When it’s time to plan for a vacation, the major items on most people’s to-do list are things like getting a new set of luggage or picking the best restaurants to visit. Too often, people forget about practicing good skincare while abroad. Environmental and climate conditions on your trip can adversely affect your skincare, causing dry skin and even break-outs. Maintaining a good skincare routine will help you enjoy your trip so that you get to feel happy and healthy at your dream destination.

Before you pack up your sunscreen and moisturizer, check out our tips for maintaining a good skincare routine while traveling. Our recommendations are sure to keep your skin soft and glowing for your entire vacation.

Sunscreen is one of the most important components of a good skincare routine. Most dermatologists suggest getting sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 to protect your skin from harmful UVA and UVB radiation. Depending on what you’re planning on doing during your trip, it might also be a good idea to pick a sunscreen that’s water-resistant and sweatproof.

It’s even a good idea to wear sunscreen even when you’re indoors. Powerful UVA rays can penetrate through windows, leaving your skin vulnerable to damage even if you’re sitting down for a meal at a restaurant or enjoying the masterpieces at an art museum. UVA radiation is also a concern during your flight, especially if you have a window seat. That’s why it’s always important to remember to apply sunscreen before boarding your plane as well.

In terms of sunscreen options, Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen will provide protection and give you a matte finish. La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt-in Milk Sunscreen provides broad-spectrum protection and is water resistant. And Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen is a great clear, gel-based sunscreen that doubles as a primer — and smells delicious!

It’s difficult to overstate the importance of keep your hands clean and germ-free while you’re traveling. Hand sanitizer is an essential for every purse, carry-on, and backpack. Bring along some Purell Advanced Hand Sanitizer or Dr. Bronner’s Organic Hand Sanitizer to stay fresh and clean throughout the day.

But your regimen might also include antibacterial hand wash, which now comes in a kaleidoscope of scents. Experts with the Centers for Disease Control advise picking a hand wash with 60% ethanol or 70% isopropanol to eliminate germs and bacteria that come into contact with your hands. Since the alcohol from sanitizers can dry out your skin, it’s also a good idea to pick one with a moisturizing agent like aloe vera and vitamin E to keep your skin soft and healthy.

While some travelers can’t go anywhere without their favorite makeup, skincare experts recommend taking it easy on cosmetics while you’re on vacation. Although makeup usually doesn’t harm your skin, it can disrupt sunscreen and make you more prone to dryness. Makeup can also get cakey if you’re doing something physical, even if it’s just an afternoon of low-impact sightseeing.

Using a light foundation or even just a tinted moisturizer can give you a more natural look and glowing skin. Try BareMinerals Original Loose Powder Foundation, which has a natural finish and is super gentle on the skin. Many cosmetic companies have also infused their products with moisturizing agents like hyaluronic acid and vitamin E. NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer is lightweight and hydrating, and it provides sheer coverage along with sun protection.

If you just can’t live without a little blush, try Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush. It’s long-wearing and provides a natural flush. Lastly, finish off your make-up look with a refreshing setting spray that will leave you with a healthy, dewy glow. Urban Decay All Nighter Long-Lasting Makeup Setting Spray keeps makeup in place for up to 16 hours, perfect for long travel days.

Staying hydrated is one of the simplest ways to protect your skin while traveling. Although moisturizers will always be a key ingredient in any skincare regimen, drinking water hydrates your skin from the inside out. Drinking water nourishes your skin by improving your overall tone, reducing puffiness, and preventing acne breakouts. Keeping a bottle of water handy while you travel is especially important given all the stressors that bombard your skin while you’re abroad. Low-humidity conditions in a plane’s cabin can cause water to evaporate from your skin, while visiting hot or tropical regions can further leave you dehydrated.

Like the rest of your skin, your lips are subjected to a variety of conditions during travel that leave them dehydrated and damaged. Whether it’s low humidity on the plane or environmental conditions once you arrive at your destination, travel can be a nightmare for those who can’t stand dry lips.

