Whether you’re planning on escaping the colder Australian months to explore the whitewashed alleys of Santorini or lounge beachside in the Maldives, if a long-haul flight is on your itinerary, you need to ensure that your in-flight skin care routine is well taken care of.
As seasoned travellers will know, air travel can wreak havoc on your skin due to the lack of humidity in the air. If you don’t act ahead of time, the dry cabin air can leave your skin feeling puffy, dehydrated and dull. To help you look and feel your best when you step off the plane, here are ten tips for a healthy in-flight beauty routine using natural skin care products that will keep your skin radiant and hydrated.
1. Sanitise your hands
Always start your flight with an antibacterial hand sanitiser to stay germ-free, especially if you’re applying your skin care products with your bare hands. To prevent your hands from feeling dry, use an alcohol-free sanitiser packed with hydrating ingredients like vitamin E, jojoba oil and aloe vera.
2. Remove your makeup
Wash off any makeup you may have on your face and neck using warm water and a gentle, nourishing cleanser. Avoid harsh cleansers that will strip and over-exfoliate your skin. Instead, opt for a soap- and fragrance-free cleanser to gently remove dirt and debris, leaving your skin feeling comfortably clean. Look out for formulas that are enriched with natural oils and extracts to help soothe your skin and leave moisture intact as you cleanse.
3. Use a facial spray
Mist your face with a facial spray to revive tired and sallow skin. Spritzing your face regularly throughout the flight is the easiest way to ensure that your skin stays hydrated until you reach your destination. Reach for facial sprays that contain soothing ingredients like aloe vera and vitamin E. Gel sprays work particularly well to provide instant relief to irritated and dehydrated skin.
4. Apply moisturiser
Use a suitable moisturiser for your unique skin type to lock in moisture and combat the dry, air-conditioned cabin air. For oily, blemish prone skin types, try moisturising your skin with a natural hydrator like pure aloe vera gel. For dry and sensitive skin types prone to tightness, use a moisturiser containing shea butter and chamomile for lightweight yet effective hydration. Layer an organic facial oil on top of your moisturiser for an extra boost of hydration. Stay clear of heavy products that can leave your skin feeling greasy, and avoid pore-clogging ingredients such as mineral oil and petrolatum.
5. Nourish with oil
Using a facial oil while in the air is a wonderful way to intensely nourish your skin. Lightweight oils such as organic rosehip oil and jojoba oil are great options to help keep your skin moisturised throughout your flight. To ensure an even application, apply three to four drops of facial oil on the palms of your hands and press gently into your skin. You can even give yourself a facial massage using the oil to pamper yourself and keep you relaxed.
6. Don’t skip sunscreen
Applying sunscreen is a crucial step when you’re flying in the daytime. Not only are the UV rays much stronger since you’re closer to the sun, but the sun’s rays can also penetrate the airplane windows easily and cause sun damage to your skin. To protect your skin from harmful UV rays, use a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 and above, reapplying it regularly throughout your flight. Using a moisturiser containing antioxidants like vitamin E in conjunction with your sunscreen will take your sun protection regimen to the next level.
7. Use a hydrating lip balm
Round off your in-flight skin care routine with a good lip balm to prevent chapped lips. Look for moisture replenishing ingredients in your lip balm including coconut oil, shea butter and cocoa butter to ensure that your lips remain soft and supple. An organic, petrolatum-free paw paw ointment is a great and safe choice for moisturising dry lips. It can also work as a multipurpose balm to soothe other areas prone to dryness, such as your cuticles, knees and elbows.
8. Choose your food and beverages wisely
It is important to stay hydrated from the inside to prevent your skin from drying out on the flight. Avoid alcohol, caffeine and soda as they can be dehydrating. Instead, choose to drink plenty of water or opt for herbal teas. As overly greasy and salty foods can encourage water retention and make your skin look puffy, opt for healthier items such as fruit and unsalted nuts.
9. Get some sleep
Sleep is necessary to maintaining a clear complexion. Try to make yourself as relaxed as possible by listening to soothing music, putting on a comfortable pair of socks or draping a soft shawl around your neck. As light exposure can keep you from drifting off to sleep, turn off all electronic devices and close the shade on the airplane window. Wearing an eye mask and ear plugs can also be an effective way of keeping out light and noise to ensure a restful sleep.
10. If you plan on wearing makeup
It is always a good idea to fly with clean, makeup-free skin, but if you decide to wear makeup on the airplane, use mineral or non-comedogenic products like a lightweight tinted moisturiser that will provide a little bit of coverage and keep your skin hydrated at the same time.
So, the next time you hop on the plane to your next destination, be sure to keep these in-flight skin care tips in mind. Pack natural skin care products in your carry-on bag and use them to prevent the harsh cabin air from causing any unwanted effects on your skin.
At Natralus, we’ve developed a range of all-natural, cruelty-free skin care products free from parabens, chemicals and petroleum. We use ingredients sourced from local organic farms in Australia, guaranteeing you and your loved ones the best, high quality ingredients in our products. Our formulations are designed to provide effective, lasting results on your skin.
