With Eid nearly here, many people will be catching flights this weekend, and while globetrotting can be of benefit to our work life and personal experiences, it can often have a detrimental effect on our skin.
Pressurised cabins have low levels of humidity and are very dry places to be for any length of time, making any natural moisture in your skin quickly evaporate. This means that your face, hands and other extremities will start to feel dry and look dull and parched.
What’s more, we all know that travelling can be a stressful time as there are many things to think about and flight times to meet. Stress produces the hormone cortisol, which impacts skin’s ability to function as a barrier and contributes to redness, blotchiness and breakouts. All in all, not a good recipe for perfect skin!
The good news is that it is possible to counteract these negatives effects of air travel with a bit of forward planning. First of all, always go make-up free. As scary as it sounds, flying barefaced will go a long way to ensuring that your skin remains hydrated and can breathe throughout the flight. Also, apply a luxurious moisturiser – Nimue offers terrific options that contain all the essential nutrients your skin needs to keep it hydrated for hours on end.
But the work doesn’t stop when the flight is over! Before arriving at your destination, re-apply your makeup or simply slather on a high factor SPF with UVA and UVB protection for daytime. (A favourite of Harper’s Bazaar Arabia is Nimue’s option!) As you disembark, wear a hat and sunglasses for maximum skin protection. If you have travelled to a hot climate it is a good idea to apply a gorgeous hydrating mask in the evenings, which will replenish any moisture lost during the daytime. Also consider adding a lightweight serum to your skincare regime. Eminence Organic’s Citrus C and Kale serum is rumoured to be a favourite with celebrities such as Meghan Markle and Jessica Biel.
Frequent flying doesn’t need to mean dry or prematurely aged skin. Follow our tips and you will be amazed at how good your skin feels, even after a long haul flight!