Now that more people are taking vacations this summer, your skin doesn’t take a vacation from self-care. I’m sure you’ve been told many tips and tricks on how to keep your skin healthy while you travel. But not all travel skin care tips are created equal. Here are 7 simple tips to remember.
1. Stay hydrated internally to retain moisture externally
Increasing water intake by two liters a day for one month led to increased skin hydration, which has been linked to younger, healthier-looking skin. Start prepping early. Drink half your body weight in ounces of water for the days leading up to your travel and during your travels.
2. Keep your lips hydrated with an ointment
It’s easy to overlook your lips during a long travel day, but that’s a mistake. Long days of travel can dry out the skin but also the lips, so it’s extra important to keep the lips well hydrated. She recommends Vaseline or Aquaphor, which are two ointments (aka ultra-moisturizing products), for use en route.
3. Even on travel days wear sunscreen
If you’re headed to a tropical locale, you’ve likely got your sunscreen and beach hat all packed. It may not occur to you to slather on sunscreen when you’ll be spending most of the day in the airport or on a plane, but it’s a good habit to get into. It is essential on travel days, especially on a plane when you’re even closer to the sun’s ultraviolet rays. Protect your skin by putting on sunscreen before takeoff.
4. Bring your usual products with you
That way, you won’t be asking your skin to adjust to all-new products on top of the other stressors associated with travel. Find sample-size versions of your essentials (which include cleanser, moisturizer, sunscreen, and an antioxidant serum). That’s a better option than simply pouring your oils and serums into plastic containers. Most skin care needs to be stored in a specific way to preserve its effectiveness, so don’t pour it into a travel-sized bottle without doing your homework first.
5. Avoid using potentially irritating hotel skin-care products
It’s best to skip those little lotions and soaps stocked in your hotel bathroom. These products frequently contain fragrances and preservatives that may further compound the usual travel-related dry skin problems. This is especially crucial if you have sensitive skin.
6. Prepare for acne breakouts
Even if you follow all the advice above, there’s still a chance your skin will act up while you’re away, so you’ll want to be prepared to treat breakouts. In particular, different water pH and hardness, and the surfaces our head and face touch can cause even the most perfect skin to break out. Carry a small tube of 10 percent benzoyl peroxide to deal with breakouts.
7. Treat yourself to a sheet mask or facial mist while en route
There’s no shame in giving your skin some love while you’re on the road. Pack a hydrating facial mist and spray it periodically throughout your trip to keep skin moisturized. You may get a few questioning looks from fellow passengers, but it feels great!