It’s finally summer holiday time! At Aesthetic Skin Clinic, we understand how exciting and rejuvenating a holiday can be. It’s a chance to relax, unwind, and explore new destinations. However, we also know that travelling can take a toll on your skin. The changes in climate, exposure to dry aeroplane cabins, and the effects of jet lag can all leave your skin feeling dull and dehydrated. That’s why we’ve put together this comprehensive guide to help you prepare your skin for travel and protect it during your flight. We’ll cover everything from skincare essentials and boosting moisture to combating jet lag and choosing the right SPF for your destination.

So, let’s dive in and ensure your skin stays radiant throughout your holiday adventure.

Preparing Your Skin for Travel with Skincare Routine Essentials

Before embarking on your journey, it’s essential to establish a solid skincare routine. This will create a foundation for healthy, glowing skin during your holiday.

Start by cleansing your face with a gentle cleanser to remove impurities and excess oil. Follow this up with a hydrating toner to balance the skin’s pH levels and minimise the appearance of pores. Finally, apply a lightweight moisturiser to keep your skin nourished and protected.

This is a very stripped-back version to help you get started on your skincare journey. Therefore, it’s important to assess your skin concerns and goals to tailor your regime to ensure you get the results you desire. Whether you have naturally dry skin and are concerned about the plane journey, or your skin is oily, and you want to combat shine while abroad, establishing a solid routine will help.

Boosting Skin Hydration Before Your Flight

One of the most common challenges when travelling is maintaining skin hydration. Aeroplane cabins are notoriously dry, leaving your skin feeling tight and dehydrated. To combat this, it’s crucial to focus on boosting your skin’s moisture levels before your flight. For example, consider incorporating a hydrating serum into your skincare routine, rich in ingredients like hyaluronic acid, which can attract and retain moisture in the skin.

Of course, it goes without saying that drinking plenty of water in your daily life (and while on holiday) will help your skin tremendously as it hydrates you from within.

Protecting Your Skin from In-Flight Drying Effects: Must-Try Tips

As mentioned, during a flight, the dry air in the cabin can strip your skin of its natural moisture, leading to dryness and flakiness. Here are our top tips for protecting your skin in-flight:

• Apply a facial mist throughout the flight to keep your skin refreshed and hydrated. Look for a travel-sized mist that contains ingredients like aloe vera or rosewater.
• Avoid using harsh soaps or wipes to cleanse your face during the flight. Instead, opt for gentle cleansing wipes or micellar water to remove any dirt or impurities.
• Apply a lightweight, moisturising cream or face oil to lock in hydration and create a barrier against moisture loss.

If you’ve done the right prep beforehand, such as perfecting your skincare routine, these quick tips should help maintain the results you’ve worked hard to achieve. However, you must note that sometimes dryness cannot be avoided, especially if you’re prone to it naturally.

Combatting Jet Lag Effects on Your Skin

Jet lag can wreak havoc on your skin, leaving it dull and fatigued. To minimise the effects of jet lag, we recommend getting plenty of rest before your flight to allow your body and skin to regenerate. Sleep is one of the many lifestyle choices that impact your skin, and without enough of it, you can experience a long list of side effects, including:

• Dark circles
• Dryness
• Breakouts

Getting off a plane is rarely a rejuvenating experience. After being locked in the cabin for several hours, climbing out of your seat to collect your luggage often comes with feeling stiff and groggy. While there isn’t much we can help with in this area, we can recommend applying a brightening sheet mask during your flight. If you can’t take all your skincare products in your carry-on, a simple sheet mask will help give your skin a radiant boost for when you land.

The Importance of Sun Protection

Sun protection is vital during your holiday, especially when visiting a sunny destination. Prolonged UV exposure without proper protection can lead to sun-damaged skin, with side effects such as sunburn, premature ageing, and even skin cancer. When choosing an SPF, consider the following:

• Look for a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays.
• Opt for a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 for adequate protection.
• Consider the activities you’ll engage in during your holiday, and choose a water-resistant sunscreen if needed.
• To ensure continuous protection, use sunscreen generously and frequently, especially after swimming or sweating.

Please note that although these tips are necessary for proper sun protection, you shouldn’t be afraid of catching the rays on holiday. When our skin is exposed to sunlight, it synthesises vitamin D with the help of UVB rays. The body then converts this inactive form of vitamin D into its active form, which is crucial for various bodily functions. With the right skin protection, some sun exposure is fine; just don’t overdo it and always remember to top up your SPF.

By following these skincare tips and incorporating them into your pre-flight and holiday routine, you’ll be well-prepared to keep your skin glowing and healthy throughout your trip.

Remember, the ASC team is here to journey with you on your skincare adventures. We care deeply about your health and well-being, and our experienced team of cosmetic doctors, surgeons, dermatologists, and aesthetic nurses are dedicated to providing you with the best care possible. Have a wonderful holiday, and don’t forget you can contact us with your skin concerns; we’ll always be happy to assist.