Way up high in the sky your skin goes to battle with re-circulated dry air and an extra dose of sunlight. These elements leave skin near lifeless by the time you land. Never fear! We have suggestions to save your skin (all 3.4 oz or less of course).
Airplanes have low-humidity. Drinking water and avoiding alcoholic beverages can help retain moisture, but it only goes so far. Additionally, daytime flyers are exposed to UVA – aging rays (all glass will filter UVB (burning) rays). An airplane’s proximity to the sun intensifies UVA exposure. The American Optometric Association estimates a 4% increase in UV radiation with every 1000 feet of elevation, and most commercial aircrafts fly between 30,000 to 40,000 feet above ground. Holly extra UVA!
Step off the plane looking and feeling great by keeping these simple tips and products in mind:
SUNSCREEN
Your number one skin saver should be sunscreen. Not only are most sunscreens moisturizing, but they’ll help prevent skin from absorbing aging rays!
Our favorite moisturizing sunscreens:
Cotz Face SPF 40, 1.5 oz. (matte finish) – $20
Blue Lizard SPF 30+ Face, 3 oz. – $10
Badger Unscented SPF 34, 2.9 oz. – $16
SUNGLASSES
If UVA reaches your skin, it reaches your eyes too. Look for shades that block 100% of UVA and UVB or are rated UV400. Sunglasses may help keep your eyes moist too!
Coolibar UV Sunglasses – $49 to $119
LIP PROTECTION
Your lips have some of the thinnest skin on your body. Because lips do not contain oil glands, they tend to dry out easily and become chapped. Additionally, the sun only causes chapped lips to worsen. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends applying a lip balm or lipstick that contains sunscreen rated SPF 15 or higher.
Our favorite SPF lip balms:
Vanicream Lip Protectant SPF 30, 0.35 oz. – $5
CoTZ Lips SPF 45, 0.14 oz. – $7
LOTION OR HYDRATING MIST
Spritzing will help your skin stay moist temporarily, but it’s not a necessity. Future Derm beauty blogger Nicki Zevola and guest blogger Jana Levin have two varying opinions on when to use hydrating mist. 1) Before take-off lightly spray the mist on your face and apply sunscreen over top; or 2) when arriving at your final destination remove all makeup and sunscreen, give your skin a spritz and then reapply sunscreen.
Our favorite hydrating products:
Blue Lizard Sorbolene Cream, 2 oz. – $14
Galen Labs Hydrosols (travel size 5 pack) – $16.99
Colorescience Pro Achromatherapy Gem Spritzers, 4 oz. (you’ll have to use this one before or after travel) – $10 to $35
Soothing Travels!
2 Comments
Devra
I was traveling once and the sun was coming through the window and the stewardess wouldn’t let me close the shade during take off. Good thing I had one of my Dri-Suntech jackets with me-light and easy to travel with-Devra
aoberg
Thanks for sharing Devra!