By Flying high above the clouds, constantly traveling across time zones—being a flight attendant has its charms, doesn’t it? You get to meet fascinating people, experience diverse cultures, and witness those breathtaking sunrises at 30,000 feet. Yet, despite all these perks, the job isn’t all cushy. The long hours in low humidity cabins and erratic schedules can wreak havoc on your skin. We’ll take you through some anti-aging solutions tailored specifically for flight attendants, focusing on maintaining that youthful glow every steward dreams of.
Skin Troubles Mid-Air: The Flight Attendant Dilemma
Ever notice how airplane cabins can be pretty harsh environments? The recirculated air feels like a moisture-sucking beast, and before you know it, your once-plump skin starts resembling a desert landscape. It’s not your imagination. As a flight attendant, your skin needs vary vastly from the usual skincare routine because you’re exposed to significantly lower humidity levels and UV rays that penetrate windows onboard.
**Why the Struggle?** As you jet-set across the globe, the low humidity on a plane, often below 20%, dries out your skin faster than you’d think. Dry skin ages faster, leading to premature lines and that dreaded dullness. Not to mention, different climates and air travel can have your body all kinds of confused. But don’t worry, we’ve got some simple yet effective tricks up our sleeves.
Step 1: Stay Hydrated—Inside and Out
The Water Spill
Hydration is your first line of defense. It’s a cliché everyone repeats, but for good reason—keeping hydrated is vital. Fill up on water whenever you can during your flight. Aim for at least a liter over the course of your shift. Your skin—and your body—will thank you.
**Moisturizer Types to Consider** Now, no amount of water will do its magic without a little help from a good moisturizer. Look for formulations rich in hyaluronic acid or glycerin. These powerhouse ingredients are adored for their ability to keep skin hydrated by drawing in moisture from the environment and sealing it in.
- Light Gel vs. Rich Cream (for Different Climates)
| **Skin Type** | **Flight Duration & Destination** | **Moisturizer** |
|---|---|---|
| Oily | Short-haul flights, temperate climate | Light Gel with Hyaluronic Acid |
| Dry | Long-haul flights, cold climate | Rich Cream with Glycerin |
| Combination | All-around conditions | Balancing Cream with Ceramides |
Facial Mists: A Quick Spritz of Freshness
Trust me, never underestimate the power of a good facial mist. They can rejuvenate your skin between rounds on the aircraft, offering a quick burst of hydration that’s much needed when you’re running a busy cabin service.
Step 2: Shield with SPF—Every Day, Every Flight
The Unexpected Culprit
Most don’t think of slathering on sunscreen before a flight, but they should. Those beautiful large airplane windows might seem innocuous but offer little protection against UV rays. These rays aren’t fond of your skin’s youthfulness and can lead to premature aging if left unchecked.
**Choosing the Right SPF** Opt for a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays. The number you want to shoot for is at least SPF 30; nothing lower will do for those UV rays streaming through.
Smart Application
It’s not just about putting it on in the morning before you jet off. Reapplying during your shift might not always be feasible, but grabbing a quick moment whenever you can make all the difference.
Step 3: Rock the Sunglasses—and an Eye Cream
Peepers Need Care Too
The thin skin around your eyes is often the first to show age, thanks in part to repetitive squinting in harsh lighting conditions. Both classic shading from a good pair of UV-blocking sunglasses and a nutrient-rich eye cream are perfect partners to combat this.
**Night & Day Cream Recipe** Consider an eye cream with Vitamin C by day and retinol or peptides for night layovers. They help with both current lines and future protection, which is crucial for those high-fliers.
Step 4: Embrace a Night-time Routine That Works for You
Sweet Dreams & Regenerative Creams
The promise of a good moisturizer and mask at night is to replenish what the day’s shifts have taken out of you. Work is stressful enough without adding cluttering decision-making when all you need is sleep.
**Keep It Simple**
- Cleanse: Go for a gentle cleanser that doesn’t strip away those valuable oils.
