I absolutely love exploring other countries and am always heading off to sunnier climates for relaxing breaks – but to put it bluntly I absolutely hate to fly! Since having children I am absolutely petrified of flying and always work myself up into an utter frenzy before and during a flight. Not only that but let’s face it – there is nothing glamorous about flying; sitting wedged in a tiny seat for hours with a TV screen inches away from your face with every bit of moisture being sucked out of your skin and every part of your body swelling up like a balloon.
At 30,000 feet the air can be likened to the humidity of a desert – it is incredibly dry and humidity in a cabin is around 20 percent. My skin is most comfortable when the humidity is between 40 and 70 percent so in the cabin it dramatically dries up and often becomes red and flaky. On top of that, when the skin thinks it is dry it tries to counteract that feeling by increasing oil production so I often walk off a plane with a really shiny complexion.
Aeroplanes tend to be pressurized between 6,000 to 8,000 feet, (which is the equivalent to what you might feel if you were standing on top of a mountain) and so there is less blood flow to the skin and this can definitely steal a healthy glow!
And add to that my intense anxiety of flying and of course my cortisol levels are elevated and this triggers an elevated blood sugar level which, via a process called glycation, will damage my collagen and elastin, and I know I will disembark looking a good few years older.
So what are the best defences to use before, during and post flight? My first rule of thumb is to choose comfort over appearance! Flat shoes, loose comfortable clothing, make-up free, and a packed travel size mini cleanser, toner and moisturiser are absolute musts and the top of the list.
Here are my top tips for staying ‘skin savvy’ when travelling.
THE NIGHT BEFORE:
At 30,000 feet the air can be likened to the humidity of a desert – it is incredibly dry and humidity in a cabin is around 20 percent. My skin is most comfortable when the humidity is between 40 and 70 percent so in the cabin it dramatically dries up and often becomes red and flaky. On top of that, when the skin thinks it is dry it tries to counteract that feeling by increasing oil production so I often walk off a plane with a really shiny complexion.
Aeroplanes tend to be pressurized between 6,000 to 8,000 feet, (which is the equivalent to what you might feel if you were standing on top of a mountain) and so there is less blood flow to the skin and this can definitely steal a healthy glow!
And add to that my intense anxiety of flying and of course my cortisol levels are elevated and this triggers an elevated blood sugar level which, via a process called glycation, will damage my collagen and elastin, and I know I will disembark looking a good few years older.
So what are the best defences to use before, during and post flight? My first rule of thumb is to choose comfort over appearance! Flat shoes, loose comfortable clothing, make-up free, and a packed travel size mini cleanser, toner and moisturiser are absolute musts and the top of the list.
Here are my top tips for staying ‘skin savvy’ when travelling.
THE NIGHT BEFORE:
1. Always exfoliate and apply a moisturising mask the night before you fly. Exfoliation is key to removing dead skin cells that build up on the surface of the skin on a daily basis.
2. Follow with a face mask rich in Hyaluronic Acid and or Marine Collagen to increase moisture levels and form a protective blanket over the skin’s surface.
Gatineau’s Radiance Enhancing Gommage is packed with AHA’s to gently melt away dead skin cells. Team this with our Melatogenine Futur Plus Anti-wrinkle Radiance Mask which is collagen-rich to moisturise and plump the skin.
BEFORE DEPARTURE:
BEFORE DEPARTURE:
1. Keep make-up to a minimum! Perform a double cleanse and moisturise the skin before you fly and get on the plane with clean, makeup-free skin. The double cleanse removes all surface impurities, dead skin cells and toxins, allowing the skin to breathe.
2. Don't skip an SPF. You're being exposed to UV rays through plane windows, so wear a moisturiser with SPF to protect the skin throughout the journey.
Gatineau’s Gentle Silk Cleanser and Gentle Silk Toner are salon grade formulas enriched with softening cotton and silk extracts to perfectly cleanse the skin.
IN FLIGHT:
IN FLIGHT:
1. Stick to water. Alcohol and coffee might seem appealing but water is the best way to maintain hydration levels.
2. Mid-flight, refresh and rehydrate your skin by re-cleansing and toning it. Apply an anti-ageing moisturiser to keep it supple and soft.
3. Apply a protective lip treatment throughout the flight to keep lips hydrated, soft and comfortable. Lips are notorious for being incredibly vulnerable and can easily become dry and cracked.
4. If you feel your eyes drying out on the plane pop some Collagene Expert Eye Compresses directly underneath them and leave on for 30 minutes. The collagen solution will bathe the skin, cooling and refreshing the area and reducing puffiness.
Gatineau’s Age Benefit Integral Regenerating Cream is a premium anti-ageing cream which corrects all visible signs of ageing and offers long lasting hydration.
DefiLift 3D Revolumising Lip Care is packed with encapsulated Hyaluronic Acid spheres for long lasting comfort and Lavender to soothe irritation.
ON ARRIVAL:
Now it is time to finally unpack and relax! The skin has survived its journey and now just needs a little bit of recuperation.
DefiLift 3D Revolumising Lip Care is packed with encapsulated Hyaluronic Acid spheres for long lasting comfort and Lavender to soothe irritation.
ON ARRIVAL:
Now it is time to finally unpack and relax! The skin has survived its journey and now just needs a little bit of recuperation.
1. Although it might sound tedious I would always cleanse the skin once more on arrival – toxic air in planes is recirculated and these toxins will cling to the skin and the inside of the pores. You’ll be surprised at how dirty it might be.
2. As a final skin treat, apply your face mask and leave it on overnight – this will restore moisture levels, comfort and radiance; your skin will definitely think the holiday has begun!
Bon voyage!
Lucy x
See our new Travel Beauty Box here http://bit.ly/Travel-Beauty-Box
Lucy x
See our new Travel Beauty Box here http://bit.ly/Travel-Beauty-Box