TRAVEL BEAUTY TIPS

December is here - the month of glittering lights, family reunions, and dreamy getaways. Whether you’re flying back to your home country or jetting off to a winter wonderland, this season is all about connection and celebration. But let’s be real: frequent flying can take a toll on your body, mind, and that radiant glow you worked hard to maintain all year. From the drying cabin air to long-haul flight stiffness, December’s travel plans often come with their challenges.

Don’t worry - this guide has you covered. Let’s explore the sneaky ways travel impacts your health, beauty, and wellness and how to glide through December’s travel chaos looking and feeling your absolute best.

Sky-High Challenges for Your Body

You might love the view from 35,000 feet, but your body doesn’t always agree. Long flights, cramped spaces, and cabin pressure can leave you feeling like you’ve run a marathon without moving a muscle. Here’s what’s happening:

• Dehydration: Airplane cabins are notorious for their low humidity levels. That tight feeling in your skin and dry throat after a flight? Yep, that’s dehydration kicking in.
• Stiff Muscles and Joints: Sitting for hours in the same position can lead to muscle stiffness and even swelling in your legs and feet. Not cute and definitely not comfy.
• Circulation Slumps: Reduced blood flow during long flights can leave you feeling sluggish and, in extreme cases, lead to more serious issues like deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

The Fix:

1. Hydration is Your Bestie: Pack a refillable water bottle and sip throughout the flight. Add electrolyte tablets like Nuun Hydration to give your water an extra boost.
2. Move Your Body: Get up and walk the aisle every hour. If that’s not possible, simple seat exercises like ankle circles or seated leg lifts can do wonders.
3. Compression Socks, but Make Them Cute: Compression socks improve circulation, reduce swelling, and come in fun designs that you won’t mind showing off.

Glow Goals: Skincare in the Skies

Let’s talk about your skin. Your skin is your largest organ, and it bears the brunt of travel stress. Cabin air on planes has about 20% humidity—far lower than the 30–60% your skin is accustomed to. This drastic drop strips your skin of moisture, compromising its barrier function and leading to dehydration, sensitivity, and irritation. The effects are magnified by exposure to UV rays at high altitudes, poor sleep, and stress.

What Happens to Your Skin When You Fly?

• Dehydration: Low humidity pulls moisture out of the skin, leading to dryness and dullness.
• Barrier Damage: Dehydrated skin struggles to retain essential nutrients, weakening its protective layer.
• UV Exposure: Windows in planes don’t block all UV rays, which can accelerate skin aging.
• Breakouts: Stress, disrupted routines, and increased sebum production contribute to post-travel acne.

 

How to Combat Travel-Induced Skin Issues

Before Your Flight
Prep your skin to withstand the harsh conditions of air travel.

1. Gentle Cleansing: Use a hydrating cleanser like ARKTIS Hydrating Face Cleanser, enriched with CBD to soothe inflammation and replenish moisture.
2. Layer Hydration: Apply a hyaluronic acid serum to lock in moisture, followed by a rich moisturizer like ARKTIS Revive CBD Day Cream, which fortifies the skin barrier against environmental stress.
3. Sunscreen Always: Protect against UV exposure with a broad-spectrum SPF. Opt for lightweight, non-comedogenic options like La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt-In Milk Sunscreen.

In-Flight Essentials
Keep your skin hydrated and soothed mid-flight.

• Hydrating Mists: Spritz with Caudalie Beauty Elixir or Evian Facial Spray to counteract dryness without disrupting your makeup.
• Eye Care: Dab on ARKTIS Rejuvenating Eye Serum to keep puffiness and dark circles at bay.
• Lip Balm: Use a nourishing balm like Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask to prevent chapped lips.

After Landing Recovery

1. Detox and Calm: Use a gentle exfoliant like Drunk Elephant’s Babyfacial to clear away impurities.
2. Night Repair: Apply ARKTIS Pure Night Routine cream for deep hydration and skin barrier repair overnight.
3. Moisture Mask: Replenish hydration with Laneige Water Sleeping Mask or Tatcha Luminous Dewy Skin Mask.

