6 Ways to Protect Your Skin While Traveling

There’s nothing more fun than jetting off to new destinations, whether you plan on chasing the breathtaking sunsets in Santorini or scaling the snow-capped mountains of the Swiss Alps.

Unfortunately, traveling can sometimes wreak havoc on your precious skin. Your tireless explorations, frequent climate changes, and long-haul flights can leave behind a telltale trail of dryness, irritation, breakouts, and skin fatigue. But don’t worry!

We’re here to share some vacation-proof skincare tips to keep your skin radiant and selfie-ready, even when you’re miles away from home.

How Traveling Affects Your Skin?

Traveling can be incredibly exciting, but it can also take a toll on your skin. Let’s take a quick look at some of the key reasons this can happen:

Temperature Changes

When you’re flitting between climate zones, you’re putting your skin through the wringer. For instance, if you’re traveling from a cold climate to a warm one, the hot and humid weather can cause your skin to become excessively oily or prone to breakouts.

At the same time, when journeying into colder areas, the frigid temperatures and low humidity can strip your skin of its natural oils. The consequence? Your skin can become dry, flaky, and tight.

Airplane Dryness

Ever notice how your skin feels dry after a long-haul flight? No, it’s not because you skipped your mid-flight skincare routine.

In fact, a 2012 study highlights that humidity levels on an airplane can drop to a mere 10 percent. This unusually low moisture can dehydrate skin, leading to fine lines, wrinkles, and dullness.

Stressful Scenarios

Traveling can be quite stressful. What if you forget your passport at the hotel? Or miss the last train back to your Airbnb? Or lose your luggage at the airport? These stressors aren’t just bad for your mood; they can also harm your skin.

Research shows that stress triggers an inflammatory response in your body, which can lead to acne breakouts and even exacerbate pre-existing skin conditions like eczema and rosacea.

How to Take Care of Your Skin While Traveling

Follow these tips to take care of your skin while on the road:

Pre-Trip Preparation

Before you venture out, it’s always wise to prepare your skin for the journey ahead. Check out the destination’s climate and how it might affect your skin. This will help you pack the right products and avoid any unwelcome surprises.

Pack sunscreen and moisturizer with SPF from a reputable brand like EltaMD if traveling to a warm climate. And if you’re headed somewhere cold, ensure your products contain hydrating ingredients like glycerin or shea butter.

Since skincare products’ efficacy changes when exposed to different temperatures, it’s important to use a travel-sized product you can carry on you. Also, consider getting a facial a few days before you leave to ensure you set out on your adventure with refreshed, deeply hydrated skin.

In-Flight Skin Care

When on a long flight, the lower humidity levels in the cabin air can dehydrate your skin. Here’s where facial mists come in handy. A few spritzes every couple of hours can help replenish lost moisture.

Sheet masks can also be super helpful mid-flight, supplying a concentrated hydration boost. Don’t forget to slather on some eye cream so you won’t have to apply layers of concealer to cover pesky dark circles.

Post-Flight Recovery

After returning from your trip, your skin might feel excessively dry, irritated, and perhaps a little flaky. The best way to combat these issues and restore skin health is with hydration-boosting ingredients like hyaluronic acid.

skin care while travelling

For deeper exfoliation and skin rejuvenation, consider opting for chemical peels. When conducted under a professional’s guidance, these treatments can help lift away dull, dead skin cells, leaving you with a brighter and clearer complexion.

skin care while travelling

Believe it or not, post-travel acne is a real thing. If you’re dealing with breakouts or painful zits, laser treatments or SkinPen microneedling might be a good option. These treatments help soothe inflamed skin while stimulating collagen and elastin production. The results? Reduced redness, fewer breakouts, and a more even skin tone.

Want to receive the latest information and special offers regarding health and beauty delivered to your inbox?

6 Skin Care Tips While Traveling

When traveling, you may not have the time to do extensive skincare using all your staple products. But that doesn’t mean you should skip out on skincare altogether. Here are some quick travel skincare tips for keeping your skin looking great while you’re on the road, whether it’s a quick overnight stay or a month-long vacation.

