Travel Skincare 101: How to Keep Your Skin Glowing on the Go

Who doesn’t want to look their best when on a holiday? We all prepare for our annual, or seasonal time off from work and life. However, have you noticed that all of us become the most careless about our skin while we are traveling? 

Changing climates, recycled aeroplane air, irregular sleep, and stress can quickly turn your glow into a dull, dry, or irritated complexion. 

Moreover, if you are headed for the beach, you will feel that there is a lot of tan and unhealthy exposure to pollutants that can make your skin very dull and irritated. 

We will discuss everything you need to keep your skin happy, hydrated, and glowing while keeping the concept of clean beauty intact. 

Know Your Skin’s Triggers While Traveling

When you are traveling, consciously pack skin care products according to your skin’s needs. Instead of relying on a simple moisturizer, pack according to your skin’s needs and the weather of your destination. 

We all have different skin types, but some of the common things we all experience while traveling include dehydration, dull skin due to lack of sleep, and changes in water and climate. Moreover, some of you might experience changes in skin appearance due to unfamiliar foods and the stress of traveling.

Cabin air in planes is extremely dry, which sucks moisture out of your skin. Nowadays, many social media influencers exhibit their skincare routine while on board, and you can follow this trend if you want to look fresh and hydrated. Tired skin looks dull and puffy, and jet lag can cause this effect. 

Moreover, hot, humid air or hard water can disrupt your normal oil balance. A little bit of skin care can help with the breakouts, redness, or sensitivity caused by all this. Identifying your triggers, like sensitivity to humidity or sun exposure, helps you pack smarter and care for your skin better during your journey.

The Essential Travel Skincare Kit

Many of us understand our skin types, but are still clueless about what to pack. Don’t worry, here are a few things that you should have when traveling:

• Gentle Cleanser: Keep a travel-size, non-stripping formula that removes grime without drying your skin.
• Hydrating Toner or Mist: A good mist or toner can refresh your face in dry environments and set makeup if needed.
• Serum: Choose one targeted to your needs.
• Moisturizer: A lightweight and effective formula works for most climates.
• Sunscreen: This one is a must! Use broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher daily, even when it’s cloudy.
• Lip Balm: Chapped lips are a common travel complaint.
• Spot Treatment: If you’re acne-prone or sensitive, bring something to calm flare-ups.
• Makeup Remover Wipes or Micellar Water: Convenient for nights when you’re too tired to wash.

If you want, you can also add an under-eye cream, sheet masks, and hand cream for long flights or colder climates.

In-Flight Skincare Tips

As we mentioned earlier, young people share a lot of skin routines that you can follow while abroad. Airplane cabins are much more dehydrating than we think. Skin loses moisture rapidly at 30,000 feet, which can lead to flakiness, oil overproduction, or dullness. You can work around this by giving your skin a nice treat while you have nothing else to do. Firstly, avoid wearing heavy makeup while you are traveling. 

This small change can allow the skin to breathe during the flight. You can cleanse your skin with micellar water or a gentle wipe before boarding. Next, apply a hydrating serum followed by a rich moisturizer or facial oil. This step will help keep your skin’s moisture intact. If you are on a long flight, use hydrating mist every few hours to keep your face and hair hydrated. 

Do not avoid drinking water while on board. Hydration from the inside matters a lot, especially when you are in a closed environment. Do not neglect your lips, as they can dry out quickly. If it’s a long-haul flight, consider bringing a hydrating sheet mask to wear halfway through or right before landing. Your skin will thank you.

Adjust Your Routine to Match the Climate

Whenever you are traveling, make sure to keep the climate in mind because it plays a major role in how your skincare performs. If you are headed to a dry and hot place, you will need a light moisturizer and regular face and hair mist. 

On the contrary, if you are going to a cold place, a thick layer of moisturizer will be the ideal skin care. You can layer hydrating serums with a heavier moisturizer, but do not over-exfoliate your skin. In humid areas, use lightweight, gel-based products to prevent clogging. Consider matting sunscreens or oil-control serums. 

For all those who are visiting mountains, boost hydration and always wear sunscreen, even when it’s cloudy or snowy.  Adjusting to local tap water is also challenging, so use bottled or filtered water to wash your face in places where the water is very hard or contains unfamiliar minerals.

Stick to the Basics

You do not have to pack a lot of makeup when you are traveling. We understand that many of you want to look good in pictures, and would prefer to make up before you take a few shots because you want to make the photos look great. 

However, it can be harmful for your skin if you do not focus on health and layer it with thick makeup. Moreover, try not to add new skincare products to your travel bag just because you think it would be fancier. If you haven’t tried any product before, it is best not to experiment while you are traveling.

Your skin is already going through a lot of changes, and is exposed to a lot of stuff when you are away from home. It is best to stick to the tried-and-true products you know your skin tolerates well. If you do want to try something new, test it at least two weeks before your trip. Keep your skincare routine consistent even when your schedule isn’t. 

Cleansing, moisturizing, and applying sunscreen should remain non-negotiables, no matter how tired or jet-lagged you feel.

Combat Breakouts on the Road

It is very common for people to experience unexpected breakouts while traveling. You are not drinking enough water, you might be avoiding the bathrooms, and on top of that, the climate is new for your skin. You can minimize the risk by ensuring cleaner skin. Wash your face every time you get to the room so that whatever your skin collected while you were out in the open is removed quickly.  

Do not touch your face unnecessarily because your hands are exposed to more germs than any other part of the body. It is best not to introduce those germs to your face. Be prepared to treat the sudden outbreak of acne. A salicylic acid spot treatment or pimple patches can help reduce inflammation fast. One thing that most of us ignore is the bed we use. Keep a clean pillowcase with you, or get a new one from the hotel to ensure you are not exposed to germs while resting.

Apply Sunscreen

Sun exposure is stronger in unfamiliar places, whether you’re lounging on a beach, skiing on a mountain, or walking through a city. Apply SPF generously each morning and reapply every two hours if you’re outdoors. 

Choose a travel-size, non-greasy sunscreen with broad-spectrum protection. If you’re swimming or sweating, opt for water-resistant formulas. Don’t forget often-missed spots like ears, neck, hands, and the tops of your feet. Even if you’re mostly indoors or it’s cloudy outside, UV rays can still harm your skin, especially at high altitudes or near reflective surfaces like water and snow.

Post-Trip Recovery for Your Skin

Once you’re home, your skin may need a few days to recalibrate. You should spend a day pampering your skin and keep it hydrated. Start with a deep cleanse to remove any makeup, sunscreen, or sweat. 

Remember to prioritize hydration and drink water, and use moisturizing masks or overnight creams. Do not start off by scrubbing your skin a lot. Use a gentle exfoliant to remove dead cells only if your skin isn’t sensitive. Skin can take a few days to show signs of stress. Be gentle and avoid harsh treatments.

Last Words

Traveling should be fun and memorable, and many of us often neglect our skin while focusing on fun. However, we have shared many tips that will help you plan your next travel to make the most of your skin quality and health. 

From the minute you board the airplane to the time you get back home, we have discussed the things you must do to keep your skin looking and feeling healthy.