For those of us who like to travel, airplane air can wreak havoc on our skin. Because the air on an airplane is low in humidity, your risk of dry skin shoots up. Here are some quick tips to help you overcome the “airplane air” monster and keep your skin looking great.
1. Stay hydrated. Avoid alcoholic beverages like beer and wine, which will dehydrate you. Instead, ask for plain ol’ water. Because your skin will most likely lose moisture during your trip, you need to make sure you’re getting enough to drink. Besides, you don’t need a bad hangover so high up in the air.
2. Caffeine is not your friend. Just like alcoholic beverages, caffeinated drinks like coffee and tea can also leave you high and dry — literally.
3. Wash your face. Head to the bathroom every hour or so and splash some water on your face. This will not only rehydrate pores, but get your circulation back to normal after sitting for an extended period of time.
4. Pack some men’s moisturizer. Moisture is your skin’s best friend, so make sure you use moisturizer whenever you feel your skin is tight. If your skin is normally oily, the dryness could boost oil production, so try wipe your face as needed to avoid a greasy look.
5. Take an over-the-counter nose spray. The air in the cabin may dry out your nasal passages, so it’s always a good idea to pack one of these just in case.
6. If your eyes feel tight, use an eye cream for men like Eye Rescue Formula. For bloodshot eyes, eye drops work extremely well.
7. Sleep on the plane. Although you might not want to mess with your normal sleep pattern, the more rest you get, the better you’ll feel when you disembark. Invest in an eye mask, ear plugs and a travel pillow to insure smooth sailing the whole flight through. For more on the benefits of sleep, visit “How Sleep Affects Men’s Health.”
8. After you arrive at your destination, take a warm shower or bath as soon as you can. It won’t completely replenish the moisture you’ve lost on the plane, but it will help to restore your skin’s natural moisture levels. If you want an easy way to carry all your toiletries, look no further than the MenScience Travel Kit.