Jet-Set Glow: How to Look and Feel Your Best While Travelling

Introduction

Whether travelling for leisure or business, the stress of getting to meetings or making connections can add to the toll. Skin breakouts, digestive discomfort, jet lag, and fatigue can arise due to climate changes, recycled air on planes, disrupted eating, and just plain exhaustion.

These challenges often lead to dehydration and inflammation which if left unaddressed, can increase sensitivity, cause rashes, and accelerate ageing, leading to sagging skin, premature wrinkles, and a less radiant appearance.

In this article, we’ll explore practical strategies to keep your skin well-hydrated and healthy during your travels, whether for business or leisure. These tips are especially valuable for those embarking on special journeys like business trips, and special events like weddings, where maintaining clear, youthful skin is a top priority.

We’ll also discuss ways to ensure you’re at your peak form, ready to tackle the demands of business travel and make the most of your adventures.

Understanding the Skin’s Needs in High Altitudes

Flying at high altitudes exposes your skin to a unique set of conditions. The combination of cabin pressure and recycled air can significantly impact your skin’s hydration levels.

A study published in Skin Research and Technology (Guéhenneux et al., 2012) found that the relative humidity inside aircraft cabins drops below 10% just two hours after take-off, remaining at this low level throughout the flight. When the air becomes very dry, your skin can quickly lose moisture. This is especially noticeable on your cheeks, where the skin’s ability to hold moisture can drop by up to 37%.

Furthermore, recent research from a randomised controlled trial (Feng et al., 2023) explored the effects of prolonged face mask usage, a daily practice during the COVID-19 pandemic. Wearing masks for extended periods created a high-humidity environment under the mask, potentially causing skin concerns. The study revealed that prolonged mask usage weakened the skin’s protective barrier, reducing skin hydration and increasing trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL).

In simpler terms, airplane travel and extended mask-wearing can weaken your skin’s protective shield due to low humidity and occlusion, making it more susceptible to various skin issues. Therefore, it’s not just about comfort; it’s a scientifically proven necessity to keep your skin hydrated and healthy while flying and wearing masks to ensure it remains in its best condition throughout your journey.

Before Your Trip

1. Preparing Your Body

Before you begin your journey, preparing your body for the adventure ahead is essential. Here’s what you can do:

Supplements: Consider taking essential supplements to support your well-being. Organise them in a pillbox or zip-lock bags for convenience. These may include probiotics, vitamin C, zinc to prevent flu, ozonated magnesium for reducing bloating, and melatonin to ensure restful sleep.

2. Pack Nutrient-Rich Snacks

During your travels, having healthy snacks on hand can be a lifesaver. Stock your handbag or knapsack with nutritious options like nuts and protein bars. These snacks provide the energy boost you need for your journey. Consider options like almonds or macadamias and select sugar-free protein bars for a tasty and healthful snack.

3. Skincare Essentials

Maintain your skin’s health and radiance by packing skincare essentials in your travel kit. This includes hydrating serums, moisturisers, masks, and specialised products tailored to your skin’s needs.

Begin with a gentle cleanser to cleanse your skin. Follow with a hydrating essence to keep your skin moist and a nourishing face oil for added protection. For longer flights, use a rejuvenating sleeping mask during rest periods to help your skin recover from dry cabin air. Ensure you have FOREST MD’s Hydrating Soothing Essence, Intensive White Lotus Oil, and Stem Cell Sleeping Mask to maintain hydration and soothe your skin. Use a moisturiser to lock in moisture and sunscreen for UV protection. Keep your lips hydrated with a botanical lip balm. Simplify your makeup routine with mineral makeup for a fresh look.

With these preparations and skincare essentials, you’ll be ready to confidently embark on your journey and ensure your well-being throughout your travels.

Preparing Your Skin Before You Fly

Here’s how to prepare your skin for your flight:

1. Exfoliate: Gently exfoliate to eliminate dead skin cells and enhance the effectiveness of your skincare products.
2. Cleansing: Start with a gentle cleanser to remove makeup, dirt, and oils from your face.
3. Hydrating Soothing Essence: Apply a soothing essence to keep your skin fresh and hydrated.
4. Stem Cell Sleeping Mask: Use a stem cell sleeping mask to deeply hydrate and protect your skin from the stresses of travel.
5. Moisturise: Apply a hydrating moisturiser to create a protective barrier on your skin.
6. Sunscreen: Don’t forget to apply sunscreen, even when flying during the day, as UV rays can penetrate airplane windows.
7. Minimal Makeup: Consider going makeup-free or wearing minimal makeup during your flight. This allows your skin to breathe and avoids clogged pores due to extended wear.

