You Can’t Take Off Without…

Everything you need to ensure you land looking and feeling better that when you boarded the flight.

As an avid traveler, I have a few in flight essentials that I can’t take off without. As I write this, I’m on an 11 hour flight to Mexico, spraying and applying all my goodies so I think now is the perfect time to share…don’t you?

Sanitise

First things first and it may just be my raging fear of germs, but I MUST completely disinfect my area before I can get comfortable. This is because planes are naturally quite unsanitary; plus you can’t guarantee how well your area has been cleaned, considering how many rows they must go through in a short period of time. I use antibacterial wipes to disinfect EVERYTHING. My screen, my tray, my bed, my arm rest/side table, and spray a skin safe disinfectant (which we'll get into) on the sheets too, because you really don’t know what happens to those blankets after you leave. Of course you don’t have to do this, but also think about the germs surrounding you as you sleep AND eat! 

Skincare

Being the skincare addict that I am, of course I have my essentials! 

Just like you, I was tricked by the influencers into believing that you need to bring your entire everyday routine on board in order to land with perfect skin. They are totally wrong, but this is also completely impractical! Not only because of the tears you’ll shed as you watch security throw away your favourite serums, but because you will leave the flight with worse skin than you boarded with. This is because planes are so dirty. The air; the water, they’re filled with bacteria that’s ultimately clinging to your face for however long your flight is, or if you’re washing your face in those tiny sinks, the bacteria is practically seeping into your pores *big gag*. This is what causes those pesky spots and pimples! Instead, all you really need to clean your skin is a Hypochlorous Acid spray. It’s an antibacterial spray that is safe for skin and kills 99.9% of germs. I spray it before I board, every hour on the flight; then when I get off. Most of the ones on the market are pretty pricey for just two ingredients, and some even contain alcohol which can be very very drying so it’s best to avoid! The only spray I recommend is the Vital Baby Spray. It’s inexpensive and contains all you need (plus if it’s good enough for babies, it’s good enough for me lol). Honestly hypochlorous acid is beneficial to your everyday routine, but especially on planes and public transport to tackle the bacteria. The only other “skincare” I consistently apply throughout is lip balm due to the dry air.

Rehydration

As well as dirty, the plane air also gets very dry which can be uncomfortable on the skin. To restore the moisture, I use a hydrating sheet mask 45 minutes before we’re set to land (or an hour, depending on the instructions on the mask) giving it enough time to work. I’m currently loving the Medik8 Ultimate Recovery Bio-Cellulose Mask. I disinfect my hands and spray my hypochlorous acid all over my face before applying either an eye mask or full face sheet mask, and a lip mask too. This not only brings life back to your skin, but also ensures your skin has a fresh start: prepared to “face” the new environment that you’ve just landed in. You don’t need to do anything but take off the mask, apply some SPF and prepare for landing; therefore your skin isn’t affected by any of the germs we were just fighting off. Overnight sheet masks that last the duration of your flight can also be very beneficial as it means the dry air nor the bacteria are able to penetrate your skin at all. The Biodance Collagen Real Deep Mask is amazing and to keep in on through the flight, try a silicone mask cover which are really helpful when walking around the house with a mask on. Again, begin with the same sanitising routine and aim to take it off at least 30 minutes before you're due to land; applying SPF after.

As well as my face, weirdly my nose always seems to get affected too. I assume this is due to the fact that i’m literally inhaling the dry air. So to combat this, I always carry a nose spray and use it when it starts to feel uncomfortable. I use the Sterimar breathe easy daily spray, because it serves no other purpose than to hydrate, as opposed to fighting hayfever or anything else, plus it contains no steroids so it is safe for long term use.

Sleep

Typically, I spend the entire night before a flight packing and so I don’t manage to get any sleep. Because of this, a sleeping or calming spray is always in my essentials kit to help me drift off peacefully, but also since I’m still such a nervous flyer, this puts me at ease. I know these things seem a little gimmicky and maybe they’re all placebo affects, but i’ve tried a couple and the White Company Sleep Mist is the only thing that’s ever knocked me out. I first discovered it in a BA kit on a 10 hour flight to Houston, and after 6 hours of straight sleep, I knew we were meant to be!

Compression

I never considered compression socks until the last time I flew to Mexico and came back with severe pain in my legs! They are extremely beneficial at preventing blood clots, swelling and pain caused by the lack of movement when flying which is very common and uncomfortable. They work by fitting tightly around your legs: squeezing and stimulating circulation in your calves and feet which otherwise would’ve been done through walking. I put mine on as part of my outfit whilst i'm getting ready to go to the airport, but you can also put them on just before you board or take off. If you have other medical conditions you can be prescribed compression socks by your doctor, otherwise you can simply purchase them online or in stores. 

Whilst the vacation itself is super fun, the travelling can be pretty stressful, so why not a few extra bits to make life a little easier? (That won’t get confiscated by airport security or TSA). These essentials have never failed me, but you can always tailor them to fit whatever you require. Regardless, safe flights and happy vacays angels <3

Esele xox