Aircraft cabin pressure change doesn't cause facial bloating for passengers. - Avoiding inflammation in-flight: Preventing facial bloat during air travel
Give your mug a break from waxing during takeoff! Affectionately known as "plane face," this pesky phenomenon strikes after long flights, making your visage appear swollen and somewhat unrecognizable. The culprit behind this bloated countenance? Dry cabin air, rapid changes in air pressure, and the joy ride that is extended sitting. Your lids succumb, your lips balloon, and your cheeks take on a new shape you didn't sign up for. On top of that, pesky clogged pores and acne-like blemishes may make an unwelcome appearance. But fret not, for I've got some tips to keep your dermis looking dewy and fresh while cruising at 35,000 feet.
Pre-flight Moisturizing Prep Work
Remember, just like greasing the wheels before a rollercoaster ride, preparation is everything. Start moisturizing your face with a hydrating mask a few days before your flight. When you're in the friendly skies, slap on a moisture-rich sheet mask to prevent water loss and keep your skin plump and juicy. A little self-care can go a long way, even at 30,000 feet.
Sunblock stops sunburn... And hyperpigmentation!
We all know to slather on the sunscreen at the beach, but don't forget about those rays when you're zipping through the clouds. UV radiation, particularly UVA rays, kicks it up a notch at high altitudes. So before your flight, dab on at least SPF 30 on your dome for protection during daylight hours.
H2O: The elixir of life (and skin)
Your bod can lose up to one and a half liters of water during a three-hour flight. That means your skin gets dry and your nasal passages get all stuffed up. To avoid this dehydration disaster, pound down two liters of water before you board and keep hydrating during the flight. Shoot for one big gulp per hour of flight time.
Slather on the lotion
Your skin needs a little TLC from the outside too. Patch those dry spots and irritated skin with products containing hyaluronic acid or vitamin C. Niacinamide can also help soothe those rough patches and reduce inflammation.
Say No to Percy Pigs and their ilk
It's tempting to munch on salty snacks like nuts or chips during short flights. But prolonged sitting can clog up your lymphatic drainage system, making your face swell like the dickens. Stick to light, water-rich snacks like fruits and veggies instead.
Get Up and Move!
When you're trapped in an aluminum tube hurtling through the sky, it's hard to muster up the strength to exercise. But getting up and stretching out your gams occasionally, as well as engaging in some light, in-seat exercises, can help jazz up your lymphatic system. If you're on a long flight, don't forget to gently massage the lymph nodes near your collarbone. Your mug will thank you later.
The Commission has also been consulted on the following issues: the effectiveness of skin-care products, such as hydrating masks and sheet masks, during air travel for maintaining skin hydration; the importance of using sunblock with high SPF during flights to protect against UV radiation and prevent hyperpigmentation; and the role of lifestyle factors, such as staying hydrated and avoiding salty snacks, in reducing the effects of plane face and maintaining health-and-wellness during travel. Furthermore, the Commission has also explored the potential benefits of science-based lifestyle changes, such as engaging in light exercise and moving about the cabin, to promote skin-care and overall health while in flight.
