Taking a flying trip this summer? Fun but oh, those plane rides and what it can do to the skin. On the ground depending on where you live and the time of year, humidity can range from 25% to almost 100%. The relative humidity in a plane is around 10%. In other words, very dry, and our skin in turn, becomes more and more dehydrated depending on the length of the flight. And don't forget about the stale, recycled air in the cabin. Gross! I can’t tell you how many times I have boarded a plane in the US with a clear skin and arrived in London with break-outs. Poor lighting is another challenge that not only strains the eyes but causes skin and sun damage. In a plane we are much closer to the sun and still very exposed to UV light particularly if we are seated by the window. There is no cloud coverage at that altitude and no atmospheric protection.

So here are a few suggestions to help you pack a skin survival kit when you fly.

Get a really deep cleaning, hydrating facial 3-5 days before you leave. At SkinSense we offer the Hydradermie, a deeply penetrating galvanic treatment that does it all.
The night before a flight, treat your skin to a hydrating mask. Slather on body lotion and condition your hair. Do the same thing the night of your arrival and if the skin has become cranky during the flight, apply a clay mask that has a more corrective, rebalancing formula.
Before boarding, make sure your skin is super hydrated – eye crème, serum, moisturizer and sunscreen and if you are comfortable doing this, lightly dust on a mineral powder for extra protection. If you have an oilier skin use a light serum after you have cleansed and toned, and any corrective topicals (for example, salicylic acid, topical antibiotic) before putting on your sunscreen and mineral powder.
Don’t forget - drink copious amounts of water to hydrate from the inside out.
Refrain from cleansing and re-applying too much during the flight except hand crème, body lotion, eye crème and lip balm but if you feel the need, use cleansing pads and a simple routine. (Pack small containers of hand crème, body lotion and lip balm so that security does not confiscate them.)
Avoid alcohol, tea and coffee which will further dehydrate you and order a light meal. I also pack nuts and fruit to eat during the flight to keep up my energy level.

Happy Trails!

Marion Simms

Marion Simms has been part of the skin care industry for over twenty-five years and has worked in many different capacities including teacher, facialist, business owner, lecturer, consultant and writer. Trained in England, she worked and traveled throughout Europe and South Africa before coming to the United States as a technical director for Guinot. In 1984, Simms opened SkinSense Wellness Spa and now employs seven other staff members who perform an extensive selection of spa services, including customized facials, micro-current, manicures, pedicures, reflexology, body massage, Brazilian waxing and make-up application.

Marion's extensive clientele comes from all parts of the city and state, and her philosophy is simple - maintaining your appearance should be part of a full time commitment to preventative health and well-being. Marion's other interests include reading, opera, travel and gardening. She is also a literacy advocate in the Los Angeles Unified District and enjoys working with teenagers to improve their self-image and esteem.

SkinSense Wellness is open seven days a week and offers late evening appointments Monday through Thursday.