There’s a dizzying amount of planning and preening before jetting off on your next getaway—but have you given thought to “flight face”? You know the dreaded look: dry, dull, and puffy—the post-flight aftermath of a long trip or a red eye route. Flight face can be especially frustrating if you’re headed to a destination wedding or for a special occasion where you want to radiate your best dewy and hydrated self right off the plane.
Danielle Gamble, an esthetician based in NYC Danielle Gamble Skin Tell them to get on with it Travel + Leisure Flight face is caused by the recycled cabin air and low humidity. This can be harsh on the skin. She noted that the longer you fly, the more hydration is stripped from your skin, causing breakouts, dullness and discomfort. Gamble recommends booking a facial as soon as you can, ideally a day or two before departure. “This is a great way to make sure you have the glowing, clear skin you’ve always wanted when you arrive.”
She advised that when you are looking at the menu of facial services the day before your departure, “communicate to your esthetician your hydration requirements and be specific about the focus on penetrating moisturizing after extractions.”
Sonophoresis and Iontophoresis are two advanced modalities that can be used by an esthetician to combat the aridity of flying. The first uses electrical currents in order to push molecules deep into the skin. While the second uses ultrasound waves to create channels to allow deeper absorption. Gamble says that these methods deliver active ingredients, hydration, and other hydrating substances deep into skin.
Gamble suggests adding a lymphatic facial massage to your facial to combat puffiness after a flight and ensure that you look as fresh as possible. She said that a lymphatic facial massage was essential to look your best. It stimulates the blood flow and helps to remove excess fluid from your face. “This is why many celebrities swear that lymphatic facial massaging before they hit the red carpet”
After you board the plane, seal in your glow by applying a nourishing mask. When you have settled into your seat, and are using clean hands (don’t forget hand sanitizer), put on a generous layer a moisturizing face mask. Your skin will absorb whatever it needs. Reapply if you are flying for a long time. “My top picks include the MBR Hyaluron Mask and Sisley-Paris Black Rose Cream Mask.”
Gamble says that booking a facial after returning home will help you maintain your glow. This is especially true if you have been to a place with extreme weather conditions, such as the beach, or a ski resort. The truth of the matter is, every day is a good day to get a facial—and your pores will thank you, too.
