How to Build the Best Travel Skincare Routine 2023

Even when flying to an exotic place, traveling may be stressful. Travel-related stress can upset your body’s homeostasis, particularly your skin. A million ideas rush through your mind before you depart, from packing your clothes to gathering your stuff.

You’re probably not thinking about your skin, but you don’t have to be. Your travel skin care regimen should be simple and quick. Your daily skincare routine takes a back seat when you travel.

You are also subjected to a wide range of weather and environmental conditions (including pollution levels), and you will almost certainly consume a wide range of meals (including junk food).

All of these elements affect your skin when you travel. Unfortunately, if you aren’t prepared, travel can wreak havoc on your skin.

By taking the time to build a travel skincare routine, you can protect and nourish your skin, so you can enjoy your travels without worrying about the negative impact they might have on your complexion.

How to identify your skin type?

This is how you can identify your skin, if not, best prescribed to visit a dermatologist:

1. Normal skin maintains a healthy balance of moisture and oil production. It is normally clear, smooth, and blemish-free. If you have regular skin, it will not feel oily or dry.
2. Dry skin generates less oil than normal skin, causing flakiness, tightness, and dehydration. Your skin may feel tight or uncomfortable if you have dry skin, and you may notice fine lines or rough spots.
3. Oily skin produces more oil than normal skin, resulting in clogged pores, blackheads, and acne. If you have oily skin, you may notice that it feels greasy or slick, particularly around the T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin).
4. Combination skin is a combination of oily and dry skin. If you have combination skin, you may have an oily T-zone and dry cheeks.

To determine your skin type, wash your face with a gentle cleanser and pat dry. Wait for about an hour without applying any products, and then check how your skin feels:

• Normal skin will feel balanced and comfortable
• Dry skin will feel tight and rough
• Oily skin will feel slick or greasy
• Combination skin will feel oily in the T-zone and dry on the cheeks

Steps to Build the Best Travel Skincare Routine

Stick to the Basics

The first step is to pack your essentials. (This is especially true if you’re only taking a carry-on and have limited capacity for liquids.) Here are my must-have travel skincare products:

• Cleanser
• Daytime moisturizer with SPF
• Nighttime moisturizer

If necessary, decant your products into smaller travel containers. Even if you’re checking a bag, keep these three items in your carry-on.

If your luggage is misplaced, you’ll still be able to take care of your skin’s most basic needs. 

Choose Your Products Carefully

Because your suitcase is limited in space, choose your skincare products wisely! 

There are two things I’d like to tell you:

1. The issues you wish to avoid (for example, acne, sensitivity, or dryness)
2. The environment in which you will be traveling (more on this later). 

If you just have one more skincare product to bring, make it an exfoliant. If you’re prone to breakouts, look for a moisturizing face mask that also tackles acne with substances like salicylic acid or tea tree oil.

Focus on Skincare Before and After a Flight, Not During

Some individuals use sheet masks or wet their skin mid-flight to avoid the dryness produced by flying, but I believe this is a waste of time (and may wind up doing more harm than good).

Instead, concentrate on what you can do to care for your skin before and after your journey. 

If possible, apply a hydrating mask before your flight, followed by a toner and serum with moisturizing ingredients.

Then, apply a moisturizer to seal everything in. If you’re flying during the day, you must use an SPF-protected moisturizer.

Pack Travel-Sized Products

Using travel-sized skincare products can offer several benefits when you’re on the go:

1. Travel-Friendly Sizes

Travel-sized skincare products are tiny and lightweight, making them easy to pack and transport. Travel-sized skincare products are also convenient for on-the-go use. You may keep them in your handbag, backpack, or carry-on to refresh your skin while you’re on the go.

2. Consistency

You can keep a consistent skincare routine no matter where you are by using travel-sized versions of your favorite skincare products to help maintain your skin looking its best and prevent breakouts or other problems caused by using unfamiliar products.

3. Cost-effective

Travel-sized skincare products are frequently less expensive than full-sized counterparts, allowing you to try out new products or stock up on your favorites without breaking the bank.

Don’t Forget Sunscreen

Sunscreen is one of the most important skincare products to bring with you on vacation since it protects your skin from the damaging effects of UV radiation. Here are some of the reasons why sunscreen is essential for skin protection while traveling:

• Sunscreen protects your skin by preventing UV radiation from reaching it.
• To help protect yourself from the dangerous effects of the sun, apply sunscreen to all exposed skin, including your face, neck, hands, and arms.
• When you travel, you expose your skin to a variety of environmental stressors, such as pollution, wind, and dry air. By building a barrier between your skin and the environment, sunscreen can help protect your skin from these stressors.

Check out the best travel-friendly sunscreens that we listed on our latest blog.

Stay Hydrated

Staying hydrated is essential for maintaining healthy skin while traveling. Drinking enough water and other hydrating fluids can help keep your skin moisturized, maintain its elasticity, improve its texture, boost collagen production, protect against sun damage, and promote faster healing.

1. Aim to consume 8-10 cups of water every day.
2. Bring a reusable water bottle wherever you go. This will make staying hydrated easier, especially while you’re on the road.
3. Watermelon, cucumbers, and oranges are high in water content and can help keep you hydrated.
4. Drinks containing caffeine and alcohol can dehydrate you, so restrict your intake of these beverages.
5. Consider electrolyte beverages: If you’re undertaking severe exercise or sweating a lot, electrolyte drinks can help you replace the minerals and nutrients you’ve lost via sweat.

Consider the Climate

Climate, especially when traveling, can have a big impact on your skin. Here are some examples of how climate can affect your skincare routine:

1. Humidity: In humid climates, your skin may produce more oil, which can lead to clogged pores and breakouts. Consider using lightweight, oil-free skincare products and avoid heavy moisturizers.
2. Dry air: In dry climates, your skin may become dry. Use a moisturizer with humectants like hyaluronic acid, which help to attract and retain moisture in the skin.
3. Extreme temperatures: Extreme temperatures, whether hot or cold, can be harsh on the skin. In cold climates, use a heavier moisturizer to protect your skin from the segments. In hot climates, use a lightweight, non-greasy sunscreen and avoid spending too much time in direct sunlight.

In conclusion, having a travel skincare routine is essential to maintain healthy and glowing skin while on the go.

When developing a travel skincare routine, it is critical to consider your skin type, the use of travel-sized products, the use of sunscreen, staying hydrated, and adapting to the climate. 

By following these tips, you can ensure that your skin stays healthy and radiant, no matter where your travels take you.

Remember, taking care of your skin is not only essential for your appearance but also for your overall health and well-being.

So, pack your skincare essentials and enjoy your travels while keeping your skin healthy and beautiful.