Travel can be difficult on your skin. All the changes that we encounter while traveling can make our skin break out, dry up, or become oily. With some proper skincare, you can try to avoid these common issues. However, make sure to consult your dermatologist before trying any new skin products or changing your skincare routine at all.
Keep It Consistent
A large component of skincare is keeping it consistent over time. If you are traveling, your skin is already dealing with the new environment, so try to keep your skincare routine as consistent as you possibly can. You don't need to change up your entire routine just because you're traveling -- so if you see a product that advertises it will magically fix all of your travel based skin problems, it probably won't do it. It might even be a form of internet crime since it's communicating false or fraudulent claims to you. Be wary of any skincare product that makes promises that are too good to be true -- because most likely it is too good to be true, and the company is lying.
Buy Your Own Containers
Let's be real -- travel-sized products are usually overpriced. Instead, go to your local drugstore and buy generic travel-size containers to fill with the products you usually use in your skincare routine. If you already have a travel-size version of a product that you use, try to refill it from your non-travel-sized container before your next trip. Not only will this save you money, but you will also be more eco-friendly since you're reusing your containers.
Don't Use Hotel Products
If you're one of the more than 50 million people in the U.S. that have acne, you most likely already have a skincare routine, maybe even one that your dermatologist has recommended to you. Even if you don't have a set skincare routine or a dermatologist's advice, you should avoid using whatever products your hotel provides for you. Although they're free, that doesn't mean they're a good option. Not only will your skin react negatively because of all of the rapid change between a new environment and now a new soap, but hotel soaps are also not always the best quality.
Hydrate Your Skin
If you're planning on flying, you have to make sure that you are planning ahead so your skin doesn't get dried out. Planes are full of dry, recycled air that your skin doesn't love. Many people will recommend sheet masks on the flight, however, sheet masks will dry out quickly on a flight, so instead do your sheet mask before the flight. After the mask, apply your favorite facial oil and a moisturizer to lock in the benefits of the sheet mask. You can also apply a thick layer of moisturizer to act as a barrier between your skin and the dry air of the plane.
Another key to hydrating your skin is to drink enough water while you travel. Try to bring a water bottle with you so you can sip on water throughout your trip. If you feel thirsty, that's already a sign that you're dehydrated, so try not to get to that point.
Don't Forget Your Eyes
Traveling can take a huge toll on your undereyes. Between not sleeping, dehydration, and bloating, it's easy to develop dark circles and get puffy under your eyes. To combat this, bring eye masks or serums with you. If you already have an eye cream or serum in your usual routine, you can use it and just use more product than usual.
A great way to help with under-eye puffiness is to use a jade roller. Look up tutorials on how to use jade rollers to ensure that you're using it as effectively as you can. Jade rollers not only help your puffy under eyes, but they can also help with the overall bloated appearance of your face.
Don't Forget Sunscreen
If sunscreen isn't a part of your usual skincare routine, it should be. Daily skin damage from the sun can add up over time, and when you're traveling is no exception. Many people spend more time outdoors while they're traveling, which makes the need for a sunscreen that much stronger. For example, if you're going on a camping trip, you will most likely be spending a lot of time out in the sun. Without proper SPF protection, you could be putting yourself at risk of sun damage to your skin. If you aren't sure where to start with sun protection, consult your dermatologist.
Keep Greasy Hair Out of Your Face
If you have a long day of travel, the odds are your hair will be greasy and oily by the end of it. Keeping your hair out of your face can help you avoid breakouts caused by the oil in your hair spreading to your face. Look up some easy updos before your trip to ensure that you don't end up with pimples along your hairline. If you really prefer your hair to be down, try using a headband to keep it back and out of your face.
Think About Your Destination
Depending on your end destination, you may need different things for your skincare routine. For example, if you're traveling to somewhere cold and dry, you're going to need to pack products that cater more to moisturizing your skin. If you're going somewhere where you have less access to normal amenities, make sure you're preparing for that as well. If you're going on a camping or boating trip, for example, make sure you bring a hose that is adequate for potable water so you have a way to get clean water for washing your face. These hoses, which are usually blue and white, can be anywhere from ten to 50 feet long, so you can get exactly what you need. If you know you won't have any access to running water, make sure to pack water bottles specifically for washing your face so you don't come back from your trip with a new breakout.
No matter where you're traveling, you can ensure that your skin is properly taken care of. As tempting as it may be to completely overhaul your skincare routine for travel, you should try to keep it consistent with your normal routine. Make sure that you consult with your dermatologist if you have any questions about changes to your routine.
