the Code: Grooming38 November 2019_Esquire
YOUR IN-FLIGHT SKIN-CARE MANUAL
Flying can wreak havoc on your SKIN. But following this simple routine could mean the difference between showing
up to your DESTINATION disheveled and arriving in style. By Garrett MuncePREFLIGHT MIDAIR
AFTER
TOUCHDOWNDrink Lots of Water
When the air is less humid, it “takes
moisture from places that are
more hydrated,” like your body, says
dermatologist Dendy Engelman. Buy
a big bottle of water after passing
through security and finish it by
the time babies are preboarding.Take Probiotics
Frequent fliers know that traveling
can put your immune system
through the ringer, so “boost
your body’s immunity to
the bad bacteria,” Engelman
says. She recommends
taking probiotics regularly.Apply
Sunscreen
“The ozone layer and the atmosphere
are much thinner in elevation, and
the glass doesn’t filter out a lot of UV
light,” Engelman warns. The “super
sun” above the clouds hits you even if
you’re sitting on the aisle, so put
on sunscreen before you board (and
reapply every few hours).illustrations: C.J. RobinsonWash Your Face ASAP
Many people notice breakouts after
a flight, but it’s not necessarily
because planes are dirty. More
likely it’s due to the decrease in
skin-barrier function or an increase in
stress. Either way, wash your face
as soon after deplaning as possible.Deep-Clean When You Can
Use a purifying clay mask at
your hotel to help deep-clean your
pores. A weakened skin
barrier can mean that dirt and
bacteria have gotten stuck
inside them. While postflight acne is
not usually related to bacteria,
it’s better to be safe than sorry.Bust Out the Antibacterial
Big Guns
LED lights “are both anti-inflammatory
and can kill bacteria on the skin,”
says Engelman. Use an LED mask to
help rebalance your skin after
the stress of flying. No space in your
carry-on? Do it when you get
home, or find a spa at your destination
that can provide a zap.Reduce Redness
“Some people get flushed after
they fly,” says Engelman.
Using a calming anti-redness mask,
like one from Skinfix, instead of
the clay kind will help get rid of it
quickly. They’re especially good
if you have to go right to a meeting.
(Use it in the back of your Lyft.)Clean Your Area
Wiping down your surroundings
(tray table, arm rests, the seat
itself) starts your trip with a
clean slate and will “keep your
skin happier and healthier,” says
Engelman. “You touch things on
the plane and transfer them to
your face.” Use an antimicrobial
spray, such as Lumionskin Oxygen
Mist with HOCL, that dries quickly.Wipe Your Mug
Don’t use airplane bathroom
water to wash your face
(which you should do before
putting anything on it). Stay in
your seat and use individually
wrapped facial cleansing cloths,
like those from Oars & Alps,
to clean your face sans H 2 O.Apply a Hydrating Mask
There’s nothing wrong with
using a sheet mask on a plane,
but if that’s too ostentatious
for you, try a gel mask instead.
Engelman recommends
Derm Institute Anti-Oxidant
Hydration Gel Masque. Rip
open the pack and apply it as
you would a moisturizer.Get Misty
Face mists are so common
that some airlines, like United,
provide them in first class. But
Engelman advises using them
with caution. “You’re puttingmoisture on your skin, but then
it’s evaporating quickly and may
be more dehydrating,” she says.
If you do use one, always lock it in
by applying a moisturizer, such
as Olay Mist Ultimate Hydration
Essence, immediately after.About That
Moisturizer...
You should put one on whether
you’re misting or not. “Having
a protective barrier on your skin
not only keeps you hydrated,” says
Engelman, but it will also “prevent
additional water loss to the
low-humidity air.” Follow the
moisturizer with more sunscreen.Don’t Skip Lip Balm
There’s a reason lip balms are
always included in business-class
amenities: “They know your
lips are going to get dry,” Engelman
says. If you’re not sitting in the
fancy seats, bring your own and
apply it liberally. We like Flight
Mode Smooth Landing Lip Balm.