Is It Dangerous to Get a Facial Proper Earlier than a Flight?

• Two aestheticians inform Journey + Leisure that flying takes a toll in your pores and skin.
• Should you’re reserving a pre-flight facial, attempt to schedule it just a few days upfront and go for a hydrating one.
• What to skip? Keep away from aggressive pores and skin remedies earlier than taking a flight.

The flight is booked, your baggage are packed, and also you’re manifesting touchdown as your glowiest, glass-skinned self. Then comes the aesthetic dilemma: to pre-flight facial or to not pre-flight facial?

In keeping with aestheticians, there’s no denying, flying wreaks absolute havoc in your pores and skin. “Air journey may be surprisingly dangerous to the pores and skin and physique on account of dry, recycled cabin air and low humidity, which may trigger moisture loss,” Vanessa Marc, aesthetician and founding father of Vanessa Marc Spa, advised Journey + Leisure.

Audrey Matney, a medical aesthetician at 123 Magnificence Lab in New York Metropolis, advised T+L that adjustments in cabin strain can result in fluid retention and poor circulation, leading to dreaded post-flight puffiness, and the drop in humidity ranges leaves pores and skin feeling tight, flaky, and lackluster. “Dehydration, puffiness, and dullness are inevitable at 35,000 ft. The airplane cabin is principally a high-altitude desert,” she mentioned.

So, how will you arrive wanting your jet-set greatest? A pre-flight facial can function your secret weapon. “Although it’s protected to get a facial earlier than a flight, I typically suggest scheduling one just a few days earlier than to provide the pores and skin an ample period of time to recuperate,” Marc mentioned.

When reserving your facial, Matney suggested towards overly aggressive remedies. “Keep away from deep exfoliation, chemical peels, or aggressive extractions,” she cautioned. “These remedies compromise the pores and skin barrier, exposing freshly exfoliated pores and skin to the dry, bacteria-filled cabin air—a recipe for breakouts.” If a facial consists of phrases like peel, abrasion, or deep exfoliation, it’s higher to reschedule. Your pores and skin barrier must be at full power earlier than your flight to keep away from leaving your pores and skin susceptible.

As a substitute, go for facials that prioritize hydration and help your pores and skin’s barrier with nourishing elements like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and antioxidants. In keeping with Marc, air journey “may cause moisture loss” and a hydrating facial “helps replenish the pores and skin and add much-needed moisture.” Matney additionally instructed including on pink mild remedy to fight the inevitable post-flight puffiness.

There are different methods to prep your pores and skin for journey, ranging from the within out. Start by incorporating water-rich meals like cucumbers, watermelon, leafy greens, and celery just a few days earlier than your flight. Wholesome fat reminiscent of avocados and nuts assist help the pores and skin barrier, and electrolytes from coconut water and potassium-rich bananas maintain you balanced.

When you contact down, even in case you obtained a facial, your pores and skin will crave an instantaneous reset. Matney recommends cleaning ASAP with a mild cleanser or micellar water to take away micro organism and cabin grime. Hydrate by consuming water and making use of a ceramide-rich moisturizer. For an additional refresh, strive a cooling sheet masks or a splash of chilly water. If puffiness strikes, use ice cubes, chilled jade rollers, or a chilly spoon to assist relax swelling.