Is It Actually Possible to Travel AND Keep Your Skin Clear and Glowing?

A few members of the MNA team are gearing up for the ultimate summer vacation in Europe! Our itineraries are perfectly planned (OBVIOUSLY thanks to TravelbyAngela), but when it comes to our skin, we’re preparing for the unexpected. 

Planes, airports, and time zone changes are notorious culprits for dullness, dryness, and a compromised skin barrier, so we’re bringing our go-to products to combat those challenges!

The Travel Trifecta: How Planes & Travel Impact Your Skin

While you’re innocently flying through the air, your skin is going THROUGH itttttt. 

First, you're dealing with dehydration on demand because the air inside airplane cabins is notoriously dry, often with humidity levels lower than that of a desert. This arid environment actively pulls moisture from your skin, leaving it feeling tight, flaky, and even accentuating fine lines. 

Beyond that, you're exposed to a slew of toxins and germs; you're sharing a relatively small space with a lot of people, and the air is constantly recirculated, exposing your skin (and respiratory system) to various airborne particles, bacteria, and viruses. Germs are easily transferred to your face from surfaces like tray tables, armrests, and entertainment screens. 

Then there's fatigue and stress – travel itself, especially long flights or jet lag, can be physically taxing. Fatigue elevates cortisol levels, a stress hormone that can contribute to breakouts, inflammation, and an overall tired, dull complexion, while disrupted sleep cycles hinder your skin's vital overnight repair processes. 

All these factors combined mean that your skin faces a unique set of challenges during travel, making a proactive approach to its care absolutely essential.

Your Travel Skin Survival Kit: Essential Products & Habits

Don't let travel undo all your hard work! Proactive hydration and smart hygiene are going to be your best friends.

• Hydrate, Hydrate Hydrate: First and foremost, drink plenty of water before, during, and after your flight. Skip the dehydrating coffee and alcohol onboard - opt for an electrolyte to add to your water.

• Pack Hand Wipes: Your ultimate germ-fighters! Use alcohol disinfectant wipes on your tray tables, armrests, seatbelt buckles, and any other high-touch surfaces around your seat. And, of course, use them frequently on your hands before touching your face, eating, or using any of your skincare products. Preventing germ transfer is paramount for avoiding breakouts and infections while traveling.

• Disinfect & Refresh!: The recirculated air on planes can leave your skin feeling congested and exposed to bacteria. DMK Acu-Mist* acts as an antibacterial and anti-inflammatory toner, instantly refreshing your skin and helping to balance its acid mantle. A few spritzes after wiping down your hands (and before applying balm) can work wonders by calming redness, soothing irritation, and helping to ward off potential breakouts from environmental exposure. 

  ^{*Available to existing clients only}

• Add an Occlusive to Lock in Moisture: GlyMed Plus Cell Protection Balm is your ultimate in-flight skin shield. The dry cabin air will try to suck all the moisture from your skin, but this balm creates an incredible occlusive barrier, locking in hydration and protecting against that arid environment. For hygiene purposes, use a disposable makeup sponge to gently press and spread the balm onto your face. This prevents transferring germs from your fingers onto your face.

• SPF for the Plane & the Beach: For crucial protection against those sneaky window-seat UV rays, Colorscience’s SPF stick is a game-changer. Its solid format allows for incredibly easy reapplication throughout your flight (and entire trip!) without any greasiness or mess. It provides broad-spectrum mineral protection, vital for blocking those aging UVA rays.

• Compression Socks: While not a skincare product, these are essential for circulation, especially on long flights. They help prevent swelling in your legs and feet, which indirectly aids overall fluid movement and reduces the burden on your lymphatic system. Better circulation supports healthy, less puffy skin.

These essential products and habits are sure to keep your skin healthy and protected throughout your entire journey.

Land Happy, Look Happy!

Travel should be an exciting adventure, not a skin nightmare. By understanding the unique challenges your skin faces when you're on the go and arming yourself with these essential products and habits, you can confidently embark on your journey. Land feeling refreshed, rejuvenated, and with skin that's ready to glow in any destination!

Best,

Maria