Elizabeth Rimmer, Dip BSc MSc
About to head off on summer holiday? Top London aesthetics expert, Elizabeth Rimmer, gives her top skincare travel tips.
As a nurse with years of experience in the aesthetics industry there are a few things
Elizabeth Rimmer wouldn’t leave home without. Whether it’s a short hop to a sunny Mediterranean island or a long haul flight to somewhere more exotic, travel can take it’s toll on your skin. So, let see what she suggests to combat aircraft dehydration and to keep you protected once you arrive at your summer holiday destination.
Inflight skin survival tips
“Travelling on long haul flights can wreak havoc with the skin,” Elizabeth says. “Dehydration, lack of sleep, an airless, static environment combine to leave your complexion dull and dry looking.”
To combat this she makes sure her skin is well hydrated.
“I usually prefer to fly makeup free or at least to remove makeup during the flight. For this purpose pack a good quality medical skin care cleanser, look for ingredients like azaleic acid, salicylic acid or lactobionic acid. Try to avoid the temptation to use skin wipes as these may add to the problems your skin is already suffering in this environment.”
A soap-free formulation that enhances cell renewal it lightly exfoliates without over drying, while Polyhydroxy Acids, including Gluconolactone and Maltobionic Acid, remove debris from pores, enhancing skin texture and radiance. Patented Maltobionic Acid leaves the skin feeling hydrated, while a botanical complex of aloe, chamomile, cucumber and rosemary extracts soothes and refreshes. The skin acid mantle is normalised and pH balance is restored. Suitable for all skin types.
Next on Elizabeth’s inflight survival list is a hydrating mask. “Look for hyaluronic acid or succinic acid and leave in place for a good 30 – 40 minutes. If you are not brave enough [to appear in public with a mask on] this can be used once you reach your destination as a hydrating boost for your skin.
“A high quality vitamin C serum will provide some well needed antioxidant skin protection. Vitamin C is highly unstable so look for a well established medical brand and be aware that this is not suitable for decanting into a travel bootle as is likely to destabilise the Vitamin C and render it ineffective. If you cannot find a 100ml to take in flight then apply pre & post flight.”
This is a luxurious product that combines hyaluronic acid with micro-encapsulated vitamin C to help create smoother, firmer more radiant looking skin.
It helps boost collagen production, minimise visible pigmentation spots and helps protects against the environmental stressors that damage our skin, such as dryness, sun damage and pollution.
Elizabeth’s final flight survival tip is including a skin supplement.
“Look for Hyaluronic acid, you can buy powder form supplements (such as Collagen Shots) which just require the addition of water, meaning they won’t take up much space in your luggage and will not contravene any liquid restrictions.”
Beach Time
Once the flight is done it’s time to get out and about – but, not without your sun protection.
“SPF is the single most important cosmetic for any sunshine holiday. Look for SPF 30 or higher, preferably oil free.
Remember frequent reapplication especially if swimming or sweating,” she says.
“A SPF will not stop you getting a colour but it will offer some protection against pro ageing & pro cancer harmful UV rays. If you already have some pigmentation or are keen to protect your face from ageing then also bear in mind that a physical barrier like a hat and staying in shade is going to add to your protection.
Without doubt, your best defence against skin-aging is a good sunscreen. This ultra-sheer, mineral-based matte treatment is formulated to provide photostable, broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection with a sheer tint that blends with skin’s natural tone. It protects the skin and its powerful antioxidants help repair the damage done to our cells by free radicals.
“Using a mineral makeup powder will add a player to your SPF and usually some antioxidants adding to your armoury against UV rays – reapply throughout the day as needed.
And when its really hot, cooling off with a quick hydrating spray can be a great idea.
“You may wish to pop a hydrating spray into your hand bag. Instead of just water, look for skin nourishing ingredients such as hyaluronic acid & succinct acid, I like the Profi Deluxe spray. This product means that you are not just cooling down but also plumping & smoothing the skin,” she says.
Remember – fake it, don’t bake it – that’s the key the keeping your skin looking younger and healthier.
Elizabeth Rimmer is the Clinical Director at London Professional Aesthetics with more than 15 years in the skincare industry she is also an active member of the award winning British Association of Cosmetic Nurses (BACN) and The British Dermatological Nursing Group (BDNG). LPA is a fully accredited clinic and is registered with Save Face – the regulatory body for the aesthetics industry.
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