Thinking about giving gloomy, grey skies and drizzle a miss and heading off for a relaxing break in the sun? A survey carried out by ABTA in 2023 revealed that some of the most popular holidays at this time of year include winter sun, Caribbean, Asia, and cruises.

But while taking a winter trip is a wonderful way to unwind and recharge, flying isn’t always kind to the skin, with jet lag affecting those flying over several time zones. It occurs when there is disruption to the internal body clock system that governs our 24-hour circadian rhythms (which regulate sleep, hunger, digestion and other metabolic cycles).  

“When you fly long-haul, your circadian rhythms are thrown out of sync,” says EV Expert Dr Anna Hemming at Thames Skin Clinic, Twickenham. “Typical symptoms may include lethargy, fatigue, brain fog, insomnia, digestive upsets and bloating, while common skin concerns include dehydration, dullness, puffiness, and an increased risk of spots and blemishes.

"Long-haul flights cause the skin to lose moisture, leading to dryness and a lacklustre appearance. Changes in cabin pressure and humidity can also lead to swelling, particularly under the eyes, while the disruption to normal skincare routines may result in breakouts.”

If you want to minimise the effects of jet lag on your skin, Dr Hemming recommends the following skincare tactics and treatments.

Before the flight

“Facials focused on hydration and skin barrier repair can help before a flight,” shares Dr Hemming. “At Thames Skin Clinic, we recommend a hydrating facial such as HydraFacial, or an exosome infusion treatment, which helps nourish and rejuvenate living cells. These treatments enhance moisture levels, strengthen the skin and prevent dehydration, keeping skin resilient and plump during air travel.”
 
“Gently exfoliate skin one or two days before travel,” says Dr Hemming. “This removes dead cells, improves the absorption of hydrating products and gives your complexion a smoother, more radiant appearance. Be careful not to over exfoliate which can lead to increased sensitivity and dryness. Use a mild exfoliant, particularly if you have sensitive skin.  Your skin will also benefit from a hydrating serum which contains hyaluronic acid, a lipid-rich moisturiser such as ZO Skin Health Hydrating Crème, and an antioxidant serum to help combat free radicals.”

We suggest:

• HydraFacial combines cleansing, exfoliation, and intense hydration. Removing impurities while infusing skin with nutrients, it leaves skin refreshed, plumped, and radiant.
• EXOIE Skincare Serum utilises plant-derived exosomes (nanoparticles that carry bioactive proteins, lipids, nucleic acids and growth factors) for enhanced skin rejuvenation. Exosomes can be applied topically, for example, as a serum after a facial, or combined with injectables or microneedling procedures. 
• HydroPeptide Polish & Plump Face Peel is a DIY exfoliation kit for instantly glowing skin in five minutes or less, with no downtime. 
• Voila Pure Vitamin C 50 Serum contains hyaluronic acid and antioxidant vitamins C and E.

During the flight

For in-flight skincare, hydration is key. “Drink plenty of water and avoid caffeinated or alcoholic drinks to help maintain skin moisture levels and reduce puffiness and bloating,” says Dr Hemming. “Spritz skin with a light mist or spray containing rosewater or hyaluronic acid. Use an antioxidant-rich serum such as ZO Skin Health Daily Power Defense, a nourishing balm, or a hydrating mask to keep skin moisturised.

Dr Hemming recommends removing make-up with a gentle make-up remover or micellar water before sleeping, as it can clog pores and make skin even dryer. "To prevent dry lips, use a lip balm with hyaluronic acid or shea butter. For puffy eyes, use a cooling eye mask, or eye patches.”

We suggest: 

• HydroPeptide Miracle Mask has an instant pick-me-up effect that will leave your skin looking firm, lifted, smooth and radiant.
• Voila Pure Eye Gel is ideal for dark circles and puffy eyes, and contains organic green tea, hyaluronic acids, amino acids, vitamin E and plant stem cells. 

After the flight  

“After a long flight, skin can appear dull, dehydrated, and tired,” says Dr Hemming.  “So, focus on products that revive and rehydrate." She recommends gently cleansing the skin, followed by a deeply hydrating serum or mask containing hyaluronic acid, peptides or antioxidants; an eye cream with growth factors or peptides to reduce any puffiness, and finishing with a nourishing moisturiser. "ZO Skin Health Recovery Crème and ZO Skin Health Growth Factor Eye Serum are my go-to skin saviours after any flight—long or short haul.”

We suggest:

• Laser Genesis is a gentle laser treatment that improves skin tone and texture, boosting radiance without downtime. Perfect for jet-lagged skin.
• Exosome Infusion Therapy, an innovative technique where exosomes are introduced into the bloodstream either through intravenous (IV) infusion therapy, or directly via injection. Exosomes act as biological messengers between cells, helping to reduce inflammation and enhance healing, repair and regeneration, while counteracting the effects of travel fatigue and dehydration.
• AlumierMD Ultimate Boost Serum is a peptide-rich, hydrating serum that restores the skin's natural moisture barrier.