Travel-Friendly Hydration: Hyaluronic Acid’s Role in Jet Lag Skincare

Travel can be thrilling, but it’s no secret that long flights, time zone changes, and shifts in climate can wreak havoc on your skin. Dry cabin air, fluctuating humidity levels, and sleepless nights often leave your complexion dull, dehydrated, and out of balance.

Enter hyaluronic acid, the ultimate travel companion for keeping your skin fresh, hydrated, and glowing no matter where your journey takes you.

Why Travel Dehydrates Your Skin

1. Airplane Cabin Conditions

The air in airplane cabins has humidity levels as low as 10–20%—far below the 30–60% your skin needs to stay hydrated. This dry air pulls moisture from your skin, leaving it tight, flaky, and dull by the time you land.

2. Sleep Deprivation

Jet lag and disrupted sleep cycles increase cortisol levels, which can impair your skin’s ability to retain water.

3. Changing Environments

Whether you’re stepping into a tropical paradise or navigating a cold, dry city, sudden climate changes can stress your skin, leading to redness, irritation, or breakouts.

Why Hyaluronic Acid is Your Skincare MVP

Hyaluronic acid excels in travel skincare for its ability to:

1. Replenish Moisture Quickly

As a humectant, hyaluronic acid draws water into the skin, counteracting the dehydrating effects of dry cabin air or climate changes.

2. Strengthen the Skin Barrier

A healthy skin barrier is essential for protecting against environmental stressors like pollution and humidity shifts. Hyaluronic acid fortifies your barrier by locking in hydration, keeping your skin resilient.

3. Provide Lightweight Hydration

Unlike heavy creams, hyaluronic acid serums absorb quickly and don’t clog pores, making them ideal for on-the-go application.

Creating a Jet Lag-Proof Skincare Routine

Before Your Flight

1. Prep Your Skin: Cleanse with a gentle cleanser to remove impurities.

2. Apply a Hydrating Serum: Layer a hyaluronic acid serum to plump your skin and prevent moisture loss during the flight.

3. Seal with a Moisturiser: Use a product like The SABI Prebiotic Moisturiser, which supports the skin barrier and enhances hydration.

4. Don’t Skip SPF: If you’re travelling during the day, sunscreen is non-negotiable—even on a plane.

During Your Flight

1. Mist Strategically: Use a facial mist containing hyaluronic acid to refresh and hydrate your skin without disrupting your makeup.

2. Drink Water: Hydrate from the inside out by sipping water regularly throughout your flight.

3. Avoid Harsh Products: Skip heavy exfoliants or actives that might irritate your skin in the dry cabin environment.

After You Land

1. Cleanse Gently: Remove dirt, sweat, and any leftover travel grime.

2. Rehydrate: Apply hyaluronic acid to damp skin, followed by a moisturiser to seal in the hydration.

3. Combat Dullness: Incorporate a brightening serum like vitamin C to revive tired, jet-lagged skin.

4. Get Some Sleep: Quality rest is crucial for your skin’s recovery.

Hyaluronic Acid Must-Haves for Travel

Packing the right products can make all the difference for your skincare routine on the go:

• Mini Serums: Travel-sized hyaluronic acid serums are lightweight and TSA-friendly.

• Sheet Masks: A quick fix for post-flight hydration, sheet masks infused with hyaluronic acid can help refresh your skin in minutes.

• Multi-Tasking Moisturisers: Look for products that combine hyaluronic acid with ceramides or peptides for all-in-one hydration and repair.

Pro Tips for Jet Lag Skincare

1. Hydrate Your Body: In-flight hydration isn’t just for your skin—your entire body needs water to bounce back after travel.

2. Stick to Your Routine: Even in a new time zone, try to maintain your regular skincare habits.

3. Use a Humidifier: If you’re staying in a dry climate, a portable humidifier can help keep your skin hydrated overnight.

The Verdict

Hyaluronic acid is the unsung hero of travel skincare, providing lightweight hydration and barrier support when your skin needs it most. Whether you’re jet-setting across continents or taking a weekend road trip, this versatile ingredient ensures your skin stays balanced, hydrated, and radiant—even when you don’t feel your best.

References

1. Seidenari, S., et al. (2000). Effects of humidity variations on skin hydration. British Journal of Dermatology, 142(2), 357–362.

2. Yosipovitch, G., et al. (1994). Skin hydration in different environmental settings. Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 102(5), 784–788.

HORMONAL & PROUD

Created as a brand to help women navigate the toughest moments in pregnancy, childbirth, postpartum — and practically every stage of life –– The SABI aims to change the narrative around our hormones from one of taboo, embarrassment, and loneliness to awareness and pride. As more than a wellness brand, The SABI offers a carefully-crafted line of products to carry you through your hormonal journey, including rituals, supportive tools, and ancient herbal remedies that have been tested time and time again by women and now come backed by medicine. The SABI is a blend of science and nature conceived by women who have experienced the joys and deep struggles of bringing a child into the world, the pains of a heavy, difficult period, miscarriage, and difficulty conceiving.

We offer you an invitation to get to know your body and its cycles better –– an invitation to really understand what is going on inside. Learn to use your hormonal cycle to your advantage no matter your stage of life, and know that you can support and balance your hormone levels. Look for the right sources of information. Know that there is help, and know that you’re supported.

DISCLAIMER

The SABI blog and articles are not meant to instruct or advise on medical or health conditions, but to inform. The information and opinions presented here do not substitute professional medical advice or consultations with healthcare professionals for your unique situation.