In-Flight Self-Care Routine

• Stay Hydrated:
  • Dehydration is a common issue during flights. Combat it by drinking plenty of water. Aim for at least one cup every hour, especially on long-haul flights.
  • Frequent bathroom breaks can also help prevent inactivity and blood circulation issues.
• Avoid Dehydrating Factors:
  • Say no to alcohol, bread, and caffeine (A, B, C) during your flight.
  • These substances accelerate dehydration, promote water retention, and lead to puffiness, fatigue, eye bags, and dark circles.
  • Opt for water and hydrating alternatives (fruits and vegetables) instead.

Note: These first two steps alone will keep your skin happy as you fly at 30,000 feet.

• Lip Balm for Soft, Supple Lips:
• Prevent chapped lips by applying a moisturising lip balm regularly.
• Refresh Your Eyes:
• Combat dry, irritated eyes with lubricating eye drops.
• Nourish Your Hands:
• Keep your hands soft and moisturised with nourishing hand cream.
• Protecting Your Skin from UV Rays:
• UV rays can still reach your skin through airplane windows.
• To safeguard your skin:

Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen: Apply sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to exposed areas.

• Lower your window shade: Minimise sun exposure during daylight flights by lowering the window shade.
• Stay Clean and Sanitised:
• Airplanes are notorious for carrying germs. Avoid touching your face to prevent the transfer of bacteria and viruses.
• Use hand sanitiser to keep your hands clean.

This routine combining self-care and hygiene practices will help to keep you feeling your best during your flight.

Upon Arrival – Rejuvenation After Landing

• Rehydrate and Move Your Body
  • Upon arrival, prioritise rehydration by stocking up on mineral water and fruits for snacks.
  • Promote circulation and rejuvenation with sauna, swimming, or room-based stretching exercises.

• Skincare Routine
  • Revitalise and re-energise your skin by doing the following:

a. Cleansing: Double cleanse with a gentle cleansing foam to remove dirt and grime, sweeping away impurities to reveal clean skin.

b. Toning: Soften and nourish your skin by applying a hydrating essence.

c. Serum: Apply a hydrating serum to lock in moisture.

c. Face Mask: Elevate your skincare game with FOREST MD’s Stem Cell Sleeping Mask, a powerhouse that infuses your skin with moisture, deeply hydrates, and energises it overnight. Wake up to a radiant and revitalised complexion.

d. Moisturise: Seal the deal by indulging your skin with a luxe hydrating cream, ensuring lasting comfort and suppleness.

e. Sunscreen (if it’s daytime): Safeguard your skin from harsh UV rays, your ultimate shield against premature ageing and environmental stress.

This dynamic skincare routine will energise your skin, leaving it vibrant and ready to face the day.

Expert Beauty Top Travel Tips – Summarised

• Hydration is Vital:

Drink at least one cup of water every hour during your flight to combat dehydration. Staying hydrated helps maintain your skin’s moisture, leaving it looking fresh and healthy.

• Avoid Dehydrating Substances:

Avoid alcohol, bread, caffeine, and sugar during your flight to prevent dehydration and water retention, leading to puffiness, bloating, fatigue, eye bags, and dark circles.

• Skincare Essentials:

Pack essential skincare products, including a gentle cleanser, hydrating essence, moisturiser, and mask to maintain optimal hydration and a radiant complexion.

• Deeply Hydrate and Rejuvenate:

Enhance your skincare routine by applying a nourishing face oil and a sleeping mask. The face oil helps seal moisture, while the sleeping mask intensely hydrates and rejuvenates your skin during rest periods.

• Protect Your Skin from UV Rays: Use broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher on exposed areas, and lower your window shade to minimise sun exposure during daylight flights.

• Lip Balm for Soft Lips: Apply moisturising lip balm regularly to prevent chapped lips.
• Relieve Dry Eyes: Combat dry, irritated eyes with lubricating eye drops.
• Nourish Your Hands: Keep your hands soft and moisturised with nourishing hand cream.
• Enhance Your Well-Being: Include probiotics, ozonated magnesium supplements, and melatonin in your travel routine to support overall health, improve digestive comfort, and ensure restful sleep.

