Keeping Your Skin Routine Minimal While Traveling
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"Traveling can negatively affect your skin for a variety of reasons, with the most significant being changes in the environment and interruptions to your usual skincare routine," says Dr. Dahlia Rice, board-certified plastic surgeon and founder of DMR Aesthetics.
Your skincare travel essentials don't have to be complicated. Sometimes, simplicity is key—especially when it comes to the products you use while on vacation.
That sounds easy to say, but many struggle to downsize their usual 10-step routine. Do we think it's possible? Yes. All you need is to pack products or tools that are easy to use and important to protect your skin.
Why Do You Still Need A Skincare Travel Routine?
The hassle of packing your skincare products or the cost of travel-sized items may tempt you to skip your routine while traveling. However, sticking to your routine is important, as traveling can negatively impact your skin.
Air travel can especially dry the skin. A small study revealed that humidity levels inside an airplane dropped to just 10 percent. This drop can lead to skin dehydration, particularly on the cheeks.
The Mayo Clinic recommends maintaining humidity between 30 and 50 percent for optimal skin health. Dry air can negatively impact the skin's appearance. Fine lines and wrinkles are more noticeable and leave the skin looking dull when the humidity level is below.
Packing the Essentials: A Minimal Beauty Care to Pack
It's possible to be strategic and pack efficiently. Enjoying beauty products doesn't have to result in heavy luggage or extra airport fees. You can take your skincare travel essentials while avoiding the need for checked baggage.
Face Wash
After a day of exploring museums, browsing local markets, or walking through bustling streets, your skin collects dirt, dust, and sweat. Resist the temptation to collapse into bed immediately—cleaning your skin first is important.
"Traveling exposes your skin to new bacteria, dirt, and pollution, making proper cleansing crucial to prevent clogged pores and irritation," says Dr. Dahlia Rice, board-certified plastic surgeon and founder of DMR Aesthetics.
When choosing a cleanser, go for one that removes impurities without stripping away natural moisture. A glycolic cleanser can clear excess oil and help prevent breakouts.
Moisturizer
Hot weather can accentuate wrinkles and fine lines and, in some cases, even lead to skin cracking. To keep your skin protected, make moisturizing a daily habit.
Choose a non-comedogenic moisturizer to avoid clogged pores, and use formulas with humectants like urea, glycerin, or alpha hydroxy acids. These ingredients draw moisture from the air to keep your skin properly hydrated.
Begin and finish your day with a lightweight moisturizer that delivers deep hydration. You can carry a hydrating facial mist to refresh your skin throughout the day.
Derma Roller
A derma roller is a tool resembling a crystal wand, but instead of smooth, cooling crystals, it features numerous tiny needles (as small as 0.25mm in diameter). These needles create micro-punctures in the skin for better absorption and rejuvenation.
The tiny micro-incisions created by the needles allow product absorption. Dead skin cells covering the stratum corneum (the outermost skin layer) create a barrier. Having dead skin cells present can make it difficult for skincare products to penetrate properly.
If you're using a serum to hydrate dry skin, apply it immediately after a derma rolling session for better absorption into the dermis. This helps provide deep moisture, especially after the drying effects of travel.
Aither derma roller is compact to fit in your makeup bag or carry-on.
Sunscreen
The real secret to youthful skin is sunscreen. When you travel, you're likely spending more time outdoors, which increases sun exposure. No matter the season, the sun is always present, and while a tan might seem appealing, it also comes with the risk of sun damage.
Sunscreen should be a daily essential to prevent premature aging, reduce the chance of deep scarring, and lower the risk of skin cancer. Make it the last step in your routine by applying it after moisturizing before heading out.
Always pack SPF 30 or more when traveling, apply sunscreen before flight, and keep the window shades down to reduce UV exposure.
Lip Balm
Dry, chapped lips can make enjoying new foods less pleasant. Prevent this by carrying a lip balm with you while traveling.
A tinted balm adds a touch of color to keep your lips looking fresh on the go. For extra hydration, consider using a lip oil—it glides on smoothly while providing a nourishing moisture barrier without any sticky residue.
What Skincare Practices to Avoid When Traveling
You've packed all the essentials and are ready to go. Remember these tips to maintain a fresh, glowing complexion throughout your travels.
Experimenting
Traveling isn't the best time to test new products. Using unfamiliar items can lead to unexpected reactions or breakouts, the last thing you want while away from home. Stick to the trusted products you know and love.
Skipping Cleansing
Neglecting your cleansing routine can lead to clogged pores and breakouts. Pack mini cleansers to help you maintain a radiant complexion wherever your journey takes you.
Using Hotel Products
"Hotel-provided lotions and soaps contain fragrances and preservatives that can worsen travel-induced skin dryness", explains Dr. Marisa Garshick, board-certified dermatologist from New York. This is especially important if you have sensitive skin.
To avoid irritation, consider packing small, travel-sized bottles.
Not Tailoring Skincare Travel Routine
When planning a trip, chances are you're heading somewhere with a different climate than what you're used to. To keep your skin looking its best, consider adjusting your routine to match your destination.
| Climate | What You Need |
| Hot and humid |
|
| Dry, desert |
|
| Cold |
|
Lack of Sleep
Skincare goes beyond just applying products—it also includes getting enough rest. Sleep maintains healthy skin. Amid the excitement of exploring new places, it's easy to neglect quality rest, but sufficient sleep is necessary for your skin's repair and renewal.
Skimping on sleep can result in puffiness, dark circles, and a lackluster complexion. To keep your skin looking fresh and radiant, make rest a priority.
Travel Lightly With Six Products
You don't need to pack your entire vanity to keep your skin looking its best. Just six products are enough to maintain a healthy glow, even after long, stressful travels. With the right skincare travel products, you can prevent breakouts and irritation while on the go.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I transfer my product to sample-size bottles?
You can transfer your products into travel-size containers, but do it carefully. Use sterilized containers and limit air exposure to maintain product integrity.
What to do if I have a sudden acne breakout?
Even with the best skincare travel routine, your skin may still react while traveling. Factors like stress, changes in water pH and hardness, and contact with different surfaces can lead to unexpected breakouts.
Dr. Tanya Nino, MD, a dermatologist at St. Joseph Hospital in Orange, California, recommends carrying 10 percent benzoyl peroxide to manage acne flare-ups. Once dry and acne scars are left behind, begin to use a microneedling roller. Treating scars while they're still fresh is more effective.
Do I need to exfoliate when on a vacation?
Think twice before reaching for exfoliants while on vacation. Since exfoliation removes a layer of skin cells, it can make your skin more susceptible to UVA and UVB damage.
If you're applying high concentrations of glycolic acid, you need to be extra cautious with sun protection. Otherwise, you risk increased sun damage, which can accelerate aging and cause hyperpigmentation.