Deviating from your usual skin care routine for travel can be awful for your skin.
Let’s see:
Your digestion is off because you’re eating at abnormal times
You’re breaking out from junk food and harsh, recirculating cabin air
You’re dealing with eye bags, headaches, and fatigue because you haven’t slept
Your skin is dry and flaky and your hyperpigmentation is getting worse
Need I say more?
We’ve all been there, but don’t worry – I’ve got you covered.
Keep reading to learn from my mistakes with these 7 tried-and-true tips to make your travel skincare routine a breeze.
Tip #1: Get an “Everything” Balm
^my well-loved tin of True Botanicals balm
Yeah, you’re already packing a toilet kit with all the skincare products you need for your normal skincare routine in your carry-on.
But what happens when they make you check your carry-on or you’re locked in your seat by some snoring guy and your carry-on is in the overhead compartment?
Enter my secret weapon – an “everything” balm, not just a lip balm, to keep your skin healthy.
It’s not going to help with anti-aging or anything, but it will soothe your dry lips, dry skin, irritation, hair frizz, or whatever you need at the moment.
My Recommendation
True Botanicals sent me this everything balm and it has been a total lifesaver.
I just throw it in my pocket or bag that goes under the seat in front of me so I can grab it anytime.
Any old balm will do, but I really like this one because it melts into my skin quickly and provides instant relief without any greasy residue.
Side note – I’ve tried a bunch of stuff from True Botanicals and have exactly 0 complaints. Everything is great, Radiance Oil is my favorite though!
Tip #2: Pack Multi-Form Magnesium
So we know that flying dehydrates you, but drinking water simply isn’t enough – especially if you get headaches and have dry skin.
To get around this, I bring an empty water bottle through TSA, a little container of magnesium flakes, and a magnesium oil spray.
I get a giant tub of magnesium chloride flakes from Amazon and transfer a little into a travel-sized container.
Then, you can make your own hydrating drink after filling your water bottle up at the airport and adding flakes.
As for the magnesium oil, I boil about a half cup of water and use it to dissolve a half cup of magnesium chloride flakes.
Once it cools, I put the solution in a little spray bottle.
A couple of sprays on the back of your neck and under your arms do wonders for getting rid of headaches and soothing stress when traveling.
S/o to @Grimhood on Twitter for this tip!
Tip #3: Apply a Hydrating Serum
Dry circulating air in the cabin is a recipe for dull, unhappy skin and can even exacerbate existing irritation.
To soothe my dry skin cells when traveling, I like to layer a hydrating serum under my moisturizer before heading to the airport and reapply as needed throughout the day.
This acts like a “hydrating mask” and keeps my skin hydrated and happy all day long.
People often don’t realize that dehydrated and dry skin are different – the dry cabin air will pull water out of your skin by osmosis.
We use a hydrating serum to add water back into our skin, then a moisturizer on top as a layer of fat to prevent that water from escaping.
Oil and water don’t mix, ya know?
Tip #4: Wear SPF
You’re probably thinking – why the heck would I need sunscreen? Who burns in an airplane?
Listen, half the time when I talk about SPF, I’m not talking about burning or skin cancer, I’m actually talking about anti-aging.
You’re getting straight UVA through those plane windows, with none of the protective effects of natural, broadspectrum sunlight.
And if you travel a lot, all of that exposure can add up.
So I use an antioxidant serum and a good sunscreen every time I fly.
I’ve also started packing my red light therapy mask as well to use in the hotel when I get to my destination.
Heads up – you can get $60 off a purchase of the CurrentBody LED Face Mask and a 60-day money-back guarantee with my code STACYLED.
Tip #5: Preemptive Strike Against Acne
If you’re prone to acne breakouts, you’re already familiar with how bad airplanes can make you break out.
Do yourself a favor and get a BHA serum or toner if you’re prone to breakouts. You could even go for a facial mist if that’s easier for you – I like Tower 28 SOS Rescue Spray.
Salicylic acid will help keep your pores clear, and the idea is that hopefully, we’ll prevent any breakouts from forming in the first place instead of treating them after they occur.
A good BHA product will also have hydrating and antioxidant ingredients so you don’t have to use a thousand different products.
Tip #6: Fast Instead of Indulging in Junk
I wish someone would have told me this years ago – travel doesn’t make you hungry, it makes you dehydrated.
Which screws up your hunger signals and makes you eat the junk at the airport that’s packed with acne triggers.
Sugar, tons of fried foods, alcohol, etc.
Do yourself a favor, if you can’t pack your own food, just fast when you’re traveling until you get to your destination.
You can load up on water with magnesium and sea salt instead until you get somewhere you can make good food choices.
It’ll keep you healthy, prevent any digestion issues, and keep your skin clear too.
Tip #7: Prepare for Beauty Sleep
Of all my skincare tips, this might be the most important one: do yourself a favor and pack a sleeping mask, earplanes, and mouth tape.
This is my secret to finally being able to sleep on planes without being afraid of snoring.
Aaand I’m technically counting it as a skincare tip because proper sleep will help more with dark circles than any eye cream.
Although this is the eye cream I’m using if you’re looking for one, and I like the Ginger Cleansing Balm from True Botanicals as an eye makeup remover.
Here’s what we’ll do:
Pick up some mouth tape and apply it before taking off.
This also helps fight cavities since your mouth won’t be hanging open and drying out.
(as will the travel-friendly toothpaste tablets from my oral care brand, biöm)
Plus, it’ll help you breathe entirely through your nose which will help prevent snoring.
Then, your sleep mask will drown out any light, no blackout curtains needed.
Also – I have some weird Eustachian tube issue where flying is incredibly painful because my ears ar terrible at altitude adjusting.
Thankfully, I found these things called Earplanes about 5 years ago and they help tremendously.
Might help you too!
The Bottom Line
I feel uniquely qualified to write about skincare travel tips because I fly a ton AND I have the great misfortune of the worst skin type in the world – dry and acne-prone.
Heads up, you can find my skincare routine guides here –
Oily skin:
How to Structure a Routine for Oily Skin
·
JUNE 20, 2022
And dry skin:
How to Structure a Routine for Dry Skin
·
JUNE 27, 2022
Everyone wants to just say “drink water” and “use moisturizer” . . .
Yeah, that’s not going to cut it.
Do I look like a crazy person when I travel?
Probably.
Am I unhealthy, getting sick all the time, breaking out, and unproductive because of it?
Not a chance.
I’d rather be the crazy person mouth-taping and wearing SPF than have to deal with colds and wrinkles in the future!
Frequently Asked Questions
For travel, pack essential skincare items like a hydrating serum, “everything” balm, SPF, and a BHA serum or toner. Simplify your routine with multi-purpose products to address common skin issues during travel.
When traveling, prioritize hydration by carrying an empty water bottle, magnesium flakes, and magnesium oil spray. Apply a hydrating serum to combat dry cabin air and wear SPF to protect against UVA exposure through plane windows.
Streamline your travel skincare routine by using versatile products like an “everything” balm that addresses multiple skin concerns. Opt for multi-form magnesium for hydration, and consider a BHA serum for preemptive acne care. Keep it simple to maintain healthy skin while on the go.
While it’s tempting to skip skincare during travel, it’s crucial to maintain a minimal routine with hydrating products, SPF, and acne prevention. Skipping skincare may lead to dryness, breakouts, and other skin issues.
To combat jet lag’s impact on the skin, prioritize hydration, use a soothing sleeping mask, and consider supplements like magnesium for stress relief. Adequate rest and a simple skincare routine will help your skin recover from the stress of travel.
