Flight attendants and pilots share their beauty secrets for surviving air travel

AIR travel doesn’t leave anyone looking or feeling their best, but the most frequent of flyers have a few tricks up their sleeves for arriving fresh.

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AIR travel doesn’t leave anyone looking or feeling their best, but attendants and pilots have a few tricks up their sleeves for arriving refreshed.

Pop Sugar interviewed two flight attendants and a pilot, to discover what years of experience had taught them about in-flight skin care.

Water is essential

Plane cabins dry out as a result of the high altitudes and extra air pumped into the cabin. Combat dehydration by bringing a large bottle of water aboard, as well as accepting all the small cups of water provided by staff throughout the flight.

Don’t forget you will have to purchase bottled water after you have passed through security because of restrictions on volumes of liquid in hand luggage, or bring your own water bottle with filter and fill it in the bathroom before entering the plane. “I try to drink at least a litre for every six hours of flying,” one flight attendant suggests.

Model behaviour ... It only takes a few easy remedies to feel fresh after flying.

Downsize your beauty items

There are many good reasons for streamlining your skin care supplies before travelling, including passing through security unchallenged. Aviation professionals recommend miniature bottles that can be purchased from pharmacies and specialist storage retailers.

Spritz your face

“I’m a big fan of face misting during flight, especially on long international trips,” flight attendant Jessica Martin said. “I like rose water, which I put in my small sprayer because I don’t want a big anything in my bag.” Moisture can also be sealed in by applying a hydrating serum in the course of the flight.

Bring a range of moisturisers

To combat the dry air in the plane, pack a face lotion, a lip balm, and an eye cream.

Spritz your face ... moisture can be increased by applying a hydrating serum to the face in the course of the flight. Picture: Thinkstock

SPF is surprisingly important

Flying at high altitudes increases your exposure to the sun’s rays, especially in a window seat. As a result, pilots endure a higher rate of skin cancers as a result of their profession. For this reason, reapplication of sunscreen every two hours is a must for fliers.

Be radiation aware

“I worry about the higher levels of radiation that I’m exposed to at high altitudes,” pilot Anne Schroeder said. “The higher the altitude and the higher the latitude, the more radiation.”

Although the exposure risk for pilots, who spend hours at a time in the cockpit, is much higher, even occasional travelers can take some precautions by consuming antioxidant-rich food and beverages. Sip green tea during the flight, and opt for a kale salad or fruit if available as snacks. Better still, fly at night.