Travelling and flying takes a toll on your skin, especially when it´s long-haul. I´ll be going to America twice this month, both of which are only for 3-4 days, which will be even harder on my skin and body. I´m pretty regimental when I travel, and since I´m fortunate to be doing more of it, I have come into bit of a routine. It´s all about preparation in advance, and then re-booting once I´m back…I´ve certainly picked up a lot of tricks over the past few years with various tried and tested methods. As with everything, you just need to find what works for you in terms of time and effort. Here are my personal fail-safe top tips!
1. ENERGISE & PREPARE THE SKIN
Your skin is definitely one of the main things which suffer when flying. A combination of the pressure, humidity and low oxygen levels, are the common causes for your skin being left feeling incredible dull and parched. Not the ideal scenario just before a holiday! As well as hydrating lots during the flight (I always bring extra water with me), staying clear from any alcohol or sugary juices which dehydrates your skin even more, and bringing lots of travel size pots of moisturisers with me – it´s also really important to prepare your skin in advance before the long flight.
SKINCARE ROUTINE
It´s obviously ideal if you have a solid and consistent skincare routine (not only just before flying); this will help fight against any moisture loss during the flight, enable your skin to recover a lot faster from the temperature changes and in general act as a barrier from the stresses caused by flying.
Over the past few months I have been using the new range from Elemis BIOTEC – a new energising skincare system which basically switches your skin back on (igniting a mineral charge) and is targeted for tired, dull and exhausted skin, scientifically proven to increase cell energy. As my life does involve a lot of travelling and ever-changing days with long hours, I´ve been after a solid skincare range which can target all of my concerns (instead of having lots of different types of potions for all kinds of things). What I love about Elemis BIOTEC is that it really helps re-boot my skin, being enriched with zinc and copper, and contains a trio of acids and punchy Phyto-Bioactive (the bioactive compounds inside plants). This skin cocktail leaves my skin feeling fresh faced, even-toned and glowing. In other words, the ideal skincare range to be using prior to travelling or a busy period!
After recently struggling from congested and dehydrated skin; being told it was due to using and layering too many skincare products – I´ve really stripped down my routine and tried to keep it as simple as possible. Every morning I use a rosewater toner, then I cleanse with the BIOTEC Skin Energising Cleanser, pop on some eye cream, then finish with the BIOTEC Skin Energising Day Cream. Come evening I cleanse and tone again, and finish with eye cream and the BIOTEC Skin Energising Night Cream. This is a big change from using between 6-8 products both morning and evening! So far, so good.
BOOSTING FACIAL
Having a hydrating facial is a beauty step I never try to skip when embarking on a holiday. My go-to facial is the Elemis BIOTEC Sonic Skin-Radiance Facial, which is ideal pre-flight as it´s helps boost radiance and energise your skin, by exfoliating, moisturising and brightening the complexion.
2. WORK OUT
Working out has always been part of my weekly routine. In the earlier years it was to mainly to stay trim and fit, but now I´m also so more conscious of feeling strong. I´ve always liked to challenge myself and try out new things. I still love my boxing, and have recently taken on Barre and Yoga, combined with running and free weights.
I always try to amp up my workouts prior to holidays (especially if it´s a bikini vacay!) and try to squeeze in several sessions in the days leading up to flying (on both ends). It helps aid your metabolism, leaves your body feeling tired and you stand a better chance of a deep sleep and catching some Zs in that cramped airline seat!
3. DETOXIFY & CLEANSE
You might have noticed by now that I´m a big fan of juicing and regular cleanses. A few years ago, I was pretty hardcore, jumping straight into a 7-day juice cleanse (never having juiced before!) – but now I prefer much more lighter cleanses, with a maximum of 3-days. If you have time before travelling, it´s the ideal timing to get your juicing on (or when you get back!).
This time around I did a 1-day juice cleanse with Plenish the day before flying out, and I felt so energised on the day of travelling, much lighter and clear skinned. Juicing floods your system with all of the vitamins and minerals from the plants, nourishing your cells and support your natural detoxification process. It also helps boost your immune system and helps reduce any inflammation – a great way to fight those germs on the plane!
