HOUSTON • Travelling can get under the skin of many female travellers.

The arid environment of a plane or bus can wreak havoc on the skin and leave it looking dehydrated, blotchy and fatigued.

Ms Elizabeth Tanzi, a dermatologist and director of Capital Laser And Skin Care in Washington, says there is no need to despair and shares skin-saving secrets to ensure one looks fresh on arrival.

Before take-off: Start hydrating from the inside out. Before boarding, pick up a one-litre bottle of mineral water or a potassium-rich cucumber or coconut water.

Pack a durable, reusable water bottle for easy refills in the airport and on the plane.

Go au naturel: A clean face free of make-up or a minimally made-up face is your best defence against oily skin and clogged pores.

If make-up is necessary, mix a light moisturiser with your foundation to help keep skin hydrated.

Prep to protect: Use a gentle, creamy cleanser and a hydrating body lotion for your arms and legs to nourish skin and protect it from becoming parched in the dry cabin air.

Layer products according to your skin type. Ms Tanzi recommends that travellers with combination or oily skin apply a sheer super-hydrating mask.

Individuals with dry skin should add an extra layer of protection - a moisturiser with hyaluronic acid and shea butter.

In-flight, spray it: Nothing feels quite as refreshing as a spritz of water when your skin feels like a desert. Apply a mist hourly to your face, neck and hands to give skin the extra gulp of hydration it needs to fight redness and irritation.

Snagged a window seat? Do not forget sunscreen. A higher altitude means extra exposure to damaging ultraviolet rays, which can lead to sunburn, wrinkles and skin cancer.

Ms Tanzi advises avoiding creams that are zinc-, titanium-or mineral-based as they tend to dry the skin.

Sleep is your friend: Skip the movie marathon and try to catch some extra sleep. Use a comfortable blackout mask to signal to your neighbours that it is shut-eye time.

Upon arrival, wake up your skin: Wash your face with a gentle, sweet-smelling facial scrub after disembarking for a quick and soothing pick-me-up.

Swipe off: Wipe away plane grime easily with a pre-moistened cloth.

Swipe on: Lather on a hydrating cream to refresh lips, nose and hands.

Avoid extra baggage: Beat puffy, bloodshot eyes and dark circles with saline drops and a cold compress.

You may be jet-lagged, but your skin does not have to show it.

WASHINGTON POST