Hot Topic: Summer Skin

Posted on 16th June 2016

Travel Tips for the Skin

As I type this, I’m feeling all gloomy – I’ve just returned from my holidays and trying hard not to feel jealous of those people yet to head off on holidays and still planning every fun excursion and cocktail. And now my suitcases are gathering dust until 2017, let me just say that packing is NOT a chore, it’s a pleasure!

But before you go, I do have some useful advice for you, and that’s regarding taking care of the skin as you travel to your chosen location. We all know about the importance of SPF on a sun holiday, but did you know that the skin must be cared for on the flight itself too? Here are my top 20 tips for protecting the skin as you travel, and a few for after you land.

Top 20 Skin Rules

Keep hydrated with water and essential fatty acids/fish oils to keep the skin’s moisture levels up. This means the skin is plumped and protected against the elements, and is also able to resist the atmospheric changes and air con as a result.
Use a water spritz to keep the skin hydrated throughout. The cabin air will crave the moisture from the spritz, so make sure you spray twice!
Decant your favourite hydrating mask into a pot to carry on board to treat the skin throughout the flight – go on, be that diva!
Drinking water does not really do much for the skin, but it is vital to hydrate cells.
Use cooling anti-inflammatory eye pads to keep the delicate eye area balanced throughout the flight, as they are prone to inflammation due to altitude.
Many suggest using eye drops to keep the eye lubricated throughout, but be sure to seek optician approval first.
Wear minimal makeup, and what makeup you do wear, make sure it is non comodogenic, aka non-pore clogging.
Due to the lack of moisture in the air, the skin may produce more oil if you do not keep it hydrated throughout, so be aware of spots!
Wear cotton clothing so the skin is not chafed and irritated while seated for a long time.
You must wear SPF on flights, as UVA rays beam through those windows with a vengeance; in fact, it has been suggested that pilots are deemed at a higher risk of skin cancer – so be careful. Perhaps the aisle seat is a better choice after all!
A €2 size of SPF must be applied for the face and neck area as a minimum guideline application size.
Remember that SPF is not fool-proof, it is a protective shield NOT a guarantee; the onus is on us to be sun smart.
Over-apply SPF rather than under-apply – have you ever heard a happy skin cancer story or a thickened wrinkled skin that wishes it didn’t cover up all those years ago?
Regardless of the factor and the skin colour reapply your SPF every two hours – remember that the skin is an organ.
Antioxidants fight against the free radicals contained in sun, food and drinks we may be exposed to (and love!) while in holiday mode, so applying a cascade of them topically underneath the SPF daily is ideal for ultra protection.
We are prone to more pigmentation while we are abroad thanks to excessive burning rays and UVB rays, so use products that prevent the development and excitement of over-excited pigment cells.
Remember that you are 40 per cent more likely to burn after a prolonged period of exposure to water, i.e waterparks or swimming
Once landed, use a light exfoliating product to lift the debris, bacteria, dry skin cells and oil from the surface of the skin to prevent them residing there for too long.
If you do burn, allow the heat to escape from the skin; do not occlude it with heavy creams and yoghurts!
Be wary of glycolic acid, kojic acid and salicylic acid overload in the days pre, during and post holidays. On the other hand, hyaluronic acid will be your best friend, as this hydrates and mimics the skin’s naturally hydrating ability.