Post-travel SOS solutions for your skin

Let’s be honest, zipping off to a foreign destination for work or pleasure is a completely idyllic idea when you’re smack-dab in the midst of a nine-to-five with a side of morning traffic congestion every day. After all, who doesn’t dream about jetting off on a glamorous trip to a romantic destination where you can shrug of the mundanity of the everyday to chase bold new horizons? 

Until you have to return home and your skin is looking like you’ve aged ten years, that is. Travelling, especially air travel, is notoriously harrowing on the skin. We checked in with Jeanine Giot, owner and skincare therapist at Jentl Health & Skin Care in Cape Town, to find out what men can do to take care of their skins when they return from travelling. 

Lay the groundwork for success

Jeanine believes prevention is better than cure, which is why she recommends that her clients start taking an omega supplement before they leave on a trip, and take great care to stay well-hydrated throughout their journey.  

“While you travel, you have to focus on staying hydrated,” explains Jeanine. “The recirculated air and pressure on board a plane, as well as those in-flight drinks some of us choose to have, can dehydrate you a lot more than you realise. On flights, try to steer clear of alcohol, fizzy drinks and caffeinated beverages and rather opt for water or herbal teas to keep your cells nice and plump.”

“You can also apply a hydrating skin product while you're on a flight. Most skincare ranges have a barrier repair or dermal repair product in gel or mask form that are transparent and can be applied without looking ludicrous. You can sleep with it and then wash it off in the morning to reveal freshly hydrated skin.”

Jeanine also recommends that her clients take their everyday skincare products in their carry-on luggage so they can keep up with their selfcare routine en route. “It's always nice to carry your products onto the flight, even it if means going through the rigmarole of decanting it into smaller travel containers,” says Jeanine. “This allows you to stay in your skincare routine even if you're on a plane for 12 hours straight. Another nice thing to take along is a facial spritzer that gives that 'fresh' feeling when you step off the plane.” 

Don’t wait too long to visit your skincare therapist

“Book a facial for the day of your return, of the day thereafter – the sooner the better,” recommends Jeanine. “Problems my clients often have upon return from a trip include blackheads, severe skin dehydration and sun damage. A nice deep-cleansing facial and perhaps a bit of microdermabrasion helps to remove all the congestion and junk from their skin. A hydrating machine treatment is also a nice add-on if you feel like pushing out the boat.”

Jeanine also recommends that men treat themselves to a visit to the barber for a professional shave with a hot-towel treatment. “Or, if you have a beard, go for a professional clean and trim,” she enthuses. “The water is different in every country and this has an impact on both your skin and hair. I know that in the UK, for instance, the high chlorine content in the water dries our Saffa hair right out. As such, a deep-conditioning treatment or a mask for your hair is another nice idea upon your return from a trip.”

Take care of sun damage ASAP

“Sun damaged? Here's a nice old hack that actually works,” says Jeanine. “Chuck some used rooibos tea bags in the bathtub, let the water cool down and take a nice cooling bath in it. Or you can use aftersun products instead of your go-to moisturiser until the peeling has stopped. Alternatively, choose a richer version of the moisturiser you currently use, and up the number of face masks you do per week.”

Go for a brisk workout

“Once you've reached equilibrium upon your return home, go for a really good workout. Go to the gym and sweat it out. Get in the sauna or steam room and get rid of all those toxins. This is good for your body in general, and also gives your skin a nice boost,” recommends Je

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