Sept. 14--After a long flight, it seems impossible to emerge from the gate with a fresh face.
But a dermatologist says it can happen, and she's offering her personal skin-protection tips.
"You've got to commit," warns Dr. Shannon Humphrey. "It's a big undertaking to arrive off a trans-Atlantic flight looking and feeling fresh."
Humphrey said two keys to surviving flights without a washed-out face are packing moisturizer and avoiding sodium-packed snacks.
When she flies the Atlantic, she always packs a specific moisturizer -- she advises something heavier than what you usually use. She doesn't wear makeup, so instead, she can apply moisturizer about once an hour.
"Slather it on," she said. The Vancouver dermatologist recommends products that pack in hydration, like SkinMedica Dermal Repair Cream.
Drink a lot of water too. And avoid food served on the plane. Yes, even the salted nuts.
"Airplane food has so much sodium, so that will just shrivel you further," she said.
Instead, order fresh fruit, or pack your own snacks.
"I can't emphasize the fruit platter enough," Humphrey said.
She also travels with a facial cleanser and washes off the cream's residue right before landing.
Avoiding twin traveling crutches -- booze and caffeine -- also will help, she said.
"Most people like to drink when you're on a plane," she said, but that adds to a pasty complexion.
If you're on a red-eye, ask for some ice to form a cold compress for your eyes, especially if you're headed straight for a business meeting.
All of these should leave you waltzing through the airport paparazzi-ready.
"Then you don't spend the first day of your trip decrepit," Humphrey said.
abowen@tribpub.com
