During an airplane trip, especially if it is a long-distance journey, our skin faces several problems, mainly these: low air humidity, changes in atmospheric pressure inside the cabin and the effects of air conditioning for long hours. Marta Alcalde, member of the Dermopharmacy and Health Products of the COF of Barcelona , explains in detail each of them:
- Studies have been carried out in which it has been seen that after two hours of flight the relative humidity levels can decrease to levels below 10%. This generates in our skin a dehydration of the stratum corneum, which results in a feeling of dryness and itching. These manifestations on the skin and mucosa begin to manifest themselves three or four hours after the start of the flight.
- These effects on transoceanic travel are accentuated by exposure to air conditioningfor long periods. In particularly sensitive people , redness and even acne may appear . Pathologies such as rosacea can be aggravated in these circumstances.
- Pressure changes also cause skin problems. As altitude increases, atmospheric pressure decreases and this causes the air to have less oxygen. The cabins are pressurized, but even so, the oxygen levels are not the same as on dry land. This, together with the aforementioned, makes our skin feel dehydrated, small wrinkles are formed and the face looks dull.
Why you should avoid traveling with makeup skin
It is better to fly with clean skin and without makeup, since, according to the Mayor, “makeup usually has a high content in covering products such as talc or mineral pigments such as titanium or zinc dioxide, than in the circumstances that generated during flight can block the sebaceous glands, making the skin more congested, dull and the effects of dehydration even more noticeable. ”
Should I bring a product to apply during the trip?
The member of the Dermopharmacy of the COF of Barcelona affirms that on long flights it is appropriate to carry a moisturizing cream or serum rich in hyaluronic acid to apply regularly. It is also advisable to wear a specific lipstick for the hydration of this mucosa, since it is the first that is affected by the lack of moisture . A gel is suitable for the eye contour area , which, while providing freshness and hydration, helps us to decongest and achieve a much more rested look.
In addition, “hot springs are suitable for their calming, desensitizing and softening effect, so it is useful to carry them in your hand bag to be able to spray them frequently on the face,” he adds. “The ocular mucosa also suffers from the effects of dryness and low humidity; therefore, it is convenient to take some moisturizing eye drops and apply it with a certain periodicity ”.
Diet, hydration and its influence on the skin
It is important that during the trip a high consumption of liquids is made, especially water. “It is preferable to avoid carbonated and sugary drinks, which will always make us retain more liquids and be more bloated,” recalls the expert.
As for food, it is advisable that they are not very heavy and that irritants such as spicy, coffee, alcoholic beverages are avoided as far as possible … Foods rich in salt are also not advisable because they increase fluid retention .
In this type of travel, it is even important to prepare hydration a few days before and to suppress the consumption of foods that can alter the digestive system, such as hot, alcohol, theine and caffeine. It is advisable to decrease the intake of salt and make sure to drink at least a liter and a half of water in the previous days.
Performing moderate physical exercise the days before the flight is also convenient for activating skin circulation.
Jet lag and skin health
” Jet lag acts on our skin and throughout our body causing great destabilization. Night is very important for the skin’s life cycle because it is the time when it regenerates. Collagen and elastin fibers are repaired and manufactured , which provide flexibility and firmness to the skin; the microcirculation is increased and the melatonin that is excreted has a protective effect on cells from oxidative stress, “says the pharmacist.
As during the trip we do not have this phase of sleep due to the change in time zones, the skin cannot regenerate and that shows. Thus, it is convenient that when you arrive at the destination you try to regularize the sleep cycle as quickly as possible.
Special care at the destination
Upon arrival, it is important to restore the hydration of our skin. Therefore, it would be advisable to carry out a good deep cleaning first and then apply a moisturizing mask that will restore the lost water content. The masks can have, in addition to moisturizing actives, other calming and illuminating agents that help to recover skin tone after the flight.
For the hair
The hair, like the face, shows the fatigue accumulated after long hours of travel. During the entire trip the hair will be in continuous rubbing with the seat, this will make its appearance not beautiful at the end of the journey. Also, if the hair is dry, it can be further dried after the trip. Therefore, it is recommended to use products that nourish and hydrate it.
