Stepping off a plane with that dreaded "plane skin" - the dull, dry, greyish hue that often plagues our complexions after a long flight - is a common travel woe. Even for the most seasoned jet-setters, the dry, recycled cabin air can wreak havoc on our skin, leaving it parched, irritated and a far cry from the healthy, radiant glow we had when we first boarded. But it doesn't have to be this way.
With the right pre-flight prep and in-flight skincare routine, you can arrive at your destination looking and feeling refreshed, rather than haggard. To help us master the art of maintaining a glowing complexion at 30,000 feet, we turned to a skin expert for her top tips. According to Kimberley Medd, Head of Clinic at Face The Future, there's one crucial step you should never miss when flying - and it could protect your skin from serious damage, including premature ageing and even cancer.
Kimberley warns that skipping SPF during flights is a major mistake that many travellers make. "UV rays are stronger at higher altitudes, and aeroplane windows do not block them completely," Medd explains. "Always apply suncream before and during your flight to protect your skin from potential damage.
" She recommends using a lightweight, invisible formula like the Heliocare 360 Mineral Tolerance Fluid SPF 50 (£31) to shield skin from harmful UV exposure as you embark. We also love the Hydropeptide Solar Dew Sheer Mineral Melt SPF 30 (£58) for a luxe, lightweight sun serum that quickly melts effort.