Escaping the South African heat for cooler destinations? Good for you. But if you think that means you don’t have to adjust your grooming routine, think again. If you’re heading to a colder locale, chances are you’ll have to sit in a plane for hours – and your skin isn’t going to like that.
Sarah Barton, Cabin Crew Training Manager for Emirates Airlines, tells us how to keep skin refreshed.
GQ: What are the effects of a pressurised cabin on the body?
Sarah Barton: For the skin to be comfortable, humidity has to be 40-70 per cent and most pressurised cabins only have around 20 per cent. Therefore when you fly at 30 000 feet, the skin encounters dry cabin air with relatively low humidity. This, together with being still for long periods of time, could affect circulation. You can minimise the effects by drinking plenty of water and moving regularly.
GQ: What are the best pre-flight grooming tricks?
SB: Before you fly, it’s always important to get a good night’s sleep to ensure your skin is able to rejuvenate itself. Stay away from diuretics such as alcohol and caffeine to prevent your skin from losing moisture unnecessarily, and increase your water intake for sufficient hydration. The night before the flight do a full skincare routine, including exfoliating and using a mask to ensure your skin is fresh and ready. Recommended essentials to carry with you are a hydration spray and Vitamin C serum or moisturiser.
GQ: How can I look after my skin during a flight?
SB: The most important thing is to drink plenty of water – and keep alcohol and caffeine intake to a minimum. Use hydration sprays and, on long haul flights, do a mini facial which includes cleansing, moisturising and using a serum and eye gel. Skincare products containing Vitamin A, C and E are beneficial as they act as antioxidants. Increasing the intake of potassium before or during the flight helps to keep a normal water balance between cells and body fluids. Emirates has a product-focused approach to grooming kits, and has partnered with top brands to deliver skincare solutions on board.
GQ: Why has Emirates invested so heavily around product?
SB: To enhance comfort in the air. Last year we introduced new additions like First Class lounge wear, luxury blankets, skincare from VOYA and a new range of amenity kits from Bulgari to First and Business Class cabins.
GQ: And what about a post-flight skincare routine?
SB: Complete your essential skincare routine for your skin type (this time excluding exfoliator and mask). If you have to shave after the flight try a shaving oil that will keep skin irritation to a minimum.
GQ: Time zones – and the subsequent fatigue – also play a major role in irritating our skin. What is the best way to adjust to jet lag?
SB: Set your watch to the time of your destination and start adjusting your sleep times to the destination a few days before travel. Avoid alcohol and caffeine 3-4 hours before bedtime. On arrival, try to spend time outside during the day, as daylight regulates our biological clocks.