4. FLIGHT ESSENTIALS
BEAUTY
I pack my skincare products in Muji travel size bottles (Elemis BIOTEC day and night cream + cleanser), a hydrating facial mist, toothbrush, face wipes and hand cream. I also like to bring Lavender Oil or balm with me, which helps with my nerves and induces sleep, Rosehip Oil, which nourishes and rehydrate your face, and a pot of coconut oil, for any extra dry areas. Lastly, I bring an eye mask with me – I love the Holistic Silk Eye Mask (also infused with lavender) and my super soft silk one from Hesper Fox.
FOOD
As plane food is pretty gross with lots of additives and salt (not ideal for your skin or body), I always pack and prepare my own snacks. I like to bring LoveRaw Snack Bars, a bag of homemade kale chips, a bag of almonds (preferably soaked the night before, making it much easier to digest), a pot of homemade granola or muesli, and some fresh fruit. Sometimes, I even pack a salad or prepare my own food in a tupperware box (being the fussy eater I am!).
DRINK
Although most planes will have herbal teas, I don´t like to take any chances (or drink up their entire stash!), so I always bring my own tea bags. I love Peppermint (to aid digestion) and Chamomile (to calm me, as I´m a nervous flyer). Water is essential, and I can easily drink 2 litres of it! Instead of annoying the air hostesses every half an hour, I always bring a couple of large bottles with me, just to be on the safe side. Flying often gives me a headache and dehydrates my skin, so hydrating is key.
SUPPLEMENTS
To help cleanse and protect our bodies from germs that may be circulating on the plane, I like to bring some super green powders with me (I love VITL Greens, Pukka Clean Greens & Super Elixir). I also bring Probiotics, to maintain good bacteria in the gut, and B vitamin, which helps with stress and jet lat – and always bring a load of Multivitamins with me (I´m currently taking VITL 28 Day Nutrition Pack).
READING & WRITING
Anyone else find it hard to sit down and actually read a book (or even a magazine?). The one thing I love the most about long distance, is the time to disconnect and just get stuck into all the books I´ve been wanting to read. I also find long-haul flights to be a great time to reflect, create, brainstorm and plans. Funnily enough, it´s often the time I find myself to be most creative, when I have no distraction and can fully focus on one thing. So packing my laptop, a pen and notepad, is a must.
5. PAMPER
I love a bit of pampering, and if I have time, I love having a Deep Tissue Massage. Having a massage (especially a strong one), helps increase your blood circulation, which is really good to have before embarking on a flight. If I have time the evening before, I love using one of my go-to beauty apps, Ruuby. Their massages are great and their masseuses always make you feel instantly at ease, creating that spa environment in your own home.
Then I make sure my nails are freshly coated and looking good for my trip!
6. SLEEP
Last but not least, get enough sleep before your flight! Minimum 7 hours (9 is ideal). As I´m terrible flier and hardly ever manage to sleep on planes, being rested and relaxed before jetting off is essential. So light a scented candle, spritz some calming room spray and pop that eye mask on. Zzzz.
SAFE TRAVELS!
Created in collaboration with ELEMIS. All words, opinions, styling & creative direction my own.
Very useful advises Anneli. Over the years I’ve tried to apply quite some traveling regimes myself. Needless to say I have to pack half of my belongings for every trip.
Kinda exhausting if you ask me:p Wish I was more low maintenance.
Can’t wait for the posts following up your trips to US.
Cheers,
T.
https://tbymallano.wordpress.com/2016/04/06/last-day-of-winter/
Author
Thanks Tatjana! Haha, me too, always pack to much.
Anneli x
Hi Anneli,
Your posts always make me feel inspired to travel! I love the little make-up pouch–where is it from?
Chloe xo
Author
I´m glad, thank you! It´s from Barbour :)
Ax
Loved this post, Anneli! I travel to Sweden from the US a lot, and every time I go to bed faaar too late before my flight the next day, which I’m sure is why I suffer from such terrible jet-lag!
http://www.latelylena.com
Author
Thanks Lena! X
I love the trainers in you case, where are they from? Nike do so many different variations!
Author
Thanks Claire! Their Nike Air Max and I bought them at a NIKE outlet in Birmingham actually (which is worth going to just for that!). X
Hello Anneli
Where do you buy the small snack zipper bags from? ( containing almonds)
The ones I’ve searched are still quite big. Thank you xx
Author
They´re from Tesco´s actually! x