Keeping your lips hydrated is fairly easy when using the proper lip balm. Generally, dermatologists recommend using lip balms or masks infused with ingredients like castor seed oil, petroleum jelly, or shea butter to keep your lips hydrated. Among the most popular brands of hydrating lip balms and masks are Vaseline Lip Therapy, Aquaphor Lip Repair, and Alpyn Beauty Willow & Sweet Agave Plumping Lip Mask.

Sticking to your usual skincare routine is also an important part of protecting your skin while traveling. As many dermatologists note, changing up your skincare during your vacation just adds another stressor to any already demanding time for your skin, making it essential for you to follow your usual routine.

Since most oils and serums need to be stored in a specific way to maintain their potency, it’s best to purchase sample sizes of your favorite products instead of pouring them into travel-sized bottles from their full-size containers at home. It’s also important to remember how to take care of your skincare products when you arrive at your destination. While advanced vitamin C serums need to be kept in a cool, dark place, cleansers fare well in the average travel bag.

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With all the stress your skin faces while flying, a sheet mask or facial mist is just what the doctor ordered. Whether you’re on the go or relaxing in your hotel room after a busy day, sheet masks and facial mists are great pick-me-ups for your skincare routine. They hydrate your skin and leave you with a clear, smooth complexion.

For sheet masks, dermatologists often recommend options like the Dr. Jart+ Dermask Water Jet Vital Hydra Solution Hydro Plump Night Mask. Packed with hyaluronic acid and seaweed extracts, it deeply hydrates and revitalizes the skin, perfect for combatting dryness from travel. Another favorite is the SK-II Facial Treatment Mask, featuring Pitera, a yeast-derived ingredient renowned for improving skin texture and radiance. GlamGlow Thirstymud Hydrating Treatment is also popular, formulated with hyaluronic acid, coconut water, and ginger to replenish and soothe dehydrated skin.

For facial mists, La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water is a go-to choice. Rich in minerals and antioxidants, it soothes and refreshes sensitive or irritated skin, making it perfect for on-the-go hydration. Caudalie Beauty Elixir is another refreshing option, containing grape water, rosemary, and mint extracts to tone and revitalize the skin. Evian Facial Spray offers pure mineral water from the French Alps, providing instant hydration and refreshment without added chemicals.

FAQs:

Q: What should I do if my skin reacts to a new climate?
A: If your skin reacts to a new climate while traveling, carry a basic, gentle moisturizer and a hydrating face mist. Dermatologist-recommended products include Cetaphil Daily Facial Moisturizer and Evian Facial Spray. These can help calm your skin and provide much-needed hydration. Avoid trying new products that may irritate your skin further.

Q: Are there any skincare tools that are useful for travel?
A: Yes, skincare tools like a jade roller or a small gua sha tool can be beneficial for travel. Try Herbivore Botanicals Jade Roller and FOREO LUNA mini 3 facial cleansing brush. They help with puffiness and circulation, keeping your skin looking fresh. A compact facial cleansing brush is also handy for maintaining clean skin on the go.

Q: How often should I reapply sunscreen while traveling?
A: While traveling, reapply sunscreen every two hours when outdoors, and immediately after swimming or excessive sweating. If indoors near windows, reapply every four to six hours to ensure continuous protection.

Q: What are some good travel-sized skincare products?
A: Many brands offer travel-sized versions of their popular products. For cleansers, consider the Fresh Soy Face Cleanser or the CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser. For moisturizers, the Clinique Moisture Surge 72-Hour Auto-Replenishing Hydrator and the La Mer Moisturizing Cream are excellent choices. These products come in compact sizes that are easy to pack and comply with TSA regulations.

Q: How can I prevent my skin from getting dry on the plane?
A: To prevent dry skin on the plane, use a hydrating face mist and apply a rich moisturizer before your flight. Drinking plenty of water is also essential. Consider using a hydrating mask during longer flights. The Laneige Water Sleeping Mask and the Dr. Jart+ Ceramidin Facial Mask are great options to keep your skin moisturized.

What’s your vacation skincare routine? Tell us all about it in the comments section below!