Why is it that we step off a flight not feeling or looking as fresh as desired?
Unfortunately for our skin, the humidity of an aeroplane sits around 20%, which strips a lot of moisture from our skin cells, thus leading to a dehydrated complexion. As the body’s largest organ, it’s important to ensure that our skin receives as much love as it can get while thousands of feet above ground. And while there’s no escaping the low humidity, there are ways to prevent it from having an unfavourable impact on your skin.
We spoke to International Model and Fiji Airways Ambassador, Phillipa Steele and asked what her inflight skin secrets are as she spends a good portion of her time travelling.
1. Coconut oil
Coming from Fiji where coconuts grow in abundance, I grew up with a great appreciation for all the uses of this tropical tree. As a saturated fat, coconut oil works by trapping moisture and helps to prevent moisture from leaving the skin. It may seem intuitive not to douse your face in oil for fear of a breakout, but coconut oil is antibacterial and helps to keep the skin clean.
2. Hydration Mask
If you’re travelling international with a layover, pack a hydration mask to apply while you’re waiting for your next flight. Opt for a mask with hydrating ingredients such as cucumber and aloe vera as well as vitamin E which is a strong antioxidant and can help fight inflammation. Jojoba and rosehip are also wonderful ingredients which help to penetrate the skin for intense hydration.
3.Keep it Bare and Natural
Maintaining a made up face on an airplane isn’t easy – chances are sleeping will take most of it off and reapplying in a tiny cubicle can be an additional challenge. That being said, while an airport or airplane isn’t a “runway”, you still want to look fresh faced. I maintain my skin’s natural pH level and avoid clogging it with foundation and opt for a mineral makeup or an oil based concealer. Concealer is a quick fix and a no fuss option. Concealer can also be used as an eye shadow to lighten up heavy eyelids.
4. Facial Mist
As you have probably gathered, hydration is key up in the air. Frequent sprays of a facial mist are an easy option to continuously add moisture to the skin. This can also be achieved from the comfort of your seat, just try aim for your face rather than accidentally spraying the person next to you, although they may appreciate it.
5. Skin Food
It’s not just what we put on our skin that helps to keep it hydrated, it’s also about what we put in our body which can help us glow from the inside out. There is a bounty of items on a plane which can dehydrate us, such as alcohol and coffee. Sugar is also another culprit which damages the collagen in our skin, which is what helps give it that elastic appearance. Keep these items to a minimum and drink plenty of water and even coconut water.
Info from Phillipa Steele, International Model and Fiji Airways Ambassador.
Phillipa Steele is based in Fiji but for 6 months of the year, Phillipa travels to New York, Paris, France and Switzerland.