When it comes to flying, it can get pretty uncomfortable especially if you’re travelling on a long-haul flight.
During a flight this summer, holidaymakers will face the moisture-draining, dry air-conditioned cabins, along with restless sleep, yet somehow flight attendants manage to always look fresh.
So how do flight attendants always look so fresh-faced? Beauty experts at Fresha have teamed up with flight attendant Iram Mahmood to reveal the little-known beauty and skincare hacks that can be done during a flight.
Mahmood, who has over 12 years of experience in the role has, in particular, shared the one drink item that we should be avoiding during a flight.
So, which item is it?
Avoid caffeine
A morning coffee will dehydrate you but using a caffeine serum under your eyes will help reduce puffiness and dark circles so that the early morning flight doesn’t show on your face.
Mahmood said: “I recommend leaving it [the serum] in the fridge the night before you travel so the coldness of the serum aids in reducing puffiness even more.”
Instead, opt for something simple like water which will not only keep you hydrated but your skin looking fresh.
Wear factor 50 sunscreen
A closed, confined space is probably the last place you’d think of needing to wear sunscreen, but in fact, the UV rays from the sun can still penetrate the glass windows on planes.
UV rays are even stronger at higher altitudes, meaning for those who like a window seat, you’ll be exposing your skin to a lot of sunlight.
Mahmood commented: “Regardless of the country I’m visiting, I wear factor 50 sunscreen every day to sufficiently protect myself for any potential damage – and this doesn’t change when I’m in the air.
“As for my health, we flight attendants are exposed to higher radiation levels than people on the ground, so I’m cautious about staying away from the open windows when it’s a daylight flight.
“If you are reapplying sunscreen on the flight, I recommend opting for a spray-on SPF to avoid touching your face too much. Our hands can encounter a lot of germs on a plane!”
Use sugar to exfoliate lips and hands
Sugar is a natural product that is great for exfoliation and minimising pores. Travellers will land feeling moisturised and with a beautiful glow before they’ve even stepped out into the sun.
Mahmood added: “I pack light during my travels, so I can’t always bring my full skincare products on board.
“That’s why I usually use sugar to exfoliate before a flight as its gritty texture helps smooth out any dead skin cells. During the flight, it can also be used to bring some moisture to your lips and hands, which will speed up rehydration in your skin!”
Hypochlorous acid spray
Hypochlorous acid spray is the latest craze in the TikTok beauty world, with the hashtag #hypochlorousacidspray generating over 35 million views.
Hypochlorous acid is a weak acid that is often found in skincare products and used as a disinfectant agent.
As you are exposed to a closed area where there might be a lot of germs, this can sanitise your face and body. Because of its high levels of disinfectant, it also works great for spot treatment.
The pro continued: “As well as hydrating my skin during the flight, I’ve found that Hypochlorous acid can also help relieve and heal a nasty sunburn, so after your flight make sure to pop the product into your beach bag for the rest of your trip.”
Apply moisturiser around your nostrils
While it’s important to moisturise your full body before stepping on an aeroplane, some parts of the body need re-application – such as nostrils.
She said: “Air pressure can build dryness around nostrils and lips and cause cracking, so it’s important to re-apply moisturiser around these areas in the air.
“The low humidity on the plane can also cause sinus problems, so moisturizing your nasal passages can help protect against airborne germs.”