 

Supplements for Travel Superpowers

You’ve packed your bags, but did you pack your travel health essentials? With the added stress of flying, cold-weather germs, and unpredictable holiday meals, your body could use a little extra support.

Supplement Essentials

• Vitamin C and Zinc: Keep your immune system strong with Emergen-C or zinc lozenges. These are lifesavers when navigating crowded airports or sitting near sniffling passengers.
• Magnesium: Flying can throw your sleep schedule off balance. Magnesium supplements, like Natural Calm or Charava Magnesium, promote relaxation and improve sleep quality. 
• Probiotics: A change in diet (hello, airplane food!) can disrupt your gut. Pack a travel-friendly probiotic like Charava Berberine to keep your digestion in check.
• Omega-3s: Combat inflammation and support your skin’s glow with omega-3 supplements like Nordic Naturals Fish Oil.

Move It or Lose It: Staying Active While Flying

Raise your hand if you’ve ever felt like a crumpled pretzel after a long flight. Hours of sitting in cramped quarters can do a number on your body. From sore necks to stiff legs, flying isn’t exactly a wellness dream.

 

In-Flight Movement Hacks

1. Neck Rolls and Shoulder Shrugs: Ease tension with gentle stretches. Roll your shoulders forward and back, and tilt your head side to side to release stiffness.
2. Seated Leg Lifts: Engage your lower body by lifting one leg at a time, holding it straight for a few seconds before switching sides.
3. Toe Taps: Wiggle and tap your toes to encourage blood flow to your feet.
4. Yoga After Landing: Once you’re off the plane, find a quiet corner (or your hotel room) and stretch it out. A simple downward dog or cat-cow stretch can work wonders.

Foodie Fun Without the Fallout

The holiday season is all about indulgence, but travel can sometimes leave you stuck with greasy airport food or bland in-flight meals. These options might fill you up, but they can leave your body feeling sluggish and bloated.

Healthy Travel Snacks

• Trail Mix: Make your own with nuts, seeds, and dried fruit for a nutrient-packed snack.
• Dark Chocolate: Treat yourself while reaping antioxidant benefits.
• Veggie Sticks and Hummus: Pre-pack a portion for a fresh and healthy option.
• Protein Bars: Look for options with minimal sugar and clean ingredients.Opt for clean-label brands like RXBAR or Kind Bars.

Jet Lag Recovery Plan

It’s not just the flight that can throw you off - jet lag is the sneaky villain that tries to steal your holiday joy. Disrupted sleep cycles and mismatched time zones can leave you feeling groggy and out of sync.

Beat the Lag

1. Sync Early: Start adjusting your schedule a few days before travel. If you’re flying east, go to bed an hour earlier; if heading west, stay up later.
2. Melatonin Magic: Use melatonin supplements to help reset your body clock, but only for a few nights to avoid dependency.
3. Natural Light Therapy: Spend time outdoors to help regulate your circadian rhythm. Sunshine works wonders!
4. Stay Hydrated: Dehydration worsens jet lag, so keep sipping water.

Conclusion: Fly Smart, Stay Radiant

December may be the season of travel, but it doesn’t have to come at the expense of your health, beauty, or wellness. With a little preparation, a sprinkle of self-care, and the right supplements, you can glide through airports and holiday destinations feeling energized and radiant.

Pack your hydrating mist, slip on those compression socks, and embrace your December travels with confidence. After all, the journey should be just as fabulous as the destination!

 

Disclaimer

The information provided in this blog is for informational purposes only and is not intended to serve as medical advice. While we strive to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the content, some information  could be incomplete or contain inaccuracies.

For your safety and well-being, please consult a licensed healthcare professional or medical practitioner before using any supplements or products mentioned in this blog, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medications, or have pre-existing medical conditions.

Upon purchasing or receiving any product, carefully review all accompanying labels, leaflets, and packaging materials for detailed information regarding ingredients, proper usage, potential side effects, and any specific warnings or precautions.

If you have any concerns or questions, we encourage you to contact a licensed pharmacist or healthcare professional for guidance.

These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always prioritize professional advice for your health and wellness decisions.