Jet Lag Beauty: 5 Steps to combat it like a pro
updated the 6 October 2015 à 22:53
Make travelling to the other side of the world a breeze by cultivating good preparation and travel habits. We delve into 5 steps you can start with for a fuss-free long haul flight.
Travelling is almost always a favourite past time for most, but when it comes to flying… not so much. The dreaded jet lag that plagues you thanks to long haul flights is a condition no person would willingly go through, and we’re here to give you some tips on just how to combat it.
ADJUST BODY CLOCK EARLY
Prepare your body early for the imminent change in time zone. You wouldn’t want to spend the first couple of days of your vacation struggling to get used to the switch of night and day! Contrary to popular belief, you should avoid afternoon naps as much as possible instead of encourage it. If you’re expected to arrive at your destination in the daytime when it would usually be night, wear sunglasses to prevent the body from coming into shock. In the event that you are arriving at night, spend the few weeks before your flight turning in at least an hour earlier than your usual bed time. Get extra help from smart phone apps like Jet Lag Rooster and StopJetLag (on iOS), which give you tips on what to do prior to your flight and also get you adjusted to the new time zone ahead.
KEEP SKIN MOISTURISED
A stark contrast from our humid weather, moisture levels in the plane can dip as low as 1% compared to the usual 70%-80% we are used to. Make sure that a heavy duty moisturiser and travel-sized face mist are in your bag of in-flight beauty essentials. This will keep your skin well-hydrated and avoid it from looking patchy and dry the moment you step off the plane. Slather on the moisturiser every time you feel a tightness in your skin (usually after a nap or just a few hours into the flight), and spritz the mist over your face and neck for a refreshing feel. Don’t forget to also stash some eye drops and eye cream into your carry-on, just in case you greet the immigration officers at your holiday destination with bloodshot eyes.
CULTIVATE A GOOD DIET TO PREVENT BLOATING
Eat well prior to your flight. We don’t mean spamming the fruit and veggie juices in the morning of your travel day, but to be consistent with your diet days or weeks before it so your body is well-equipped to prevent bloating. Discipline yourself in consuming high-fibre fruits and vegetables with high water contents. Swap the caffeine and carbonated drinks for water in all temperatures – iced for a hot day, and warm (with or without a zesty lemon slice) for the early mornings or nights before bed.
EXERCISE ON VACATION
It may sound counter intuitive to be exercising on holiday, but you should continue with your workout regime while enjoying a relaxing time overseas. Get a quick head start by squeezing in your first workout session the moment you reach your hotel to release those endorphins and encourage blood circulation after a long haul flight. You’re probably more likely to get into a chipper holiday mood afterwards, and feel more of a need to continue the exercise routines throughout your vacation.
TAKE EXTRA CARE OF BODY AND FEET
While you’re getting your body in shape for that dreamy beach destination, why not take extra care of your skin and feet? Get into the habit of exfoliating your skin at least once a week after a shower – use a sponge and a yummy body scrub to buff away all the dead skin cells and encourage blood circulation for better absorption of your lotion or body butter. The sun-kissed tans will also last longer! Don’t neglect your feet. Get rid of dry skin and smoothen cracked heels with a foot file, followed by an indulgent at-home foot mask or intensive hydrating cream to show off those pretty feet in the sand.
Nur Syazana H.
READ MORE:
In Flight Beauty: Skincare tips for long-haul flights
