In Flight Skin Care

By Jean Pierre
Pride Skin Care Columnist

With the levelling of the playing field over the pass years for women in executive positions we are seeing a lot more women travelling for work. These women are travelling all over the world and are taking as many trips as their male counterpart. These women also enjoy the power of having a discretionary income and the choice of being able to enjoy and afford more vacations with family and friends.

Women on a whole are concerned about their skin. Frequent flying can place added stress on sensitive and non-sensitive skin due to the effects of high altitude on the skin. This can result in premature aging of the skin. The effects can be noticed after any flight by the feel of tautness to the skin but particularly when flying through more than one time zone.   At high altitudes, the humidity in pressurized cabins are lowered, which result in loss of moisture from the skin to the dry air, leaving the skin taut.

The skin is the largest organ of the body and requires plenty of water to keep it hydrated.   Water topically on the skins surface is very important as this could determine the skin look, feel and texture. Insensible water loss from the body is a continuous process. Generally an adult loses an average of one liter per day. During high altitude water loss could be 50% higher than at sea level. Air at high altitudes is generally cold and the level of moisture in the air low. When this cold air is warmed to cabin temperature the humidity is further lowered.

To assist in combating the hazardous effects of water loss from the skin and body it is advisable to drink plenty of water before and during a flight. When other liquids are consumed they can stimulate the kidneys thus result in excess fluid loss. The consumption of alcohol can further complicate this process by decreasing oxidation in the cells. Due to the fact that high altitude has such an adverse effect on the skin, and also the body, it can reduce the ability of the liver to detoxify the alcohol due to lack of oxygen supply. One alcoholic drink at high altitude equals two to three at sea level. A hang over caused by excessive drinking during a flight is known to last longer than one at home.

Crossing too many time zones can cause Circadian Dysrhythmia (the biological and psychological effect of jet lag) this also can affect the skin due to the fact that it also affects the body’s metabolic processes. Introducing non-smoking flights in the nineties by carriers was a move in the right direction not only because of the medical effects on the body but also its effect on the skin.

Being aware of the above information one should take the utmost care in preparing the skin prior, during and after a flight.

How to Prepare Your Skin

When travelling we all want to look our best but it is always wise not to wear foundation during the flight. Not wearing foundation allows you to care for your skin during the flight.   Eye makeup, mascara, and lipstick can be worn but skin should be left clean and hydrated.  If your lips tend to get dry use a lip balm prior to applying your lipstick and reapply during the flight.

It is best to have a professional facial before you leave home if at all possible or affordable.

>   The day of your trip thoroughly cleanse your skin.

>   Apply toner or freshener.

>   Apply a moisturizing serum to the skin wait a few minutes then apply a moisture cream

>   During the flight mist your face with a facial mist or use a serum or a moisture cream if your skin feels dry.

>   On Arrival to your destination repeat your before flight skin care routine. Your skin will feel good and so will you.

>   Remember to drink plenty of water during your flight and little or no alcohol if possible.

If you fly often this practice will keep you looking younger longer.