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So THIS is how I avoid skin freak-outs & meltdowns while traveling…
Real talk here- my skin is rather persnickety. Sometimes, it’s just downright arrogant. It knows what it wants and it’s not stopping (or behaving) until very specific needs are met.
Does this sound familiar?
Even if your skin isn’t all that sensitive, sometimes it just decides to have a meltdown. Oftentimes, these meltdowns come at the moment when most want to avoid them, which is when we are traveling away from the comforts of home, and possibly taking lots of photos.
It used to happen to me all the time, and it wasn’t fun. These days, I know exactly what my skin needs to remain radiant, acne and flake free no matter what kind of climate I’m traveling in.
Read on to see my travel skincare routine, including all my favorite products and my best tips for making sure your skin stays photo-ready!
Tip #1 – Reduce harsh and drying skin care products
Airplane air in itself is harsh and drying, so why go from bad to worse with more harshness and dryness?
While traveling is the time to take ultimate care of your skin. It isn’t the time to whip it into shape. Avoid retinol creams and alcohol based toners in favor of rich moisturizers and cleansing waters. If you must use an acne treatment, try using a spot treatment just on the areas that really need it instead of doing your full face anti-acne regimen.
Tip #2 – Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize
I admit that I am terrible about this one at home. I own a moisturizer that works just dandy, yet I am so lazy that I tend to apply it every 2-3 days. So much for constantly hydrated skin.
But when I’m traveling, moisturizing is non-negotiable. It must be the excitement of traveling that makes me want to look my best at all times. There’s really no other explanation.
Moisturize regularly in flight with a lightweight moisturizer. For the super brave, watch a movie blanketed in a hydrating sheet mask. (Personally, I’m not there yet, but I’m working on it.)
Just do it. Somehow. Your skin thanks you.
Tip #3 – Use tried & true beauty products
We hear everywhere that using little samples of this product and that product is a great way to save space in your carry-on. That may be true, but I don’t recommend it.
If I have a sample or travel size of a product I know and love, then I totally use it. But if it’s something I’ve never tried before? Nope, it’s staying home.
I’d rather not risk a nasty (and totally preventable) skin freakout thanks to a product my skin doesn’t get along with.
Let’s talk products in my travel skincare routine
So now that we’ve got what don’t use out of the way, these are the products I swear by when I’m on the go and just want a simple yet effective travel skincare routine.
Peter Thomas Roth Instant Mineral SPF 45
I don’t like adding an extra sunscreen layer under my makeup. I feel like it clogs my pores unnecessarily when combined with my mattifying primer and daily moisturizer. Instead, I prefer doubling up on the protection in other ways.
I always wear a foundation or BB cream with a decent SPF. On top of that, I layer this SPF powder. Simply dust it all over your face and you’re protected. It’s especially great for oily ladies like myself, who could always use a bit more powder.
Peter Thomas Roth Instant Mineral SPF 45 >> [Sephora]
Biore Baking Soda Liquid Cleanser
The little scrubbing beads in this cleanser help remove impurities from the day without being as harsh as say, an apricot scrub. It also suds up a reasonable amount, which I enjoy because it makes me feel clean.
It’s not sulfate free, clearly, but I don’t find it to be too drying when combined with the other products in my travel skincare routine. For now, I’ll keep using it.
Biore Baking Soda Liquid Cleanser >> [Amazon]
Pura D’or Moroccan Argan Oil 100%
Argan oil is my everything miracle when I’m traveling. I use it as a nighttime moisturizer (along with my favorite Clinique Dramatically Different Lotion+), I use it as a hair oil, I use it as a foot soak, and the list goes on.
Tap a few drops of Argan oil on the driest areas of your face before you go to sleep, and wake up with supple skin that’s ready for makeup!
Pssst! Want to see even more ideas on what you can do with Argan oil while on the go? Check this post out too >> Argan oil benefits + clever uses for when you’re on the go
Pura D’or Moroccan Argan Oil 100% >> [Amazon]
Origins Clear Improvement Active Charcoal Mask
Traveling in general is dirty, which is why I swear by a good charcoal mask to really suck those impurities out of my skin. This one by Origins is my favorite, which should be no surprise because I talk about it all the time.
The formula is thick and potent, and it really grabs on to your skin. It makes me imagine it’s grabbing onto the dirt too, maybe that’s ridiculous.
Bonus, this mask conveniently comes in a 1 oz. travel size tube, so no transferring necessary.
Origins Clear Improvement Active Charcoal Mask >> [Sephora]
Laneige Water Sleeping Mask
When I’m home, I sleep in a humid environment with no AC on (#luckywelivehawaii). In hotel rooms, that’s not possible, and my skin hates it. I cover my skin with a hydrating overnight mask to help seal in the moisture. I feel like doing this gives my skin the opportunity to really recuperate overnight instead of just trying to not shrivel up and flake off.
Rinse this stuff off in the morning and your face feels like you just slept in a rainforest next to a waterfall. It’s amazing.
Laneige Water Sleeping Mask >> [Sephora]
Things that should go without saying
C’mon, we all know these things. But just a gentle reminder…
Avoid touching your face with dirty hands
It’s the BEST way to sprout unwanted pimples. Wash your hands at every opportunity, and carry hand wipes and a fun hand sanitizer. Not to mention, you’ll probably avoid catching a cold too.
Drink plenty of water
Hydration is the key. (Or so I’ve heard, *wink.)
All the moisturizer in the world won’t help your skin’s exterior if your insides are siphoning the water out of your skin to give to other organs. Make time to sip water, flush toxins out of your body, and have glowing (not parched) skin.
Get enough sleep
I know it’s difficult; when I’m traveling, I want to make the most of my time too. And oftentimes, that means waking up early, going to sleep late, and thinking of afternoon naps like a kind of torturous vacation jail.
I don’t actually know why lack of sleep messes with our skin, but I know first hand that it does. Plus, who doesn’t love bed? It’s a great place.
That’s all for today!
Like this post? You’ll definitely want to check out this one too >> How To Pack Your Travel Makeup Bag (Best Tips + Hacks!)
If you find this post interesting, informative, or just plain entertaining, tell me about it in the comments below! And don’t forget, sharing is caring. Share this post!
Till next time. ♥︎
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FTC- Not sponsored by any brands mentioned. I purchase all products myself. All opinions are my own. Some links may be affiliated.
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