Julie’s Guide to Surviving a Long Flight

Between traveling for work and pleasure, I fly a lot. And if I’ve learned anything from my voyages, it’s that drinking copious amounts of water is my long-haul survival strategy. Between the moment I leave home to catch a ride to the airport to the time I touch down at my destination, I will have consumed four liters of bottled water. And let me tell you—that takes focus and commitment, especially when you consider that I also like to sleep on planes. But water is not only essential to combat the filtered air and (potential) adult beverage you might consume, it also forces you to get up regularly, which is important for circulation.
Not surprisingly, I'm ritualistic about flying. I am never without my skin care essentials and supplements. I have a few tried-and-true practices, which I believe contribute to the preservation of my skin and overall health. Here’s my routine…
I follow this regimen religiously on long-haul flights—it helps with circulation, ensures that my skin is hydrated and glowing upon landing, and distracts me from the unsavory scents that can haunt an airplane.
1
Before leaving for the airport, I apply Firmante Elevating Leg Tonic, which targets circulatory stagnation and encourages blood and lymphatic flow.
2
I forgo makeup and protect my skin from stale, dehydrating plane air before leaving home. First, I apply a layer of Fleur Vibrante Instant Radiance (now Fleur Vibrante Serum Cerate) to my face, neck, and décolleté. It nourishes and fortifies the lipid barrier with antioxidants like lycopene. It’s also high in beta-carotene, which helps to address the effects of pollution, making it a continuing must if you’re headed somewhere like Tokyo.
3
Next, I apply Veloutée to my lips, lip line, and eyes. These areas tend to show signs of stress and dehydration first, so it’s important to add an extra layer of protection and hydration. This targeted healing balm contains ceramides that help capture water and strengthen skin. (Currently being reformulated in France and coming back—promise!)
4
Ok, this is where things get a little…indulgent. I understand that this step isn’t an option for everyone, but if you can do it, you will be giving your skin a high dose of anti-inflammatory, hydrating, and protective goodness. I apply at least a third of a bottle of Sauvetage to my face, neck, and décolleté (yeah, I said a third of a bottle) and leave it on as a mask. Bonus: unlike the popular sheet masks, this one is invisible, so you get all its soothing and moisturizing benefits without frightening your neighbor.
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Then, I apply our long-lasting moisture-rich eye cream, Vis Clair Suprême.
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I mist frequently throughout the flight, alternating between Vitale and an Evian travel mister. I usually purchase one of these at the airport, along with two liters of water.
7
Airplane air is gross. Some people bring essential oils on flights to assist with relaxation, breathing, and stress. I carry a solid perfume to envelope myself in a comforting, luxurious cocoon of fragrance—right now I’m into Baisers de Jasmin, our collaboration with Violette.
I'm not a big advocate of consuming a lot of alcohol on flights, but a whiskey (or two) has its benefits. I learned this once when flying home from Tokyo to San Francisco, feeling slightly under the weather. The woman sitting beside me felt similarly, and before I knew it she’d ordered two whiskeys and passed one over. “Let's do this," she said, and no joke—it knocked whatever was coming on right out of my system. (Did you know whiskey is high in antioxidants? It’s said to fight free radicals, help with memory retention, and promote healthy cholesterol.) A whiskey is now my first beverage on every long-haul flight, even if it is 7:00 am. Judgement be damned—I do it for my health.
Tulsi peppermint tea is an excellent source of antioxidants, so I carry a few packets and drink it throughout the flight. It aids with lung support, and it reminds me to deepen my breath and relax, which lends a feeling of expansion and ease—always a good thing on a flight. I also like rosemary tea for antioxidants and liver support.
It’s easy to get sick after long flights, so I’m always taking supplements and tinctures prescribed to me by my naturopath to support my body and immune system. Currently, that includes a Roots Tincture for liver support. But honestly, I think the key to preventing sickness on long flights is Restore Sinus Spray. It gently flushes airborne particles from your sinuses and soothes and hydrates your nasal passages. I also swear by Humisol (humic acid binds to viruses and flushes them from your system) and take it two to three times per day. My eyes are sensitive and dry, so I bring an arsenal of homeopathic eye care—one of my favorites is VISMED, which is an emollient with hyaluronic acid.
Airplane food can make me feel bloated and tired upon landing, so when it comes to in-flight dining, I just try to navigate the menu as carefully as I can. The amount of fluids I’m consuming helps to control cravings, and I always bring a few apples. Thankfully, airports are stepping up their game on the healthful options front. The more you steer clear of salt, sugar, and carbs, the better you will look and feel by the time you reach your destination.
Speaking of your destination—once you arrive, get thee to the bath. A long soak, preferably with two cups each of bath salts and baking soda, will detox and revive your travel-weary body, and help you sleep off your jet lag.