A vacation is an exciting time for a family, so you want to be feeling your best! This is why staying hydrated while flying is so important, as it makes such a difference to your energy levels as well as helping to avoid the dreaded jet lag. Keep reading to find out my go-to tips and tricks I’ve picked up over the years.
First, I always take a small makeup bag in my hand luggage with hydrating skincare products for the flight. It is crucial to look after your skin when flying because our skin is quickly introduced to an environment which it is not prepared for.
For example, there is a reduced amount of oxygen, low air pressure, and our sleep cycle often gets disturbed. In addition, the low humidity for long periods is the main factor which causes the hydration status in the outer layer of our skin to worsen. It can lead to dryness, discomfort, tightness and even skin peeling.
In my hand luggage makeup bag I have:
BeautyCounter One-Step Makeup Remover Wipes – An essential if I don’t have time to take my makeup off before the flight, so I can take it off on the journey. These makeup wipes don’t only remove my makeup, they also cleanse skin to unclog pores – which will help to prevent breakouts. The formula is oil free so it will also keep breakouts at bay, and the infusion with aloe vera will provide much needed hydration.
BeautyCounter Nourishing Day Cream – This is a great oil free moisturizer to take on a flight and one you will not regret purchasing. I find moisturizing my skin on a flight reduces the feeling of tightness and prevents dryness and flaky skin – this is due to the day cream containing acai which is a rich antioxidant.
Lip Conditioner In Peppermint – I find the area where I notice the most dryness when flying is my lips. So it is crucial I have this product to provide relief when I need it most.
This lip conditioner is formulated with avocado oil, shea butter, meadowfoam seed oil, and jojoba oil, which provides instant gratification due to its hydrating and soothing properties.
BeautyCounter Nourishing Rose Water Mist – A product I could not fly without especially on a long haul flight. After a nap or hours of flying, spraying this light mist on my face instantly awakens my face and leaves me feeling refreshed.
The formula contains organic rose essence, purified water and sodium hyaluronate – which aims to hydrate the skin. This product can also be used on your holiday over your makeup for an extra glow. Multi purpose products are a favourite of mine!
What else I take in my hand luggage:
A drink – Of course, drinking fluid is your main source of hydration. I always buy the biggest bottle of water I can find at the airport. Often I will get an aloe vera drink too as this is a rich source of antioxidants and vitamins.
If you’re not a fan of aloe vera (it is an acquired taste, you either love or hate it) a good alternative is coconut water. This is rich in potassium (research has shown that a bottle of coconut water contains more potassium than 4 bananas) and it is fat and cholesterol free.
I would recommend avoiding sugary and caffeinated drinks when flying because your body has to work harder to process them and can lead to you losing more water than you gain.
Snacks – I tend to go for fruits such as raspberries and blackberries as they contain less sugars than other fruits, while again providing some extra hydration as well as being packed with antioxidants, that will be leave you feeling good.
Other hydrating foods which work well for inflight snacks include cucumbers, celery, watermelon, tomatoes, and plain yogurt. A 250 gram serving of plain yogurt is made up of over 75% water whilst also providing you with a source of protein and micronutrients such as calcium, potassium and phosphorus.
Health experts often recommend us to drink a certain amount of water per day to meet our hydration needs. However, the water content of foods is often overlooked. While drinking water is important, you are able to consume a significant amount of water through your diet by including a variety of water-rich fruits and vegetables.
An Eye Mask – When flying our sleeping routine is often disturbed and it can be difficult to sleep. For this reason I always pack an eye mask to help me get a few hours sleep so I can wake up feeling refreshed.
Ear plugs – In addition to the eye mask this is another thing which helps me get to sleep. I like to put a calming track on to send me off into a peaceful sleep, while blocking the noise of the plane out (there’s always a screaming baby nearby!).
A Detangling Hair Brush – A necessary item after a long haul flight to stop you looking like you’ve been pulled through a bush backwards as they say.
A Mini Deodorant/Body Spray – Another essential to help to freshen you up and hide the fact you’ve just woken up from a long sleep.
Answering your skincare questions for travelling
Why do You Break Out After Flying/Travel?
In addition to the change of environment and extra exposure to ultraviolet radiation, our breakouts can be caused by the physical stresses of flying such as the rush to the airport or last-minute packing.
What Makeup To Wear When Travelling?
If it is essential for you to wear makeup when you travel (such as for a meeting or event as soon as you land) I would recommend keeping the makeup light. You might want to consider using a tinted moisturizer and concealer rather than a heavy high coverage foundation. I would then just apply mascara and lipstick on the plane when you are close to your destination for a fresher appearance.
I hope you found my tips helpful. What are your in-flight essentials?
Read here about my favorite mineral sunscreen that I never travel without!