The holiday season is here! While it's my favorite time of year - it's also the busiest time of year to travel. Dealing with traffic, crowds, germs and the recycled air on planes is a nightmare and traveling in these conditions can do a number on the skin. Fortunately I'm here with a few tips to keep your skin looking fresh this holiday season.
1. Know Your TSA Rules
Isn't it the worst feeling after braving the traffic to the airport, the long check-in and security lines, finally making your way through security only to realize you didn't pack properly? That dread and sadness when you have to throw away that precious bottle of you-name-it skin care product because you didn't follow the TSA's liquid rules? My advice about packing liquids in carry-ons - know before you go. Here it is direct from the TSA site:
"You are allowed to bring a quart-sized bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes in your carry-on bag and through the checkpoint. These are limited to 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less per item."
Our sunscreen, face moisturizer with SPF and night cream are all 3.4 ounce or less. Many pharmacies sell travel kits too that have small bottles you can pour your products into.
2. Wear Sunscreen on the Plane
It may sound crazy but you are closer and thus more exposed to the sun's UV rays high up in the air and especially if you are in a window seat. Actually a study was done in 2000 that determined airlines pilots had a higher incidence of skin cancer due to this exposure. Since then airlines use sun shields in the cockpit to protect pilots from sun exposure.
So protect yourself by wearing sunscreen or a broad spectrum SPF moisturizer on the plane.
3. Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize
The plane is dry so make sure you carry-on your favorite moisturizer on the flight. Of course don't forget tip #1 when packing your moisturizer.
4. Drink Lots of Water
Building on tip #3, another way to combat skin dryness on your flight is to stay hydrated. A trick I use to avoid paying the exorbitant airport bottled water prices and waiting on airline drink service is to bring my own reusable water bottle. It's also good for the environment! After going through security, most airports will have water fountains where you can fill your bottle up. Of course remember to make sure your bottle is empty before going through security.
5. Don't Touch Your Face
The airplane is a hotbed for germs with tray tables and armrests being some of the dirtiest areas. So don't go rubbing up on these areas and then touching your face. Might I suggest even bringing some natural cleaning sprays or wipes to sanitize these areas. Just make sure you pack any cleaning sprays in a TSA approved travel size.
Hope you found my tips helpful (find even more travel tips and discover new places in our Sunny Travel series - now if only I could provide the magic bullet to beating the holiday travel rush. Safe travels and Happy Holidays everyone!