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Protect the skin you’re in when you’re in-flight.

Traveling, especially on an airplane, will certainly take a toll on your skin. With just a few simple steps, you can arrive at your final destination with a complexion that looks fabulous and refreshed.

I am so fortunate that I have a job that allows me to travel around the world. I get to spend a lot of time on airplanes and I love it. But there is a downside, and for those of you who travel, you know EXACTLY what I’m talking about. When we fly, our skin goes awry.

Have you ever boarded an airplane looking fabulous and landed looking like you’ve aged 10 years? Well, you’re not alone. Airplane cabins have extremely low humidity that can cause our skin to become dehydrated quickly. The re-circulated dry air in the cabin is on a search for moisture, and that search usually ends with our skin being sucked dry. Not only will dry skin become drier but oily skin can become even oilier. Seems crazy, but it’s true. When skin loses its water, it tends to produce more oil to compensate for the loss. So what can we do to look after our skin? Read on to learn my few simple skincare tips for air travel.

B.Y.O.B.B. – Bring Your Own Beauty Bag

First of all, have a thorough understanding of just what you can and cannot bring with you on your flight. Pack a small clear zip-lock bag with all of your travel essentials, including a hydrating cleanser, moisturizer, lip balm, hand sanitizer and hand cream. The maximum size, based on FTA guidelines is 3.4 ounces (100ml) per product. It is critical for your skin to have your favorite products on hand to apply throughout the flight. So, remember to plan ahead.

Time to strip down

Ladies, do I dare say it? To help our skin, we need to avoid wearing makeup while on an airplane. If you absolutely cannot go bare faced, it’s time to make some compromises. Make sure to avoid any foundation or powders, as they definitely contribute to the drying of the skin. But I see no harm in a bit of mascara and a swipe of lip gloss. When I have to board a flight with a full face on, I always give my skin a quick cleansing in the powder room with a moisturizing cleanser or make-up removing wipes, and then I slip quietly back into my seat—sometimes wearing sunglasses so as not to frighten the other passengers!

Apply, apply and reapply to hydrate and protect your skin

Make sure to have your moisturizer conveniently on hand throughout the flight. This means your products must stay with you and never make it into the overhead bin. The longer the flight, the more frequently you should moisturize. Your skin will thank you.

Don’t forget sunscreen

Seems crazy that we would need to be concerned about the sun’s rays while sitting on an airplane, but think about it: it’s when we are flying that we are the closest to the sun. And, unfortunately, the windows on a plane aren’t capable of filtering out the damaging UV rays. So, wear your moisturizer with SPF, shut the shade and choose an aisle seat over a window seat if you can.

Stay hydrated and drink!

And I don’t mean alcohol! It’s easy to fend off the fear of turbulence with a glass of wine or two, but it’s water that is key in keeping our bodies hydrated while flying. Avoid further dehydration by skipping the alcohol and drinking lots of water. Nutrition expert Susan Bowerman has told me to aim for a glass of water for each hour I’m in the air.

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Join the mile high skincare club!

When you reach your final destination, be sure to give your skin a good cleansing with a gentle facial cleanser or scrub. This will help remove the ugly, dry skin cells and excess oils that may have appeared during the flight. To really get your skin back in tiptop shape, moisturize from head to toe when you get to your hotel room or home.

Be sure to follow these easy skin care tips while traveling. Your skin will look hydrated and refreshed, and no one will ever know by looking at you, that you and your skin have been on a very long journey.