No one wants to experience a breakout in the middle of their travels. Suddenly all of your would-be Instagrams are ruined by unsightly blemishes—and your favorite, go-to defense products aren’t around to save you. Instead of panicking after an unexpected breakout, use preventive measures to keep your skin healthy while on the road. Use this guide to explore ways to keep your skin flawless during the hustle and bustle of travel and stay confident wherever you head.
Pack Properly
We all know how difficult it can be to pack for vacations—be it a two-night or two-week stay. In the interest of your skin, it’s important to remember not only your best ensembles, but also your essential beauty products. Pack efficiently and don’t waste space on generic items such as shampoo or lotion as your hotel will most likely stock them. Instead, siphon your favorite cleanser and moisturizer into travel-sized bottles to supply your skin with the nourishment it needs. It might be worth bringing an emergency spot treatment in the event that your skin has a reaction to the new environmental conditions. Eye creams are the perfect remedy for offsetting late nights. Set yourself up for success by preparing beforehand. Exfoliate a couple days prior to leaving and follow with a hydrating mask to ensure your skin is in good condition before taking off.
Consider Your Environment
When selecting skincare products to take on your travels, factor in the environment you’re headed towards. For example, are you going to be on an airplane with dehydrating cabin pressure and poor air circulation? Or camping with a limited source of fresh water? Keeping these things in mind will allow you to plan accordingly. To counteract travel dryness, have a compact moisturizer on hand, or consider using a freshening mist. For campers or those spending time outdoors, cleansing towelettes are a must. They don’t take up much space and are great for removing dirt, clarifying pores, and keeping your skin healthy. If you’re going to be in a hot, humid environment, blotting papers will help control oil and minimize shine. Blotting papers are great because they don’t disturb makeup and will leave your skin feeling refreshed.
Best Practices
Having the right beauty products and supplies will help keep your skin healthy while on the road, but they need support from general behaviors that complement your routine. Some people are more prone to acne, and they need to be extra diligent in maintaining practices good for skin health while avoiding extra contaminants. One of the biggest mistakes made while traveling is touching your face after being exposed to germs in public spaces such as airports or train stations. When we transmit these germs to our face, they’re likely to hang around and cause troubles. If you absolutely must touch your face, use blotting paper to separate skin-to-skin contact. On the first night at your destination, skin care should be a top priority, and you should be extra thorough to remove the dirt accumulated from traveling. Consider going without makeup as often as possible to avoid clogged pores or drying foundation. Drinking water is essential to hydrate from the inside out and to flush out any stress-induced toxins, but just water doesn’t always cut it. Remember that beauty comes from within, and sometimes our diets don’t offer the nutrients we need for that glowing complexion. Consider stocking up on some clear skin vitamins to ensure you get the nutrition you need to transform your skin.
If you experience dry, puffy eyes, gently apply ice in a washcloth over the eyelids. It acts as an instant pick-me-up and revitalizes your appearance. Be careful not to compromise on sleep, as your skin may have an adverse reaction to the increased stress. Most importantly, never walk out of the room without your sunscreen on. A minimum of SPF 15 is required daily to protect your skin and maintain optimal health.
Traveling can be stressful, but looking good doesn’t have to be. Keep these suggestions in mind the next time you’re planning a trip and watch your skin thank you.
