Traveling can be tough on the skin, particularly if you fly. Elevated pressure can lead to skin dehydration, and the added stress of traveling isn’t really doing you any favors, either. On top of that, increased restrictions on which products you can even carry with you make things even more challenging.
So how to maintain your healthy glow, and avoid looking frazzled, fatigued and just not very cute?
Know What Your Skin Needs
Learn the ingredients that are crucial for your skin type so that you know which products to pack and which to leave behind. I have found that many people are harming their skin simply by using the wrong ingredients. For example, if you have drier skin, washing with some types of cleansers may strip the fats from your skin, leaving it dull and irritated. Also, if you make the mistake of using certain products on very sensitive skin, it can lead to inflammation and skin discoloration.
While You’re On Your Way…
It’s hard to get off a plane and not feel like you look like less than your best. Here are a few quick fixes to help keep you gorgeous as you reach your destination.
Hydrate Your Skin: Since heavy cream can leave your face looking oily, try a gel-based moisturizer. You can also apply a strip of concealer on the bridge of your nose and across your cheekbones, forehead and chin. Then blend it all together with a little bit of light lotion. Don’t forget to drink water!
Visine = Acne Relief: Unfortunately, traveling can be stressful. Stress can make you break out. If this happens, apply a couple of drops to a cotton swab or hold the tip of the bottle directly on the blemish for a few seconds to relieve redness. Afterwards, blot with a tissue to absorb residual moisture. Then add a light layer of concealer, if you choose to.
Hide Dark Circles With Concealer: To hide dark circles and puffiness, dab a little concealer underneath your eyes. They’ll immediately look brighter and more refreshed.
Control Hair Frizz With Hand Cream: If you don’t have your usual hair products on hand, massage a pea-size drop of hand cream to your palms and lightly run them over your hair. Your hair will immediately look tamer and in control.
Once You Arrive…
Knowing your skin type can help you simplify your regimen so that your skin looks better with fewer products. Dermatologists agree that when you travel, you should take the five essentials: cleanser, moisturizer with sunscreen, night treatment, lip hydrator, and a body lotion/oil.
Consider Where You’re Going: If your destination’s climate is drier than what you are accustomed to, bring a heavier moisturizer; if it’s more humid, you might need a lighter moisturizer. Those traveling to hot, sunny places or ski resorts (where sun reflects off of snow) should be particularly vigilant about sun protection. Keep in mind that SPF loses its potency over time, so buy sunscreen once you’re there instead of digging out that old tube from last summer.
Cleanser: Air travel dries out your skin, so choose a non-foaming cleanser that won’t strip vital oils from your skin. If you choose an inexpensive brand, you won’t feel guilty discarding the remainder to make room for things you purchased on your trip. Travelling outside the USA? Consider stocking up on local beauty treats at your final destination.
Day Moisturizer: Whether you have oily skin or dry, you need a moisturizer. If you have oily skin, choose an oil-free product, particularly one that’s light or gel-based. For dry and combination skin, choose a day moisturizer that promotes hydration. Regardless of the specific formula, be sure your day moisturizer contains an SPF.
Night Product: Address your specific skin concerns with an appropriate product, like an acne treatment or anti-inflammatory cream.
Lip Hydrator: The lips can be particularly sensitive and prone to dryness. Again, choosing a brand with an SPF included isn’t a bad idea.
Body Lotion/Oil: Those free hotel lotions generally do not hydrate well, and can often make your skin feel uncomfortable and itchy. You can find travel sizes of better products in drugstores or in certain body product shops. Again, get an inexpensive one, pack your own in a travel sized container, or a buy a travel sized version at the store.
How To Obtain Your Travel Sizes The Saavy Way…
Pack up those free perfume samples instead of a full-size bottle and ask your dermatologist if they have sample sizes of your skin care products and prescriptions. Some stores make it easier for you by offering travel-size versions of your favorites, and certain online retailers feature products at many price points that meet the 3.4-ounce rule. Also, many beauty companies offer travel-size all-in-one kits.
Whenever possible, take products you can abandon in favor of the great skin care finds you discover on your trip—who knows when and where you might make some great new skincare discovery!
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