There is no question that flying takes a toll on your skin. Low humidity and high altitude can lead to thirsty, dull and dehydrated skin. Factor in the recycled air and a multitude of germs, and you can see why flying can be a dermal disaster.
Dry air seeks moisture wherever it can find it and will typically absorb it directly from your skin. This can have a different effect depending on your skin type. Those prone to dry skin will feel an increase in dryness and those with oily skin will produce more sebum to compensate for the loss of water, leaving skin more oily than before.
Dr Sebagh has developed a comprehensive routine you can follow to prevent dull and dehydrated skin. Follow this step-by-step guide to ensure you step off the plane with a picture-perfect glow.
Pre-flight
Your pre-flight checklist should contain more than your boarding pass and bags – prepping your skin before your journey is just as important.
Cleanse & hydrate
Wearing makeup for a flight will result in clogged pores and more irritation to your skin when flying, so we recommend boarding makeup-free. Washing your face with Rose de Vie Cream Cleanser will keep your skin balanced and healthy whilst enduring in-flight conditions. Soothing and calming, it hydrates and regenerates the skin as it removes make-up and everyday impurities which clog the pores and dull the complexion. Infused with mineral-rich spring water, this cleanser helps to shield skin against pollution and the prematurely ageing effects of environmental aggressors.
Apply a hydrating serum and face oil
Since aeroplane cabins have low humidity (did you know the Sahara’s annual Relative Humidity (RH) averages at 25%, and most planes RH average at 10%) less water in the air to hydrate your skin. As such, it is important to board with your skin cells as hydrated as possible. We suggest layering hydrating serums and oils to keep your skin balance in check. After you cleanse your face, apply a humectant, such as Serum Repair with Hyaluronic Acid, which works to draw water from the air, binding it to your skin. Follow with emollients from a facial oil which provide a protective barrier to seal and lock moisture within the skin and prevent it from evaporating out through the surface.
Dr Sebagh recommends his award-winning Rose de Vie Serum as its silky, non-greasy texture leaves a protective, non-comedogenic, and non-occlusive film to restore the suppleness and elasticity in your skin. Enriched with 100% organic virgin rosehip seed oil, it provides outstanding moisturising and nourishing benefits for all skin types.
Layering on a Hyaluronic Acid serum with an oil-based serum will ensure your skin maintains hydration throughout the flight, especially if you’re flying overnight.
Wear SPF
Flying during the day? SPF is just as important while you’re in the air as it is on the ground. In fact, studies show that UV radiation levels are twice as high at 30,000 miles which is the altitude of most commercial flights. As an added tip, use a moisturiser with SPF to get that boost of hydration!
Normal to oily skin types should opt for Vitamin C Brightening Primer SPF15 which provides up to 92% protection against UV rays and contains nylon microparticles to absorb sebum keeping skin matte and moisturised during taxi, takeoff and landing.
In-flight
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Apply face oil hourly
Re-apply a few drops of Rose de Vie Serum every hour during your flight to dramatically aid your skin’s moisture retention, especially during long-haul flights.
For an overnight flight, we recommend massaging a generous layer of antioxidant-rich Rose de Vie Hydrating Mask (also known as ‘beauty sleep in a bottle') into perfectly cleansed skin. It can be left overnight making it ideal for use on long-haul flights.
Take care of your eyes
The lack of circulation in the body while airborne and the sleep deprivation that comes with travel wreaks havoc on our delicate under-eye skin. Dr Sebagh recommends using Supreme Eye Serum - our super-serum that instantly refreshes within 5 minutes of application, leaving skin looking and feeling smoother, younger and firmer. The cooling rollerball applicator gently glides over the skin, to instantly brighten, tighten and refresh, correcting dark circles and alleviating puffiness. In addition, it helps to target fine lines and wrinkles whilst boosting elasticity, thanks to its multi-peptide formula. Apply as needed, but especially before you land to eradicate any telltale signs of a sleepless night onboard.
Have these to hand...
Your handbag essentials are even more important when cruising at 30,000 feet. Using a lip balm and hand cream rich in lipids, like shea butter, will help keep you looking plump and hydrated for the duration of your flight, which is why we love to use our Lip Balm and Hand Cream. TOP TIP: add a drop of Rose de Vie Serum with the balm or cream for a boost of nourishment!
Sit in a window seat
The damage to healthy skin cells caused by UV light is well documented and a surprising amount of premature skin ageing can be attributed to incidental exposure. Despite being inside an air-locked cabin, when you’re on a plane, you’re 30,000 feet closer to the sun and aeroplane windscreens only filter out about 50% of UVA rays. There is a simple solution: sit in a window seat so you can close the blinds to protect your skin. It may seem like a minor thing, but it can make a major difference, especially if you’re a frequent flyer. And if you can’t snag a window seat, try a broad-spectrum SPF instead (Vitamin C Brightening Primer will do nicely!).
Don't use a face mist
For years, skincare experts have suggested that a face mist should be a key component of any in-flight skincare routine. In fact, this is one of the worst things you can do for your skin. Why? As mentioned before, the air is incredibly dry and it will look for water wherever it can find it. When you spray your skin with a hydrating face mist, without layering anything over top to keep the hydration locked in allows air to draw water out of your skin. The result? Even more dehydrated skin than before. This is why we suggest using a face oil or hydrating face mask.
Drink water*
It's always beneficial to keep your body hydrated while flying. While it’s actually the least effective way to hydrate your skin, it is still important to keep your internal cells hydrated, so bring a bottle of water on board.
Post-flight
While you may be weary from your travels but taking care of your skin after disembarking is just as important as your in-flight routine.
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Your post-flight skincare regimen should be centred around two things: preventing breakouts and reintroducing any lost moisture back into the skin. As soon as he arrives at his hotel, Dr Sebagh reaches for his Two-Step Skin Prep Kit (using Deep Exfoliating Mask Sensitive Skin as skin is more delicate post-flight) and follows with Rose de Vie Hydrating Mask.
To jumpstart your holiday glow, mix a few drops of Self-Tanning Drops into your moisturiser for a tanned complexion that is totally streak, scent and sun-free!
Pop your in-flight skincare in one of Dr Sebagh's luxury Travel Bags, conveniently see-through making security a breeze.
Bon voyage!