Skincare Sunday: Post-flight essentials

Liz Edlich, co-founder of Radical Skincare, calls her post-flight routine “peeling off the plane”: she cleans (micellar water cleansers are fuss-free, work fast and leave skin fresh, which is exactly what’s needed) and then peels her skin. It also helps to get rid of that slightly shiny, flat finish that long haul can give skin. I love a classic AHA or glycolic peeling mask like Dr Sebagh Deep Exfoliating Mask or Joanna Vargas Exfoliating Mask – use it in the shower or bath, as steam makes the peel work better. Finally, hydrate. After a long flight, I add a rehydration powder to my drinking water (you can find them at any pharmacy) and keep layering up a hydrating serum or mask until dry skin is saturated – it’s amazing how much it can absorb.

Makeup artist Bobbi Brown gave me this tip for grounding yourself in a new place and time zone. Whenever you arrive, spend a few minutes outside, even just walking outside your hotel, to absorb where you are – this stops that ‘where am I?’ moment on waking. If it’s daytime, walk around without sunglasses – the light starts resetting the brain’s serotonin and melatonin levels. Even better (but not always possible), find somewhere – a beach, a park or a garden – where you can walk barefoot to literally ground yourself. It always works.

If you’re exhausted but need to get on the move, use the brilliant Legology Exfo-Lite Stimulating Salts For Legs scrub from chin to toe – it leaves skin buffed, hydrated and gleaming, while the lemon scent revives jet-lagged senses (for that reason, it shouldn’t be used at night). Keep de Mamiel’s clever Sleep Series roller balls on hand – Rise keeps you going after a broken night, while Shine wakes you up when your mind and body are stuck eight hours behind. Alternatively, the brilliant Time to Sleep kit by Aromatherapy Associates provides the famous Deep Relax blend in a bath and shower oil, body oil and roller ball.

Salt has a deep-cleaning effect, even working its way into the skin’s pores, so add some to a post-flight bath. Pursoma Resurrection Bath Soak stimulates and detoxes a weary, worn-out mind and body, while the Digital Detox Bath Soak calms a wired but tired jet-lagged mind.