1. Opt for Double Cleansing

Dust, pollution, and heavy makeup can all make your face look and feel dirty and clogged. To get rid of this feeling, some skincare experts recommend double cleansing: first using an oil-based cleanser to break down makeup and other impurities, then following up with a foaming or creamy cleanser to remove any remaining dirt or oil.

skin care while travelling

2. Moisturize Well

No matter what time of year it is, your skin will be exposed to the elements and can suffer all kinds of damage. When you’re on the road, make sure to slather on extra-rich moisturizer. This will keep your skin hydrated and prevent wrinkles from settling in. 

3. Don’t Forget the SPF

Sunscreen is a must-have when traveling — especially if you’re going somewhere tropical. Even if you don’t plan on getting a sunbath, you may run into an unexpected bout of sunshine while shopping or sightseeing. Pack up some sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 and apply liberally every couple of hours to protect your skin from harmful UV rays, premature aging, or even malignant melanoma.

skin care while travelling

4. Say No to Heavy Makeup

Heavy makeup can prevent your skin from breathing and clog your pores, leading to possible breakouts. If possible, go for a natural look or keep it simple with blush, mascara, and lip color. 

5. Ditch Hotel Skincare Products

While you might be tempted to use those cute mini-sized hotel bath products, they are usually loaded with chemicals and irritants that could harm your skin over time. Instead, bring your own toiletries and stick to your usual gentle cleansers and moisturizers that won’t cause any harmful reaction.

6. Eat Healthy

When traveling, it’s easy to skip meals or grab whatever is available at the airport or hotel room mini bar. Unfortunately, this can lead to poor digestion and bloating—which is not good for your skin. Eat meals packed with protein, fiber, and healthy fats to keep your complexion clear and radiant.

Can You Bring Beauty Products on a Plane?

Now, you might be wondering if you can take your favorite beauty products on your next trip. The answer is yes, but you should remember a few things.

TSA Guidelines

According to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) rules in the U.S., you can bring lotions, scrubs, serums, gels, and perfumes in your carry-on luggage, but they must each be in containers holding 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less.

Travel-Sized Products

Most beauty brands have caught on to our travel woes and rolled out mini versions of their top-selling products. They’re designed to comply with air travel regulations, so you don’t have to leave your skincare regimen behind. Consider buying refillable travel bottles if you cannot find travel-sized versions of your favorite products.

Approved Carry-On Items

If you plan on rocking a full glam look, here’s some good news. Most beauty products, including lipstick, foundation, concealers, powder, and mascara, are permitted in your carry-on with no quantity or size limitations because they are considered solids, not liquids. 

Non-Liquid Alternatives

If you want to bypass the liquid limitation altogether, consider non-liquid alternatives to everyday beauty items. Solid bars, powders, or towelettes provide valuable alternatives for items like shampoo, conditioner, facial cleanser, etc., and they are free from the 3-1-1 rule restrictions.

FAQs

Can I bring my favorite moisturizer in my carry-on?

Yes, as long as it adheres to the TSA’s 3-1-1 liquids rule.

How can I prevent breakouts while traveling?

Follow a consistent cleansing routine and choose non-comedogenic products to hydrate your skin and prevent breakouts.

Are face masks allowed on planes?

Yes, both sheet masks and cream masks are generally permitted on planes.

Can I carry my skincare routine in my personal item bag?

Yes, you can carry your skincare items like serums, cleansers, moisturizers, sunscreens, and toners in your personal item bag. However, if your items exceed the TSA’s standard liquid volume, you will need to pack them in your checked baggage.

Clinique Dallas: Your Passport To Flawless, Glowy Skin

At Clinique Dallas, we believe that traveling should never put a pause on your skincare game! Whether you’re seeking full-body laser hair removal to avoid fuzz-induced frights during your vacation or a rejuvenating facial treatment for that extra glow, our experienced and dedicated team offers customized solutions for all your skincare needs. For more information, contact us at (972) 566-2010 or visit our clinic!

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn

Recent Post

Categories

Categories