As winter is over and summer vacation plans approach, you may book flights to far-reaching destinations, but there is one thing you need to avoid wearing them during the spray. Ryan Porter from Fat Cow Skincare warns against putting on makeup while flying.
He said: “For those of us who love a bit of makeup, it's fascinating to put together the glam look for the perfect “airport chic” selfie. However, wearing 30,000 feet of makeup can cause more harm than good for your complexion. “Air travel allows you to expose your skin to a unique set of challenges. The pressure and low humidity of the cabin combine to create the perfect storm for dry, tired skin.
“And also, the lack of fresh air circulation makes the skin even more difficult to breathe, often feeling ridiculous and looks less than it glows,” he added.
Increased drying
When humidity levels drop within the plant, the natural moisture in the skin begins to evaporate, making you thirsty and more susceptible to irritation. Makeup, especially when layered with foundation and concealer, can trap dryness underneath.
Ryan explained: “Instead of helping the skin, makeup gets trapped in dehydration and exacerbates the problem by making the skin feel tight and dim.”
The rise of breakouts
A breakout after flight may put a damper on your holiday and your makeup can make it worse.
When cabin air drys your face, it compensates for your skin by producing more oils, and when you wear makeup, this oil gets trapped underneath, clogging your pores and breakouts.
A dull, tired look
Ryan said: “Even the most carefully applied makeup can't hide the natural dullness that comes from flying, so it's often better not to worry about it.”
He also added that changes in altitude and pressure during flight can affect blood flow, making the skin look pale and lifeless.
UV exposure
When flying, you will have less air filtering harmful rays, and while most plane windows block UVB rays, they do not necessarily block UVA.
Many makeup products have added SPF, but they usually do not provide sufficient protection against increased UV exposure during flights.
Ryan added: “Makeup allows you to properly apply and reapply a dedicated broadspectrum sunscreen. This is much more effective at protecting your skin during a flight than relying on the minimum SPF in your makeup.”
