Traveling? Here’s How to Keep Your Skin From Freaking Out

Skincare Tips for Traveling

Summer is upon us, which most likely means traveling is, too. Traveling is one of my favorite activities to do in the summer, but it can wreak havoc on my skin. How am I supposed to narrow down my skincare routine into just the essential products that can get me through the trip, when I can’t even narrow down my shoe choice? And, what if I forget my favorite moisturizer? You know, the one that doesn’t cause my skin to breakout like I’m 13 again. Keeping your skin in check is hard enough when you’re going about your day-to-day life, let alone when your traveling. So, I gathered these tips and tricks from influencers around the web to help keep your skin in check the next time you take a vacation.

  • Keep up your routine: Traveling can expose your skin to all kinds of unfamiliar elements, so make sure to pack products you know work well for your skin. Julie Sariñana, the fashion and lifestyle influencer behind the blog Sincerely Jules says that “Packing all of your usual products, in travel size, of course, is essential. The last thing you want is for your skin to freak out while on vacation because of new products.”
  • Skip the pre-travel makeup: Wearing makeup when you travel is the number one no-no according to Emily Ferber of Into The Gloss. “Not even tinted moisturizer. Not even just a little concealer on that one zit just in case you run into an ex or a colleague or your star-crossed lover. Makeup in that atmosphere will break you out; I don’t know why, but it will,” she says.
  • Don’t forget makeup removing wipes: According to stylist and digital influencer Chriselle Lim, you should always bring makeup removing wipes with you when you travel. “You never want to sleep with makeup on (especially in flight), and using a wipe is a lot easier, faster and less messy than removing your makeup in the tiny plane bathroom,” she says.
  • Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize: Traveling sucks all of the moisture out of your skin, especially when you fly. Lauren Conrad says, “If you’re flying, you have the harsh, dry airplane air to worry about. To avoid drying out your complexion, start by slathering on a thicker-than-usual moisturizer pre-flight. Whenever you’re in need of a little refresh, try a spritz of facial water spray in a convenient travel size.”
  • Pop on a face mask: You may get some weird looks, but wearing a face mask while you travel is a great way to refresh your skin. Influencers all across the web swear by this trick and beauty guru Desi Perkins even says it can be a great conversation starter with the flight attendants.
  • Drink plenty of water: Actress and model, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley’s first order of business when flying is to ask for the biggest bottle of water they can provide. She told Violet Grey it helps her with jet lag and overall well-being once she lands.  
  • Drink some electrolytes, too: Fitness guru Kayla Itsines told Popsugar that it is always important to get plenty of fluids when you travel. “I now pack an electrolyte drink with me so my body doesn’t get dehydrated,” she says. Itsines also mentions always packing some eye drops and a hydrating serum for her skin.
  • Skip the salt, coffee, and sugar: Overloading on coffee, sugar, and salt before traveling can cause major bloat, especially if you’re going to be sitting for a long time. Ana Dominguez, the entrepreneur behind The City Sidewalks, says to opt for healthier snacks and water if possible.
  • Wash your face in-flight: Stylist and blogger, Margaret Zhang told Vogue that you should always start with a fresh slate when you travel. She suggests washing your face in the airplane bathroom if you don’t get a chance to beforehand.
  • Use bad airplane lighting to your advantage: Jeanine Lobell, makeup artist and founder of Stila Cosmetics says the airplane bathrooms are the best place to tweeze your eyebrows. “The lighting is the most unforgiving ever, so you see everything and then some—it will be the best tweeze job you’ve ever had.”
  • Always wear SPF: Liberally applying a layer of sunblock is always a skincare must, but especially if you’re going to be inside a car or plane all day since the sun can still damage your skin through the windows. Kelly Mittendorf relies on this trick to fight in-flight breakouts and lock in moisture.
  • Pack tea tree oil: If you want to feel like a princess while you travel, Meghan Markle, The Duchess of Sussex and newest member of The Royal Family, says she never travels without tea tree oil. She told Allure, “It’s not the most glamorous thing, but if you get a cut, a mosquito bite, a small breakout, no matter what it is, it’s my little cure-all. It’s inexpensive, it’s small enough to carry on, and I bring it with me all the time.”
  • Pack a good eye cream: Actress, Kate Winslet told InStyle UK, ”A good eye cream is really important when you are traveling, busy and stressed—that’s when the dark puffy circles can get you.”

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Opening image by Laura Craffey.

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