Whether you’re travelling for work or going on a family vacation, looking after your skin on the move can feel like a balancing act. You’ll need to make enough time for an effective skincare routine, but you might face restrictions on the products you can take with you.
From waiting in line at airport security to sitting on long drives, here are some of the best ways to keep your skin looking fresh and beautiful on the go.
1.Stick to a simple skincare routine
Firstly, we recommend scaling things back and simplifying your skincare routine while you’re away from home.
If you usually follow an elaborate five-step process, it’s unrealistic that you’ll be able to re-create this away from your home setup.
Instead, try to focus on the basics and make sure to use a high-quality cleanser every day. Start with a generous splash of fresh, cool water and follow up with a gentle face wash that suits your skin. Afterwards, you could use an exposing scrub exfoliating scrub before finishing off with a light toner.
2.Keep your skin hydrated
Hydration is critical, especially if you’re going to be taking a flight. Humidity levels inside an airplane cabin can drop as low as 5%, and with such incredibly dry air, your skin will suffer too. Whether you’re flying short- or long-haul, you’ll need to top up that moisturizer.
Even if you’re not going to the airport, keeping your skin moisturized is essential. Try to carry a pocket-sized bottle with a similar formula to your usual moisturizer. Alternatively, you could look for hydrating serums and sprays that fit in your bag for a quick refresh. These will help keep your skin moisturized throughout the day.
3.Address concerns with portable solutions
Reapplying should be easy when you can carry smaller bottles everywhere!
For targeted skin concerns like irritation or dryness, having on-the-go products like spot treatments or soothing face masks can be a game changer. Look for premium formulas like salicylic acid skincare products, which gently work to address blemishes while fitting easily into your travel bag.
If you’re struggling with dryness, redness or a slight allergic reaction, it may also be worth seeking advice from a pharmacist.
4.Protect your skin from the sun
Don’t forget sun protection, even if you’re just outside for short periods. You can even be burned by UVB rays on a cloudy day, so don’t leave it to chance.
The EPA recommends applying sun protection around 20 minutes before going outside—and reapplying it every two hours. Try to choose a quality lotion or spray with an SPF of 30 or higher, especially if you’re going to be outside in direct sunlight.
You could also carry a travel-sized sunscreen or use a tinted moisturizer with SPF to shield your skin. No matter where you go, staying safe and healthy should be the priority.
