The holidays are a whirlwind of activities, from get-togethers with family and friends, vacations, and last-minute packing, it’s easy for your skincare routine to slip to the bottom of the list. Changes in climate, long flights, and holiday indulgences can wreak havoc on your skin, leading to dryness, breakouts, and a dull complexion. In this guide, we’ll share travel skincare tips to keep your complexion protected and glowing while you’re traveling. From staying hydrated on the flight to packing the perfect travel-sized skincare routine, you’ll learn how to keep your skin looking its best no matter what you’re doing this holiday season.
Why Airplanes and Changing Climates Affect Your Skin
Air travel is particularly harsh on skin. The recycled, low-humidity air inside an airplane cabin can draw moisture from your skin so it can start to feel tight and dehydrated. “Because of this environment, fluid losses can be accelerated through breathing and the skin, leading to dehydration.”
Suddenly going from a cold, dry climate to a warm, humid one, or vice versa can throw your skin off balance, causing irritation, redness, or breakouts. Combine that with less sleep, lower water intake, and indulging in foods you don’t normally eat during the holidays, and your skin may start to look and feel less healthy. By planning ahead for any changes to your routine during the holidays, you can build a travel skincare routine that keeps your skin healthy, balanced, and radiant.
What Are the Best Travel Skincare Tips?
Keeping your skin healthy while traveling doesn’t mean overhauling your entire routine, but about making small tweaks to offset the effects of going to different climates and airplane travel.
Hydrate Your Skin
- Drink plenty of water⎯On travel days, carry a reusable water bottle and sip continuously. Aim for at least eight glasses of water to help flush out toxins and keep your skin plump from the inside out.
- Use a hydrating serum⎯ ideally a hyaluronic acid serum before and after your flight because this will help your skin stay moisturized and protected against the drying effects of cabin air. Shop our travel size serums.
Protect Your Skin From Pollutants
Never Skip Sunscreen⎯Sun protection is a must, even if you’ll be in rainy and cloudy weather. UV rays can penetrate clouds and reflect off snow and water causing sun damage even on overcast days. Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 and reapply it every two hours, especially if you are swimming or sweating. “UV exposure at high altitudes is substantially greater than at sea level, so pack extra protection for ski trips.” Shop our travel sized sunscreens.
Keep Your Skincare Routine Simple and Consistent
- Cleanse thoroughly⎯Traveling exposes your skin to more dirt and pollutants, so be sure to cleanse your face every morning and evening to remove impurities, makeup, and sunscreen. Using a gentle cleanser that doesn't strip your skin of its natural oils is best. Shop our travel size cleansers.
- Adjust your skincare routine for the climate⎯Adjust your moisturizer based on the climate you’re traveling to. If you're going somewhere cold and windy, a thicker moisturizer will create a protective barrier against the harsh elements. For warm and humid areas, a lightweight gel-based moisturizer will hydrate your skin without feeling heavy or clogging pores. After cleansing, always apply a moisturizer to lock in hydration and support your skin’s barrier. This is especially important after a flight or a day spent outdoors. Shop our travel size moisturizers.
- Listen to your skin⎯Pay attention to how your skin is reacting to its new environment. If you notice unusual dryness, add a hydrating face mask to your evening skincare routine. Shop our travel size hydrating face masks.
Shop Our Travel Size Skincare Sets
Shop our curated selection of travel-friendly skincare essentials handpicked by Sarah herself, so you can easily keep your routine consistent wherever your adventures take you.
- Skincare tools and devices
- Body oil
- Eye creams
- Cleansers
- Moisturizers
- Lip treatments
- Makeup remover
- Face masks
- Natural skincare products
- Serums
- Sunscreens
- Toners
FAQs
How can I keep my skin hydrated during flights?
Airplane cabins have very low humidity which can dry out your skin. Use a hydrating serum with hyaluronic acid before, during, and after your flight, and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated from the inside out.
Should I change my skincare routine while traveling?
You don’t need to change your entire routine. Focus on simple adjustments like adding extra hydration and using gentle products to counteract climate changes or holiday indulgences.
Can holiday habits affect my skin?
Yes, less sleep, different foods, and drinking less water can all impact your complexion. Try to maintain hydration, get enough rest, and stick to your basic skincare essentials.
