Pre-flight
Plane cabins are extremely drying for your complexion so before you set off, inject as much moisture into your skin as possible. For best results, apply a sheet mask every night for a week leading up to your departure. Trust us; you’ll get far more hydration than you would from your regular moisturiser.
Tip: Look for masks containing hyaluronic acid, an ingredient proven to hold 1000 times its own weight in water on the skin.
Try
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Mask (5 per pack), $23: The fabric contour will hug your face and the mix of olive extracts and purified hyaluronic acid will lock in hydration.
Shiseido Benefiance Pure Retinol Intensive Revitalizing Face Mask (4 per pack), $98: Encourage skin’s natural recovery function with a hit of vitamins C and E.
Société Rejuvenating Peptide Gel Mask (5 per pack), $136: This works fast to minimise dehydration and improve skin’s self-moisturising ability.
On board
Since DNA repair usually occurs in the evening, the process is interrupted when you change time zones. Try using a moisturiser that contains DNA repair enzymes.
Try
Chantecaille Nano Gold Firming Treatment, $480: It may be pricey but that’s because it uses stem cells to trigger regeneration and DNA repair.
Dr Brandt Do Not Age Transforming Pearl Serum, $220: This is the result of five years of research and a host of ingredients that work to reverse the effects of cellular ageing.
On landing
Almost 50 per cent of cabin air is recycled, which is bad news for skin as it can lead to a build-up of toxins in the body. One ingredient to use once you’re back on the ground is charcoal. Charcoal draws out impurities, so any grease and grime will be gone.
Try
Dermalogica Charcoal Rescue Masque, $89: It will detoxify, brighten and invigorate.
Glamglow Supercleanse Daily Treatment Cleanser, $70: Made to remove excess oil, this cleans pores and replenishes skin.
Garnier Pure Active Intensive Charcoal Scrub, $14: Removes dead skin and works to banish blackheads.
Match your skincare to the direction you’re travelling in
West to East
Jet lag is more severe when travelling in this direction because you’re going forward in time – and this can lead to less sleep, heightened anxiety and an increase in the stress hormone cortisol. Cortisol in particular can break down collagen, which as we know helps to keep your skin looking smoother and younger.
Try: Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Concentrate: It’s packed full of skin-replenishing fatty acids. $98.
East to West
Flying in this direction means you’re adding more daylight hours into your day. While it might sound like a good thing, it’s not the best for skin as it’s during the night that your skin works to renew itself. Luckily, you can help this process along with a little exfoliation.
Try: Aspect Dr Fruit Enzyme Mask: This sloughs away the top layer of dead skin – revealing a glowing complexion underneath. $60.
