Jet Lag and Your Skin: How to Combat Dehydration and Dullness After Travel
Traveling can be an exciting adventure, but if you’ve ever hopped on a plane for a long-haul flight, you know that jet lag doesn’t just affect your energy levels—it can also wreak havoc on your skin. From dryness and dehydration to dullness and puffiness, the effects of traveling through multiple time zones can leave your complexion looking less than fresh. Thankfully, with the right skincare routine, you can combat the aftereffects of jet lag and restore your skin to its glowing, healthy self.
Here’s how to fight back against the dehydration, dullness, and skin issues that can arise after a long flight:
1. Rehydrate Inside and Out
One of the most immediate effects of long-haul travel is dehydration, and your skin is one of the first places to show it. The dry, recirculated air in airplanes can leave your skin parched and lackluster. To prevent this, make sure you drink plenty of water both during and after your flight. Staying hydrated will help replenish moisture in your skin, preventing dryness and dullness.
When you arrive at your destination, use a hydrating skincare routine. Look for moisturizers with hyaluronic acid, which helps attract and lock in moisture. A good hydrating serum can also provide an extra boost of moisture for your skin, and consider using a calming face mist throughout the day to keep your skin refreshed and hydrated.
2. Gentle Cleansing to Remove Travel Residue
After a long flight, your skin is often exposed to pollutants, sweat, and even makeup residue. This can lead to clogged pores, dullness, and breakouts. When you arrive at your destination, cleanse your skin gently to remove any buildup and prepare your skin for the rest of your skincare routine.
Avoid harsh cleansers, which can strip your skin of its natural oils and contribute to further dryness. Opt for a gentle, hydrating cleanser that will remove impurities without irritating your skin. A double-cleansing method (first using an oil-based cleanser, then a water-based one) can be especially effective at clearing away all debris and leaving your skin fresh and clean.
3. Give Your Skin a Boost with Vitamin C
Jet lag can make your skin look tired and dull, but the right skincare ingredients can help restore its radiance. Vitamin C is one of the best ingredients for brightening and evening out skin tone. It helps combat the oxidative stress caused by travel-related factors like dehydration and lack of sleep, while also reducing the appearance of dark spots and hyperpigmentation.
Incorporating a vitamin C serum into your routine will help your skin look brighter and more refreshed. Apply it in the morning to get the full antioxidant benefits, and follow up with sunscreen to protect your skin from further damage.
4. Use an Eye Cream to Combat Puffiness and Dark Circles
Jet lag doesn’t just show up on your face—it’s especially noticeable around your eyes. The lack of sleep and dehydration can lead to puffiness, dark circles, and general tiredness around your eyes. To combat these effects, look for an eye cream with ingredients like caffeine, peptides, and hyaluronic acid.
Caffeine helps reduce puffiness by constricting blood vessels and improving circulation, while peptides help strengthen the delicate skin around your eyes. A good eye cream will hydrate and reduce the appearance of fatigue, making your eyes look bright and refreshed.
5. Exfoliate for a Glowing Complexion
When your skin is feeling dull after a flight, a gentle exfoliation can make a big difference. Exfoliating removes dead skin cells, which can help reveal brighter, more radiant skin. However, it’s important to be gentle when exfoliating after travel, as your skin might be more sensitive than usual.
Look for a mild chemical exfoliant, such as one with AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids) or BHAs (beta hydroxy acids), which will gently slough off dead skin without causing irritation. Exfoliate a few days after your flight to brighten your complexion and reveal a fresh glow.
6. Treat Your Skin to a Hydrating Mask
After a long journey, your skin deserves some extra TLC. A hydrating face mask can be an excellent way to give your skin a boost of moisture and nourishment. Look for masks that contain soothing ingredients like aloe vera, honey, or glycerin, which will hydrate and calm your skin.
If you’re dealing with puffiness or redness, consider using a cooling gel mask to reduce inflammation and leave your skin feeling refreshed. You can apply a mask in the evening after your flight, allowing it to work overnight while you sleep.
7. Get Enough Sleep
The most important thing you can do to combat jet lag and restore your skin is to get enough sleep. Sleep is essential for skin regeneration, and when you’re well-rested, your skin has a better chance of recovering from the stress of travel. Make sure to give yourself time to rest and allow your body to adjust to the new time zone.
Conclusion
Jet lag doesn’t just affect your energy levels—it can also leave your skin looking tired, dehydrated, and dull. By following a simple skincare routine that includes hydration, gentle cleansing, exfoliation, and the right treatments, you can restore your skin’s glow and fight back against the effects of travel. Whether you’re jetting off for business or pleasure, your skin can stay calm and radiant no matter how far you roam.
Need skincare advice or treatments to revitalize your skin? Contact Bad Skin at (415) 669-0888 via TEXT or visit our medspa at Sola Salons Redwood City - 2115 Broadway Blvd. Suite 28, Redwood City, CA 94063 to explore our services. Let’s be bad, but better.
Currently serving the Bay Area, CA – Atherton, Belmont, Brisbane, Burlingame, Colma, Daly City, East Palo Alto, Foster City, Half Moon Bay, Hillsborough, Menlo Park, Millbrae, Pacifica, Palo Alto, Portola Valley, Redwood City, San Bruno, San Carlos, San Mateo, South San Francisco, Woodside.
