Let’s all get on the same page about one thing:
Travel is good for the soul, but rough on the skin.
I blame all the recycled air, but my skin has never felt so dry, itchy, tight, and oily all at once than when I’m sitting on a flight.
I recently spent six weeks in Europe - you can read my Beauty IQ article on top beauty travel packing tips here.
During that time, I managed to avoid any major skin meltdowns.
And that's saying something, because my trip included one 28-hour journey (yes, I said 28 hours), 11 flights, 3 ferries and 2 bus rides.
Now, I’m not saying I’m an expert when it comes to skin concerns.
But as a beauty writer, I’ve picked up a thing or two about how to keep your skin healthy and how to travel with skincare products despite the environment you’re in.
If you want to know how to pack skincare for travel, I thought I’d share my travel routine.
Because, lord knows the last thing anyone needs is temperamental skin while you're trying to live your best life overseas.
1. Add Extra Moisture.
If you haven’t been on a plane since the borders opened up, then let me give you a quick refresher on what flights do to your skin.
Airplane cabins have very low humidity levels because 50 percent of the air circulating in the cabin is pulled from the outside.
Which means at such high altitudes the air is almost completely devoid of moisture.
In fact, men lose up to 2L of water in-flight and women up to 1.6L.
That’s why we need to keep hydrated, inside and out. Skincare for plane travel is very important!
For me this means packing a mist and generously applying it on the skin every 1-2 hours.
Yes, I am that obnoxious passenger but trust me, your skin will thank you because dry and dehydrated skin can lead to irritation, redness and worse a compromised barrier.
So, pack a mist of your choice - mine was the Dermalogica hyaluronic ceramide mist - and get spritzing.
Bonus points if you spray between skincare steps because a little extra hydration is always welcome.
2. You Still Need to Double Cleanse.
We all know double cleansing is important yet for some reason when we’re on holiday we tend to let this slide.
If you’re that person, rather than scold you, I’m going to tell you why its even more important to be double cleansing on holiday.
Firstly, you’re likely in a warm climate and walking which = lots of sweat and sweat = oily pores.
Without removing the SPF and oil build-up on the skin, you’re just asking for trouble.
So, even if you’ve knocked back a few Aperol’s, take 5 minutes to remove the day off your face.
I always opt for an oil cleanser, my favourite is Alpha-H Melting Moment Cleansing Balm with Wild Orange Leaf Extract because it’s gentle but effective at breaking down makeup.
I follow with the CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser 236ml because my skin tends to be extra sensitive from the constant moving around, so better to play it safe than to be sorry.
3. SPF Is a Must.
If we're talking about 'best travel skincare', SPF should come to mind.
What I will say is bring your SPF from home.
Sunscreens in Australia are some of the best in the world. Chuck a few tubes of Ultra Violette Supreme Screen SPF 50+ Hydrating Facial Sunscreen in your suitcase to ensure you'll be adequately protected.
If you want to go the extra mile (which we all should), then I highly recommend investing in a spray SPF.
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Invisible Fluid Spray SPF 50+ 200ml is easy to use, so no excuses not to reapply every 2 hours.
It’s a gamechanger, especially when you’re travelling.
4. You Only Need Max. 2 Serums.
Yes, the Australian sun is harsh, but arguably 50% of the time we’re probably indoors.
When you’re travelling the whole point is to explore which means walking around with direct exposure to the sun.
And whilst SPF helps to prevent burning, it can only do so much.
Especially if you’re like me and prone to melasma.
When talking travel skincare essentials, my one tip to every brown person is to find a HARDWORKING pigmentation serum.
I went through a whole bottle of my favourite Medik8 Super C Ferulic 30ml and the NIOD RE: Pigment in the 6 weeks I was away.
I’d sandwich this in between a vitamin B serum twice a day. Aspect Extreme B 17 and Viviology Niacinamide + HA Serum 30mL are excellent options.
I know two serums might seem excessive, but the goal is to prevent any sun damage, rather than trying to undo it later.
5. Stock Up on Sheet Masks.
I think I’ve said this to every single person who will listen, but sheet masks will save your skin when you travel.
They are travel skincare essentials!
My favourites are:
They’re all hydration focused and contain a large dose of serum-y goodness.
Not to mention, they’re the perfect thing to reach for if you’ve been a little naughty and accidentally got sunburnt.
6. Prepare for Acne Breakouts.
As much as I’d like to tell you that following the above routine will prevent breakouts, I can’t do that.
Because truth be told everyone’s skin is different.
Yes I was diligent with my skincare, but I definitely got lucky. The best travel skincare routine is one that includes everything.
When packing skincare for travel, I make sure to add pimple patches and a gentle exfoliant.
Because there’s truly nothing worse than being overseas, getting a blind pimple and realising you have none of your products to deal with it.
Try the much-loved COSRX Acne Pimple Master Patch and Dermalogica Daily Milkfoliant (this also comes in a travel size).
Watch this video below for more pimple tips from a beauty editor.
