Having a simple skincare routine for travel helps maintain the health and glow of your skin in changing weather and environment.
Traveling is an exciting and enriching experience that allows us to explore new destinations, cultures, and cuisines. However, the change in environment, climate, and routine can sometimes wreak havoc on our skin.
To ensure your skin stays radiant and healthy throughout your journey, it’s crucial to have a well-planned skincare routine in place. In this comprehensive guide, I will walk you through the essential steps and tips for maintaining an effective and simple skincare routine for travel.
Know Your Skin
Before embarking on your journey, it’s essential to understand your skin type and its specific needs. Are you prone to dryness, oiliness, sensitivity, or acne? This knowledge will guide you in selecting the right skincare products that cater to your skin’s requirements. It is best to stick with your regular skincare products and simplify it rather than try anything new while traveling.
Know the Destination
Your skin might behave in a particular way in the climatic and environmental conditions you live. But when you travel, the new conditions can pose new problems. Carry the essentials to tackle dryness, offer sun protection, lip care, spot treatment for acne.
Plan Ahead
Preparation is key to maintaining your skincare routine during travel. Make a checklist of the products you’ll need, including cleanser, moisturizer, sunscreen, serums, and any treatments you regularly use. Opt for travel-sized containers to save space and prevent spills. If possible, choose products with multiple benefits to streamline your routine.
A Simple Skincare Routine for Travel
While you might have an elaborate skincare routine at home, it’s best to simplify things while traveling. Stick to the basic steps: cleanse, moisturize, and protect. If you use any specialized treatments, do not compromise on that.
Here is what I would suggest as a simple skincare routine for travel:
Cleansing
A gentle cleanser is a must-have in your travel skincare arsenal. Cleanse your face in the morning and evening to remove dirt, sweat, and impurities. Avoid using harsh exfoliants or abrasive scrubs, as they can irritate your skin, especially when coupled with the stress of travel.
Also, it is best not to overuse your facewash as that can dry your face and leave it parched. I use gentle cleansers suitable for oily skin to control sebum production because I have an oily skin. You can choose what works for you.
Hydration is Key
The changing environment, travel, and exposure to different climates can lead to dehydration, which reflects on your skin. Pack a lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizer to keep your skin nourished and supple.
Always carry a separate face moisturizer and a separate body moisturizer as the needs of your face vary from the rest of your body.
In your regular skincare routine, you might be using several serums or a toner before moisturizing. If I were you, I would drop both these steps from my travel skincare regime to simplify it.
Sun Protection
Regardless of your destination’s weather, sun protection is non-negotiable. Carry a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 and apply it generously every morning. Reapply throughout the day, especially if you’re spending time outdoors.
Use a face sunscreen by your skin type and a separate, moisturizing body sunscreen. This way, you will be able to give special attention to your face and also avoid the need to carry a body moisturizer.
Always carry your sunscreen in your hand bag, so that you can apply and reapply frequently.
Choose the Right Makeup
If you choose to wear makeup during your travels, opt for lightweight and breathable formulas. Consider using a tinted moisturizer with SPF instead of heavy foundation. If you have a tried and tested BB or CC cream, that should serve you fine.
I like tinted sunscreens and CC creams with SPF in my travel skincare essentials as these are power products with multiple functions.
I also carry loose powder during travel as I am prone to oily shine.
Other Tips and Hacks
When traveling, it is not enough that you use the right skincare products. There are several other things you can do to keep your skin plump and glowing. Here are some tips and hacks for you travel skincare routine.
Stay Hydrated
Healthy skin starts from within. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, as travel can be dehydrating. Besides, we women tend to drink considerable les water on travels out of fear of not being able to find clean bathrooms. This can negatively impact your skin.
Take small sips of water through the day when you are outside and avoid getting dehydrated.
Avoid Touching Your Face
Throughout your journey, your hands come into contact with various surfaces, germs, and bacteria. Touching your face can transfer these impurities, potentially leading to breakouts or irritation. Apart from this, you can get sweaty if you plan to spend a lot of time outdoors. This will temp you to wipe your face with your hands.
Make a conscious effort to keep your hands away from your face. If you feel the urge or need, just use a bloating paper or disposable tissue instead.
Adapt to the Climate
Different climates can have varying effects on your skin. In humid environments, focus on oil control by using a mattifying moisturizer. In dry climates, prioritize hydrating products and consider carrying a facial mist to refresh your skin throughout the day.
In hot and humid weather, avoid oiling your hair as the oily can drip onto your face with sweat and give you breakouts.
Similarly, make sure you carry moisturizing lip balm for dry climates to prevent chapping of the lips.
Keep Essentials in Your Carry-On
When flying, pack a small bag with your skincare essentials in your carry-on luggage. Airplane cabins are notoriously dry, so having your skincare products at hand can help combat the dehydration caused by the low humidity.
Carry your essential in travel-size containers and use them when you feel the need. But, make sure you check what are allowed in carry-ons a stipulated by your airline or the airports.
Post-Travel Care
Once you return from your journey, reintegrate your full skincare routine gradually. Your skin might need some time to readjust to your regular products and routine.
Despite all the care you took, your skin may still experience some form of impact from the travel. Give it some time to heal.
If you experience a sudden onset of acne, try using spot treatments or acne patches for a faster relief.
Conclusion
Maintaining a skincare routine during travel requires a blend of preparedness, adaptability, and consistency. By understanding your skin’s needs, simplifying your skincare routine, and focusing on hydration and protection, you can ensure that your skin remains healthy, glowing, and ready to capture all the wonderful memories your travels have to offer.
So, whether you’re exploring exotic beaches or wandering through charming city streets, your skin will radiate the joy of your journey.
A simplified travel skincare routine can include just a cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen, or simply a cleanser and a BB cream with SPF.
Affiliate Disclosure: This article may contain affiliate links. This means, at no added cost to you, the marketing affiliate pays me a small commission every time you make a purchase from the links on this website. Read the Disclaimer to know more.