Travel-Friendly Skincare Essentials from Forest MD:

Pure and Gentle Cleansing Foam: Double cleanse to remove dirt, grime and light makeup, sweeps away impurities to reveal clean and fresh skin.

Hydrating Soothing Essence: Drenches your skin in moisture, keeping it fresh and hydrated.

Asta Collagen Jelly Serum: Brightens, firms, and reduces sensitivity for a more radiant complexion.

Stem Cell Sleeping Mask: Deeply hydrates, energises, and leaves your skin glowing and refreshed.

Intensive White Lotus Oil: Seals in moisture, preventing lines and wrinkles, especially for dry skin and those exposed to harsh climates.

Muru Muru Age Defy Cream: Provides anti-ageing benefits, brightens your complexion, and protects and moistens your skin.

Silk Sunscreen: A lightweight, SPF 60 sunscreen that not only shields your skin from harmful UV rays but also drenches it in luxurious moisture, leaving it feeling silky smooth.

Blemish Clarifying Lotion: Your travel-friendly secret to clear, flawless skin. This gentle yet effective formula keeps blemishes away for a radiant complexion on the go.

These tips and recommended products will help you maintain healthy and radiant skin while travelling. Safe and happy travels!

Expert Beauty Tips for Frequent Flyers

How to Prevent Skin Dryness And Breakouts When Travelling

Skin dehydration and breakouts are the most common travel concerns. These practical tips will help you prevent these issues, ensuring your skin stays clear and hydrated throughout your journey.

1. Stay Hydrated:

One of the most vital steps to combat skin dryness when travelling is to stay well-hydrated. Aim to drink at least one cup of water every hour throughout your flight to maintain your skin’s moisture levels. Dehydration can lead to dry, flaky skin and disrupt your skin’s natural balance, making it more susceptible to acne.

If you’re in a hot or dry climate or sweating a lot, consider adding electrolytes to your water bottle to help replenish lost minerals and maintain proper hydration.

Additionally, you can support your hydration efforts by including water-rich foods in your diet. Foods like cucumbers, watermelon, strawberries, and oranges have high water content, providing hydration and essential vitamins and minerals for your skin.

2. Moisturise Regularly and Layer for Extra Hydration:

Invest in a good quality moisturiser and apply it generously. Choose one that suits your skin type. For those with dry skin, a thicker, cream-based moisturiser (FOREST MD Muru Muru Age-Defy Cream) is recommended, while individuals with oily or acne-prone skin may prefer a lightweight, oil-free moisturiser (FOREST MD Ultra-Light Nutrient Lotion). Remember to moisturise after cleansing your face and before going to bed.

Consider layering your skincare products to boost hydration and maintain clear, breakout-free skin. Before applying your moisturiser, start with a hydrating essence (FOREST MD Hydrating Soothing Essence) followed by serum (FOREST MD Asta Collagen Jelly Serum). These products can penetrate deeper into the skin, providing an extra layer of moisture without clogging pores.

3. Sunscreen is a Must:

Even on vacation, sunscreen should be essential to your skincare routine. Sun exposure can exacerbate skin dryness and cause premature ageing. Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 (FOREST MD Silk Sunscreen SPF 60) and apply it generously to protect your skin from harmful UV rays.

4. Travel-Friendly Skincare with Intensive White Lotus Oil and Stem Cell Sleeping Mask:

When packing for your trip, don’t forget to include travel-sized skincare products. These compact versions of your favourite products will ensure you maintain your skincare routine while on the go. FOREST MD offers a comprehensive range of travel-sized skincare essentials, including a gentle cleanser, hydrating essence, moisturiser, sunscreen, and a rejuvenating Intensive White Lotus Oil. This specialised oil helps seal in moisture, preventing transepidermal water loss and reducing dryness, rashes, sensitivity and wrinkles—ideal for those travelling for special events like weddings. Use a rejuvenating sleeping mask (FOREST MD Stem Cell Sleeping Mask) in your nighttime routine. This mask provides intense hydration and helps your skin recover its radiance while you sleep.

