Skincare Tips for Traveling

If you’re going on vacation this winter - lucky you! We love how a nice vacation makes us feel happier and more relaxed when we get home. However, we don’t love what traveling on airplanes does to our skin. If you’ve ever taken a long flight, you know exactly what we’re talking about.

The humidity level in most airplane cabins is 20 percent, much lower than the 40-70 percent range most beneficial to skin. These lower humidity levels cause dehydration, making dry skin drier and oily skin oilier. Inactivity and salty snacks can result in water retention, making the face appear puffy. Finally, travel-related sleep deprivation results in under-eye bags and circles; on the whole, not a healthy or attractive look!

Follow these skincare tips for traveling to counteract the negative effects of flying, so your skin looks great when you reach your destination.

Skincare Tips for Traveling

Pack the Essentials

Be sure to include travel beauty essentials in your carry-on. TSA regulations stipulate that you cannot bring on board liquids in containers larger than 3.4 ounces per product. Items must be kept in a clear plastic bag, so plan accordingly.

Skip the Makeup

Keep makeup to a bare minimum when you’re traveling. Mascara and eyeliner can smear when you nap, and foundations and powders will only serve to further dehydrate your skin.

Moisturize Frequently

The longer your flight, the more your skin will dry out en route. Keep a facial moisturizer on hand and reapply frequently to keep skin hydrated. Since flying means that you’re much closer to the sun than usual, UV rays are stronger. Choose a facial moisturizer with broad spectrum sunscreen to repel those damaging rays.

Sip Water

International flights may offer free alcohol, but that doesn’t mean you should imbibe! Alcohol has the unfortunate effect of causing dehydration. Instead, stick to water in-flight. One glass of water for each hour in the air will keep you hydrated. We recommend buying a big bottle at the airport once you’re past security so you don’t have to rely on the flight attendants for your hourly H2O.

Keep Hands Hydrated

Airplanes and airports are full of germs, so chances are you’ll be washing your hands and applying antibacterial gel more often than usual. Unfortunately, both of these actions can zap the moisture right out of your hands, resulting in dry skin and fragile nails. To protect your skin and nails, pack a hand moisturizer like Herbacin Kamille Hand Cream and reapply after every hand wash.

Don’t Forget Your Lips!

Oh, that sinking feeling--boarding a flight and realizing  that you forgot your lip balm! To combat the dry air of the plane, pack at least one moisturizing lip balm like Herbacin Kamille Lip Balm and reapply often to avoid chapped lips.

Freshen Up

As you approach your destination, make a short trip to the restroom to freshen up. First, cleanse face with a makeup remover wipe to remove any traveling grime or excess oil. Next, apply facial moisturizer and a little bit of makeup (if desired). Then you’ll be ready to begin your vacation in style!

Do you have any skincare tips for traveling?  Share them with us through the comments section.

The 9 Best Foods for Glowing Skin

Changing your diet is one of the most common New Year’s resolutions. This year, why not try adding some of these skin-boosting superfoods to your grocery list? These foods are loaded with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that support healthy skin. Add one or more of these foods to your diet and enjoy a more radiant complexion.

Salmon

This fish is loaded with omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids reinforce skin’s natural moisture barrier to keep skin supple and hydrated. Our bodies do not have the ability to manufacture fatty acids, so the only way to get these necessary compounds is by incorporating them into your diet.

Salmon also contains dimethylaminoethanol (DMAE). DMAE protects against cell deterioration that causes signs of aging. Finally, salmon is a great source of protein. Protein is the building block of collagen and elastin, both of which act to keep skin firm and youthful. Wild-caught salmon provides the most health benefits.

Avocados

Not a fan of fish? Avocados are also rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Plus, avocados are an excellent source of vitamin E. Vitamin E is an antioxidant that neutralizes the free radicals that cause cellular damage, and may help to defend against skin cancer. Consumption of vitamin E also moisturizes the skin from the inside out.

Keep that in mind next time you order guacamole!

Brazil Nuts

Brazil nuts are one of the best sources of selenium. In fact, just one Brazil nut contains 135% of the recommended daily value of selenium. Selenium is an antioxidant that boosts collagen production and preserves elastin for firmer skin.

Eggs

Eggs are rich in biotin, a B vitamin also known as the “beauty vitamin”. Biotin is commonly known to support healthy hair and fingernail growth. However, biotin also protects the skin from irritation like rashes, acne, and excessive dryness. Plus, eggs are a great source of collagen-boosting protein.

Tomatoes

Tomatoes’ lycopene content may provide protection from sun damage. According to a 2008 UK study, people who ate 5 tablespoons of tomato paste daily had 33% more protection against UV rays than those in the control group.

Cooked tomatoes have more lycopene content than raw, so try adding tomato sauce, gazpacho, or roasted tomatoes to your diet.

Oranges

Like all citrus fruits, oranges are a great source of vitamin C. Vitamin C is necessary for the production of collagen, which keeps skin taut and firm. According to research published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, people who eat lots of vitamin C-rich foods have fewer wrinkles and other signs of aging.

Kale

Like tomatoes, kale also provides protection from sunburn. Kale is rich in antioxidants called lutein and zeaxanthin. According to a study published in Clinics of Dermatology, these antioxidants neutralize UV rays that penetrate your sunscreen

Kale is also an excellent source of vitamin A, which promotes healthy skin cell turnover.

Green Tea

Green tea’s antioxidant content provides its skin-boosting properties. Research at Case Western University revealed that catechins, a type of antioxidant found in green tea, reduce the risk of developing skin cancer.

Green tea is also helpful for flushing out toxins that can lead to breakouts. Additionally, green tea has topical benefits. Green tea’s vitamin K content can lighten dark circles around the eyes. For brighter eyes, chill used tea bags in the fridge, then place on eyelids for 15 minutes.

Sunflower Seeds

This delicious snack is rich in linoleic acid, a type of omega-6 fatty acid. Linoleic acid prevents thinning skin that causes fine lines and wrinkles. Its moisturizing and anti-inflammatory properties are also helpful for those with skin conditions like eczema.

Did your favorite food make the list? Let us know in the comments!