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5 Tips for Surviving a Long-Haul Flight

long hour flight skincare

Nowadays, people travel for vacation or work a lot, and they usually experience very long flights. It is quite often seen that people get off the plane with their hair and face covered in oil. In this article, we reveal the secrets of taking care of your skin and body during your flight. From the skin care steps required for long-haul flights, to the airplane sickness and allergies that many people often get on board. With the changes in pressure and humidity, the usual minor symptoms are easily exacerbated at high altitudes. A few useful gadgets from experienced flight attendants to help relieve some of the discomforts on the plane. So that you can get on board looking gorgeous and elegant, and enjoy your long-haul flight without being unwell!

TIP 1: Essential relief products to reduce physical symptoms

No matter whether it is a long-term or short-term flight, the worst fear is to encounter air sickness. It is recommended to pack products such as peppermint oil or to seek ice or sparkling water from flight attendants to reduce dizziness. It is important to note that the consumption of hot tea, hot water or sweetened beverages will only make the discomfort of dizziness more severe. Muscle aches and pains caused by prolonged sitting on the plane can be eased by standing up and taking a walk or stretching. Flight attendants suggest that passengers can wear varicose vein socks to alleviate the pressure on the legs.

Furthermore, with the dry air in the aircraft, you may easily suffer from nosebleeds. You can also put some mineral water on the tissue or spray some moisturising mist into the mask to increase the humidity of the air inside the nose. It is advisable to ask for a cup of hot water to inhale the steam to have the same results as the prior approach. If you are having insomnia during the flight, lavender essential oil can be used to help you fall asleep as well as to relieve airsickness.

ASAKUKI Peppermint Essential Oil 10ml, 100% Pure Natural Essential Oils
ASAKUKI Peppermint Essential Oil 10ml, 100% Pure Natural Essential Oils
ASAKUKI Lavender Essential Oil 10ml, 100% Pure Natural Essential Oils
ASAKUKI Lavender Essential Oil 10ml, 100% Pure Natural Essential Oils

TIP 2: Maintains skin hydration

Dry air is common knowledge on planes and many people have the trick of using face masks. Some flight attendants suggest that you can ask them for a glass of hot water to open up the pores of your face with steam before applying the mask. Be careful to remove the mask as soon as it has been applied for 10 minutes, otherwise it will cause the skin to get even drier. Bring a multi-purpose moisturising spray with you in your carry-on bag, which not only reduces the amount of skincare products that you have to carry, but also achieves a cleansing and moisturising effect. The water used on board is recycled, so it is more hygienic to use mineral water to remove make-up and wash your face.

Sukin Hydrating Mist Toner
Sukin Hydrating Mist Toner

For an in-flight skin care application, you can start by applying the lotion to the face and massage in small circular motions. A gentle massage gradually increases the volume and moves towards the ears, which also has a relaxing affect on the body. If you want to enhance skin hydration, use a no-rinse mask to keep your skin hydrated while you sleep to preserve its radiance when you wake up.

Sukin Rehydrating Gel Cream
Sukin Rehydrating Gel Cream

TIP 3: Drink the right amount of water to avoid dehydration

Anyone who has travelled frequently will know that flying can have a serious impact on skin hydration. Therefore, you should drink about 30ml of water per hour during the flight to prevent dehydration. Ginger has a soothing, warming effect on the stomach and helps the body’s circulation. You can bring a packet of ginger slices and an empty thermos on your trip and ask the flight attendant to fill them with hot water to make ginger tea. Although this may lead to annoying and frequent toilet usage, it is a great opportunity to get your body up and moving.

TIP 4: Pre-flight and in-flight eating instructions

Always be aware that what you take into your body within 24 hours prior to departure. For instance, alcohol and caffeine can seriously disrupt the quality of your sleep, so be mindful of such intake and avoid them if possible. Consumption of oily or spicy food before travelling can also interfere with rest. Before taking off, you can eat whole meal crackers, oatmeal, bananas, low-fat cheeses, Greek yoghurt and cherries, which have a calming effect. Try to eat a light diet during the flight, or if it is an overnight flight, try to eat some carbohydrate and protein in advance as this combination can help promote sleep.

The flight attendants’ personal advice is that once you have had enough food before you get on the plane, you can choose not to eat the microwave meals and salty processed foods that are not very nutritious on the flight. This will not only help keep your biological clock on track for your next destination, but will also help detoxify and stabilise body metabolism.

TIP 5: Portable sleep aids

If you are a sensitive traveller, we recommend that you wear noise-proof headphones and a silk sleeping eye mask. Do not forget to turn down the lights before taking a break to eliminate too much stimulating entertainment and blue light from smart devices. As blue light can reduce the production of melatonin in the brain and cause insomnia. 

To soothe your over-excited brain and mental state after getting on-board, a few minutes of meditation is encouraged to settle the mind and body down and prepare for sleep. You may be able to use conditioning medication, melatonin supplements to help you sleep. The time and dosage of melatonin depends on the time zone you are crossing and where you are going. In addition, people can use an online calculator to calculate the ideal time and dosage.

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