BEAUTY
POST-LANDING:
5-MINUTE FACE REFRESH
BY DR ALEK NIKOLIC
CABIN AIR HUMIDITY HOVERS AROUND 10-20 %, COMPARED TO THE 40-60 % OUR SKIN PREFERS. THIS DRAMATIC DROP, COMBINED WITH PRESSURISED AIR CIRCULATION, LEAVES SKIN DEHYDRATED, DULL, AND OFTEN CONGESTED. A STRATEGIC 5-MINUTE REFRESH CAN RESTORE RADIANCE BEFORE YOU EVEN COLLECT YOUR LUGGAGE.
THE 5-MINUTE PROTOCOL
1. Cleanse away the journey( 60 seconds)
Start with a gentle micellar water or cleansing water to remove the film of recycled cabin air, excess oil, and any skincare that’ s been sitting for hours. Never rub but pat with a soft cloth or cotton pad. Try: Endocare Micellar Solution or Bioderma Sensibio H2O.
2. Hydrating mist( 30 seconds)
A thermal or hydrating mist does more than feel refreshing – it delivers immediate moisture to parched skin. Hold 20cm from your face and let it settle naturally. Look for formulations containing hyaluronic acid or thermal spring water. Try: Dermalogica Hyaluronic Ceramide Mist or Skinceuticals Phyto Corrective Essence Mist.
3. Targeted eye care( 60 seconds)
The delicate eye area shows travel fatigue first. Apply a cooling eye serum or gel using gentle tapping motions from inner to outer corner. This stimulates lymphatic drainage, reducing puffiness accumulated from cabin pressure and sitting position. Try: Obagi Elastiderm Eye Serum or Image Skincare Vital C Hydrating Eye Recovery Gel.
Pro tips
• Hydrate from within: Begin drinking water consistently several hours before landing. Well-hydrated skin responds better to topical products.
• Avoid heavy makeup removal: If you wore makeup during the flight, a double-cleanse may be too aggressive for sensitised skin. Choose a single, gentle cleanse.
• Facial massage: Even 30 seconds of gentle upward strokes while applying your serum boosts circulation and reduces that“ flat” post-flight complexion.
• Skip actives: Post-flight is not the time for retinoids or acids. Your skin barrier needs support, not stimulation. IB
4. Serum application( 60 seconds)
A hydrating serum with hyaluronic acid or vitamin C will work quickly to plump and brighten. Press into skin, allowing each layer to absorb before the next step. Try: Mesoestetic HA Densimatrix or sk. in Gloss Radiant Shot.
5. Moisturise and protect( 60 seconds)
Seal everything with a lightweight moisturiser. If arriving during daylight hours, SPF is non-negotiable – UV exposure through aircraft windows is significant, and your skin barrier is already compromised. Try: Dr Schrammek Brightening Day Fluid or Neostrata Skin Active Matrix Support.
42 INBOUND SA / MARCH 2026