Beauty
4 skincare tips from flight attendants for next time you travel
By Amy Davidson
6 years ago
In partnership with Estee Lauder
Ever wondered how women look after their skin while spending their working lives in the air? We’ve got the answers…
Along with an 11am airport prosecco and a last-minute panic about what is and isn’t allowed in your hand luggage, dry skin is part and parcel of jetting off on holiday.
And when it comes to valuable wisdom about keeping your skin hydrated while spending hours in a pressurised cabin, the people who do it for a living are the ones you want to ask.
We’ve picked the brains of three flight crews to get their top beauty tips while travelling.
1. Don't overdo it
“Where people tend to reach for a moisture mask while flying, it can actually be more beneficial to simply apply oil or an intense treatment,” says American Airlines flight attendant Lauren Bamonte.
“Something that includes peptides, antioxidants and anti-inflammatories will hydrate, condition and moisturise, as well as act as a protective barrier that slows down the speed at which your skin loses moisture.
“To really feel the benefits, use a roller to get the circulation going and increase uptake.”
Take Bamonte’s advice and load up on the good stuff with a serum like Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Serum.
Whether you’re wanting a protective plane facial or a restorative treatment when you land, just apply a few drops to your face and neck, then massage it into your skin in outwards movements.
The serum is packed full of peptides, antioxidants and hyaluronic acid to keep your skin plump and supple.
2. Be aware of rays on daytime flights
“Flying can make my skin really dry,” says EasyJet pilot Rachel Sylvester-Murphy.
“As the sun is often shining right through the cockpit window, it can get really warm. So, we constantly have the fan blowing cool air, which can dry out our skin.
“The humidity of a plane is around a quarter of the air on the ground, meaning it’s very dry.
“I wear SPF 50 every day as the windows protect us from sunburn but not from the further penetrating rays that affect the ageing process.
“My skin eats up make-up when I am flying and I have none left at the end of the day, so I prefer to look after my skin. Then I feel I don’t have to wear as much.”
3. Don't forget your lips
“Travelling to warmer and cooler climates, combined with the dry cabin air, means my lips are always suffering,” says Virgin Atlantic flight attendant Carly Navin.
“I always have some good quality lip balm to hand and I’m constantly reapplying no matter where I am.
“The tinted balms are a favourite of mine as they give a pop of colour while making my lips smooth and soft.”
4. Be selective
“Choosing what you put back on pre-landing is also worth some thought,” says Bamonte.
“Avoid eye shadow and powder as they tend to grip on to dehydrated skin, but be liberal with the mascara, which works brilliantly at bringing tired eyes back to life.
“And a quick spritz of dry shampoo is perfect for that all-important hair touch-up after a day of travelling.”
Make sure you stock up your favourite summer essentials like Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Serum before you fly. Pre-order before your next flight to guarantee you find it in stock and pass by the Estée Lauder counter to get your complimentary summer make-up look at the airport before you fly.
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