Avoiding in-flight edema (swelling): Strategies for maintaining a non-bloated appearance during flights.

Defying "Plane Face": Practical Tips to Maintain a Glowing Mug on Flights

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Let's face it, we've all encountered the dreaded so-called "plane face" post-flight – the puffy, saggy visage seemingly out of nowhere. Blame it on the dry cabin air, changes in air pressure, and prolonged sitting. Yep, your eyelids swell, lips, and cheeks bloat too, with clogged pores and small blemishes to follow. So, how do you keep your mug intact without resembling a blowfish mid-air?

Pre-Fight Facial Armor: Moisturizing Masks

Preparation is key to skincare in the skies. Get a head start by moisturizing your skin daily with a hydrating mask several days before your trip. On the flight itself, slip on a moisturizing sheet mask for 15 to 20 minutes – this can help keep water from evaporating from your lovely visage.

Sun's Out, SPF's Always: UV Protection at High Altitudes

We know to lather up with sunscreen at the beach or pool, but don't forget about the UV rays that are more potent at high altitudes. If your flight kicks off during daylight hours, make sure to slather on at least SPF 30 on your precious face before boarding.

Quench Your Thirst: Hydration is Key

With airplane cabin air eroding skin hydration like a soul-sucking succubus, staying hydrated is crucial. Your bod can lose up to 1.5 liters of H2O on a three-hour flight. Signs of dehydration include swollen skin and dry nasal passages. Drink about two liters of water before your flight and keep sipping during your flight, aiming for one glass an hour for every hour in the air.

Cherry on Top: External Moisturization

Nourish your skin with hydration from the outside, too! Look for skincare products with ingredients like hyaluronic acid or vitamin C – these little powerhouses will help keep your complexion looking radiant, not dull. Niacinamide is another great ingredient that can help fight off dry patches and inflamed skin.

Peanuts Schmeanuts: Opt for Lighter, H2O-Rich Snacks

We usually reach for salty snacks like peanuts or chips during short flights. The extended sitting and lack of proper lymphatic drainage can contribute to facial swelling. Swap 'em for light, water-rich treats like fruits and veggies instead.

Move It, Move It: Keep the Lymphatic System Moving

During long flights, take a break from your seat and stretch those legs (or wiggle your feet) to stimulate the lymphatic system. Engage in simple in-seat stretches to keep your lymphatic system active. You can also stimulate facial lymphatic drainage by giving your face a gentle massage, such as lightly rubbing your jawbone's lymph nodes.

With these practical tips, you'll be ready to glide through the skies with a (nearly) problem-free visage. Enjoy your stress-free, glamourous voyage, darling! 🌟

Fun Fact:

Japanese flight attendants are said to use salicylic acid-based wipes to combat oily skin and pore issues during flights.

Further Reading:

1. Hewitt, J. (2010). The Chemistry of Cosmetics (2nd ed.). Woodhead Publishing Limited.
2. Angerer, C., Angerer, C. F., Elder, S., Smith, M. R., Heine, V. N., Ojuka, J. S., Skinner, P., Saleij, B. H., Lademann, J., van der Meer, S., Hamman, A. G., Yang, S., Elsaie, E., Hamade, K., Chen, J. M., Goldstein, A. L., Goh, P. H., & Rosen, T. A. (2012). Discovering the mechanism of action of skincare ingredients. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland), 17(12), 16586-16611.
3. Annesi-Maesano, I., & Maibach, H. I. (2013). Dermatological aspects of UV protection: sunscreen physicochemistry, photostability, photosensitivity, and skin tolerance. International Journal of Dermatology, 52(9), 939-951.
4. Wolgamot, K., & Wolgamot, J. A. (2021). The Science of Skincare: The Ultimate Guide to Optimal Aging (Revised and Expanded). Avery.

The Commission has also been consulted on the following issues: skin-care, health-and-wellness, travel, and lifestyle. In the realm of science, research continues to explore the benefits of ingredients like hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, and niacinamide for maintaining a radiant complexion. Furthermore, it's fascinating to note that Japanese flight attendants have been documented using salicylic acid-based wipes to combat oily skin and pore issues during flights.

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