum with Minéral 89 100H Cream to lock in long-lasting moisture. It provides 100 hours of hydration and replenishes the skin barrier whilst hydrating and leaving skin feeling plumped.
“With a sumptuous texture and by combining hyaluronic acid with squalane, lipids and B3, the Vichy Minéral 89 100H Moisture Boosting Cream delivers a long lasting hydration to the skin barrier leaving skin looking more luminous and feeling well soothed and replenished.”
Step 3. Minéral 89 72H Moisture Boosting Daily Fluid SPF50
End your sky-high routine with a generous application of Minéral 89 72H Hyaluronic Acid Daily Fluid SPF50+ sun cream. Repeat application will protect your skin from both UVA and UVB rays as well as hydrating the skin for up to 72 hours. It’s also non-comedogenic so it won’t clog the pores during your flight.
“This deeply hydrating Sunscreen supports the skin barrier by being rich in Hyaluronic acid and squalane. It also contains the soothing antioxidant B3 while maintaining a very high UVB and UVA protection. The 72 hours of hydration provides a soothing sunscreen suitable for all skin types and is particularly beneficial for those who tend to experience dehydrated, easily irritated skin.”
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