FOREST MD’s Blemish Clarifying Lotion:

For added protection against breakouts, use FOREST MD’s Blemish Clarifying Lotion. This specialised product is designed to keep breakouts at bay while maintaining the health and clarity of your skin. Its unique formula helps prevent acne and blemishes while providing essential hydration, making it an excellent addition to your travel skincare routine.

5. Balanced Diet:

Your diet can significantly impact your skin’s health, including its susceptibility to breakouts. To nourish your skin from within, consume fresh foods rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and essential fatty acids. Include fruits like strawberries, watermelon and vegetables like leafy greens to support hydration and overall skin health. Avoid excessive consumption of sugary or greasy foods, as they can contribute to breakouts.

While all these tips are valuable, staying hydrated and moisturising consistently, along with proper sunscreen use, a balanced diet, and the use of FOREST MD’s skincare products like Hydrating Soothing Essence and Stem Cell Sleeping Mask, are among the most impactful for maintaining clear, breakout-free skin while travelling. Following these guidelines, you can enjoy your travels, look your best at special events, and prevent skin issues without worrying about dryness, discomfort, or unwanted breakouts.

Common Skin Issues When Travelling: Symptoms, Treatment and Prevention

Travelling offers an exciting and enriching experience, yet it also presents your skin with various challenges, irrespective of your destination. Whether you’re basking in the sun on a beach vacation, exploring the wilderness on a hiking trip, or encountering allergens that lead to skin rashes, this section delves into common skin issues that may arise during your travels. It emphasises the importance of prioritising prevention and early treatment for a stress-free trip, offering practical tips tailored to ensure a comfortable journey, no matter where your adventures take you.

Additionally, packing a comprehensive first aid kit can be a lifesaver in case of injuries or unexpected skin issues during your travels. Staying well-informed and adequately prepared allows you to fully immerse yourself in the joys of travel and create enduring memories, all while keeping your skin happy and healthy. Safe travels!

Packing a Comprehensive First Aid Kit:

When embarking on outdoor activities such as hiking, walking, cycling, or any adventure, it’s wise to have a well-prepared first aid kit. In addition to the essentials like bandages, dressings, and adhesive plasters, consider including specific items to address various potential injuries. A comprehensive first aid kit may also contain:

• Steroid cream (anti-inflammatory)
• Antibiotic ointment (infection prevention)
• Burn ointment (for minor burns)
• Disinfectant (for wound cleaning)
• Arnica gel (anti-bruise and anti-swelling)
• Oral antihistamines (for allergies)
• Painkillers (e.g., ibuprofen)
• Personal medications (if applicable)
• Tweezers, Gauze pad, Cotton balls, Plasters (different sizes)

These readily available supplies can make a significant difference in managing minor injuries and ensuring a safe and enjoyable outdoor adventure. Don’t forget to periodically check and replenish your first aid kit to ensure it remains well-stocked and up-to-date for your travels.

Additional Travel Tips:

• Travel Insurance: Consider purchasing travel insurance, especially for adventure trips, which can cover medical expenses in case of unexpected skin issues or injuries.
• Local Medical Facilities: Research and note the availability of medical facilities at your travel destination. Be aware of any potential language barriers when seeking medical help.
• Hydration and Hygiene: Stay hydrated during your travels, as proper hydration can help maintain healthy skin. Also, maintain good hygiene practices, such as regular handwashing, to prevent skin issues.

Keeping your skin healthy while flying often comes down to two key factors: being prepared and consistent skincare. With the right knowledge and planning, your skin can maintain its radiance even at high altitudes. So, remember to prioritise hydration and sun protection. Taking extra care during your flights can go a long way in keeping your skin happy and healthy. Wishing you a wonderful journey and safe travels!

References

1. Guéhenneux, S., Gardinier, S., Morizot, F., Le Fur, I., & Tschachler, E. (2012). Skin surface hydration decreases rapidly during long-distance flights. Skin Research and Technology, 18(2), 238-240
2. Feng, L., Zhang, Q., Ruth, N., Wu, Y., Saliou, C., & Yu, M. (2023). Compromised skin barrier induced by prolonged face mask usage during the COVID-19 pandemic and its remedy with proper moisturization. Skin Research and Technology, 29(1), e13214. doi: 10.1111/srt.13214.
3. Nagda, N. L., & Hodgson, M. (2001). Low relative humidity and aircraft cabin air quality. Indoor Air, 11(3), 200-214.