Prep for in-flight moisture maintenance. A hydrating mist is perfect for in flight application. Dr. Lolis recommends spraying a couple of pumps onto your face for instant hydration. It also feels great and helps cool you down if you're on a warm airplane.
Skip the salty snacks. Airport food is not very skin-friendly. “While peanuts and pretzels may look delicious, salt can cause swelling,” warns Dr. Lolis. “Instead, snack on dried fruits and prepack chopped veggies in baggies such as peppers, cherry tomatoes and celery, which are filled with water.”
It’s time to take off your makeup! If you regularly wear makeup, keep it to a minimum on the flight. “Dry airplane air combined with foundation and powders is a recipe for disaster to your pores. To avoid clogged pores and subsequent breakouts, opt for tinted moisturizer with concealer. Also use a tinted lip balm in lieu of lipstick. Dry cabin air only makes lips dryer,” recommends Lolis.
Puffy Eyes. Jet lag always shows through your skin but mostly in the eyes. Lack of sleep due to possible time changes can have you looking sleepy and puffy. Bring an eye cream in your carry-on that contains caffeine. Another option? “Bring two green tea bags with you on the plane,” says Dr. Lolis. “A half hour before landing, ask the flight attendant for hot water and soak a few minutes. Then add ice to cool down the bags, and apply them to your eyelids before landing. The green tea has antioxidants and anti-inflammatories to decrease puffiness so you'll look your best when you land.”
Weather-Proof Your Skincare Products. Pick and pack skin products based on the climate of your destination. “For snowbirds, when going to a warm, humid destination, pay extra attention to exfoliation in order to reduce the dead skin cells trapped by excess moisture, and pack a cleanser with salicylic acid,” suggests Dr. Lolis. If traveling to a colder climate extra moisture and skin protection from the elements is key. “To function properly, the epidermis needs to maintain a certain moisture level; in the winter, low temperatures, low humidity, and strong wind deplete skin of its natural protective barrier, allowing that level to drop,” says Dr. Lolis. “Sunscreen is always a must regardless of climate you may be traveling to,” she adds.
Don’t rely on Hotel Beauty Products: People often breakout when they're on vacation, because hotel products are typically made for people with normal to dry skin. In lieu of using hotel toiletries while traveling, consider packing a few key essentials in your travel beauty bag. “Hotel soaps can be very drying and overly scented,” warns Dr. Lolis. “Beware if you have sensitive skin and remember to bring your own toiletries.”
About the expert:
Dr. Margarita Lolis, M.D. is a board-certified cosmetic, medical dermatologist and a fellowship-trained Mohs surgeon with over 20 years of experience. In her practice, she addresses common skin concerns such as acne prevention and treatment in both teens and adults, sun-damage, skin discoloration, wrinkles, changes to skin texture and loss of volume. On the medical side, she is a trusted expert in melanoma and over-all skin health. Dr. Lolis prides herself in honoring facial symmetry to deliver a natural look to her clients. She always recommends a healthy skin care regimen plus lifestyle habits that are aligned with her holistic approach to beauty. Dr. Lolis is a member of the American Academy of Dermatology, American College of Mohs Surgery, and the American Society of Anti-aging. Her practice, Skin, Laser, and Surgery Specialists is in New York City and Bergen Country, New Jersey.
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