- Moisturize: Sure, we’ve harped on about hydration a lot, but a heavier cream can replenish the skin overnight.
- Face Oils: Seal everything in with a lightweight face oil infused with antioxidants. Trust the process; your skin will slowly thank you for the extra love.
Step 5: Life-style Tricks to Boost Your Glow
It’s not just about Products
No matter how many products you slather on your face, your lifestyle choices also have a say in how well your skin handles air travel stressors.
- Diet: Load up on antioxidants with colorful fruits and vegetables. They fight off those pesky free radicals that contribute to aging.
- Sleepery Schedules: Yes, rest periods are often out of sync with a 9-to-5 lifestyle. Rotate between bedding when possible and keep your rest place comforting.
Stress Management
This feels like fighting an uphill battle, but learning different de-stressing techniques can work wonders for your skin and your mental health too.
- Deep Breathing or Apps: Meditation guides can put your mind at peace before the rush of everyday cabin chaos hits.
Step 6: Continuous Learning is Key
Diversify the Know-How
The flight attendant’s realm is evolving continually, so armed with ample knowledge about skincare can only benefit. Don’t stick to just one solution; embrace new findings.
**Interaction Benefit**
Conversations with fellow cabin crew members can provide insightful skincare guidance and personal testimonial anecdotes.
Skin Consults Post-Flight
After particularly grueling periods of flying, don’t shy away from seeking professional help like dermatologists or estheticians who can offer tailored advice.
Reminder at Cruising Altitude
Hey, we’ll touch down soon, but remember, glowing, rejuvenated skin on the go isn’t as far fetched as it might seem. The key is a consistent routine, proactive protection, and balancing that lifestyle with a dash of relaxation and good humor.
As you walk the aisles with that newfound luminosity, flaunt it with the powerful poise that only a flight attendant can muster, knowing you’ve conquered the aging conundrums of your unique office in the sky. Keep exploring what works—consider it your magic mission amongst the further escapades you plan for, be it layover learning or skincare scoring. Your flying future, and more hydrated skin, begins now.
Frequently Asked Questions
What skincare routine do flight attendants follow to maintain their skin during long flights?
Flight attendants often follow a simplified skincare routine on flights to combat the drying effects of cabin air. This typically includes washing the face and applying a rich moisturizer before boarding, and then topping up moisture levels with a hydrating face mist and lip balm during the flight. Using a facial toner and a hydrating moisturizer, such as La Roche-Posay’s Cicaplast Baume B5+, is also recommended[3][4].
How do flight attendants stay hydrated and protect their skin from dry cabin air?
To stay hydrated, flight attendants drink plenty of water, often more than they think they need, and avoid alcohol which is dehydrating. They also use hydrating products like facial mists, rich moisturizers, and lip balms to keep their skin hydrated. Additionally, staying hydrated internally by drinking water and using electrolyte drink mixes can help maintain skin health[3][5].
What are some essential skincare products that flight attendants carry during flights?
Flight attendants often carry facial wipes with vitamin C or micellar water, hydrating face mists, rich moisturizers, and lip balms. They may also use toners containing witch hazel and sunscreen to protect their skin from the sun and dry air. Products like Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer and sheet masks for layovers are also popular[1][4][5].
Why is it important to avoid elaborate skincare routines on planes?
Elaborate skincare routines on planes can be counterproductive due to the unhygienic environment. Touching your face after touching potentially contaminated surfaces on the plane can introduce bacteria to your skin, leading to blemishes. It is recommended to keep the skincare routine simple and avoid touching your face excessively[3].
References- Beauty essentials for cabin crew – Makeup and Skincare – Mitzie Mee.
- The clever skincare rules flight attendants swear by – Stylist.
- I’m Ex-Cabin Crew. This Is My In-Flight Skincare Advice – Citizen Femme.
- The Discreet Inflight Skincare Routine – Vitruvi.
- 5 Skin Care Tips From a Flight Attendant – GoodRx.