Travel Well with Your Skin
Traveling can be relaxing but it can also be challenging for your skin. Whether you are traveling a few miles down the road or headed out on your dream vacation hundreds of miles away, it’s a good idea to plan so that your skin enjoys the trip as much as you do. Here are a few of the most common problems for skin with traveling and a few tips on how you can combat them.
Flying. When we fly, the cabin is depressurized and the air circulating around is dry and lacks humidity. This is why our skin tends to dry out and become red, itchy or irritated, especially during long flights. Solution: Hydration is essential for battling that dry cabin air. Apply a moisturizer about 30 minutes before your flight. If your flight is more than 4-6 hours, then reapply again and after you get to your destination. And don’t forget your lips! Apply a hydrating lip balm throughout your flight to keep your lips moisturized as well.
Different Climates. Depending on where you’re traveling, you might be going to a completely different climate. If you came from freezing Minnesota and just landed in Miami, Florida, it’s going to be a shock to your skin. Switching from a cold climate to a hot one, or from a humid climate to a dry one, can also cause skin problems.
Solution: Do your homework and know the weather where you’re going. If you’re traveling to a cold climate, bring a heavier moisturizer and gentle skin cleanser. If you’re headed to the beach where it’s warm and humid, then pack a lightweight moisturizer. And regardless of the destination, make you sure you have sunscreen on hand!
Sun Exposure. No matter what climate you’re headed to, you need to use your sunscreen. It may seem obvious to have sunscreen in your suitcase if the beach is your plan, but colder destinations can also have intense sun, especially at higher altitudes. Solution: The general recommendation is to apply a broad spectrum sunscreen with at least an SPF 30 and reapply every 2 hours. I set the bar higher and recommend using a broad spectrum sunscreen with an SPF 50 or higher and reapplying every 45-60 minutes. Yes, it’s a lot of work, but when you travel, your skin may not have seen sun for a while or in such intense doses. As a result, I hold sunscreen use when traveling to a higher standard. In addition to sunscreen, bring your hat and sunglasses. Add in sun protective clothing and don’t forget a lip balm with SPF as well.
Different Environments. Are you heading to the beach or going to a bid metropolitan area? Well, environmental factors like sand, wind, dust, and pollution can also impact your skin, leaving it irritated or dull. Solution: Bring your antioxidants! Use a vitamin C or antioxidant combination product in the morning. At nighttime, apply your favorite vitamin A cream or topical retinoid. Just remember, some antioxidants can be irritating and this may come out for the first time with abrupt changes in climate, like going from warm to cold.
Stress. The joy of traveling also brings the stress of it too. Whether you’re stuck in traffic or missed your connection flight, travel can drive you crazy. Most of the time, it’s in the form of breakouts, but your skin doesn’t have to take it lying down. Solution: Bring your favorite acne products with you and try not to stress. Practice mindfulness and yes, those meditation apps can be useful when on the go to bring you back to your sense of inner peace.
Overall, travel is meant to help you relax and the last thing you should have to worry about it how your skin might handle it. Here are my final tips for skin and travel:
1. Keep it simple, concise and stick to your basic routine. Don’t start a new regimen on the road. Skin
loves consistency.
2. Invest in travel-size version of your products or containers for your products. This way you have
no excuse and you can bring your skin routine with you.
3. Don’t try new products when traveling. The last thing you want is to have a bad reaction to a new
skincare product while you’re away. If you want to start a new product, give it a test drive on your skin
ahead of your trip so you know it works for you.
Trotter’s Take: Traveling doesn’t have to wreak havoc on your skin. Being consistent with your skin routine and preparing for your trip can ensure that you and your skin can travel well together.
