'tis the season for gifts, holiday soirees, and travel.
Our expert Skin Therapists have helped us build a guide for how you should prep your skin before your trip, treat it on the plane, and how to maintain a healthy glow all vacation-long.
What’s the main secret? Consistency.
One of the main draws of travel is exploring the unknown and finding a break from your day-to-day routine, whether that’s traversing a new city or unplugging by a coastline. As you step out of your comfort zone and dive into new adventures, keeping your skincare routine as close to the day-to-day of home is the best thing you can do. Your skin will be adjusting to different climates, disrupted sleeping patterns, and new foods (probably along with some indulgences), so continuing to do what works well at home is the way to go.
BEFORE YOU TRAVEL
BEFORE YOU HEAD OUT, EXFOLIATE AT HOME TO GIVE YOURSELF A FRESH START TO THE TRIP AND PACK UP YOUR ROUTINE ESSENTIALS IN TRAVEL-FRIENDLY CONTAINERS.
Stock up on travel-sized containers. We’re big fans of Muji, as they have the perfect (and inexpensive) array of TSA-friendly containers, from squeeze bottles to screw-top pots, that hold a variety of products.
Pack a creamier cleanser – and cleansing wipes. A cream cleanser that strips a little less of your natural oil is great for the colder weather. If you're heading somewhere sweaty, a gel cleanser will be a great cleansing companion. Cleansing wipes give you an easy way to freshen up on-the-go, too.
Bring your regular moisturizer with you. Hydrated skin is happy skin, so use what works for you at home while you’re away. For bonus points, bring a lightweight balm which can give you a superb blast of moisture when duty calls.
Have enough SPF, no matter where you’re going! For our faces, we’re believers in a physical sunscreen (containing either zinc oxide or titanium dioxide). It works instantly and reflects UV rays like a mirror, unlike chemical sunscreens that need 15–20 minutes to activate.
Pack a small container of a hydrating mask. It’s our little airplane secret for big happy skin. If your skin gets cranky during the trip, a hydrating mask back at the hotel will go far to calm your skin down.
Don’t forget the little things. Hand sanitizer, hand cream, lip balm, and a water bottle are great tools to keep your skin on point.
AT 30,000 FEET
AFTER THE BOARDING DOOR CLOSES, FOLLOW OUR QUICK IN-FLIGHT ROUTINE THAT’S GUARANTEED TO HAVE YOU LANDING LOOKING AND FEELING FRESH.
If you can, stay make-up free! At altitude, the cabin air is dry and recycled. Your skin will absorb any moisture it can find, and makeup acts as the wrong kind of barrier.
Wash your hands before touching your face. If the seatbelt sign is on, use sanitizer. Keep hand cream nearby—plane air is rough on your hands.
Apply your hydrating mask and keep it on for the entire flight. No need for a sheet mask. Apply thinly like a moisturizer—no one will know you’re wearing it.
Apply a lightweight balm to lock in hydration from the mask and to provide a protective barrier. This is a top Skin Therapist trick to land looking fresh and feeling less oily.
Drink lots of water (aisle seat recommended!) and apply hand cream and lip balm regularly.
DURING YOUR TRIP
CLEANSE AND MOISTURIZE AS YOU NORMALLY DO AND PACK YOUR DAY BAG WITH WHAT YOU’LL NEED TO STAY FRESH. PLUS, OUR SKIN THERAPISTS SHARE TIPS FOR WHEN THINGS GO WRONG.
SPF SPF (did we mention SPF?). Even in winter!
Throw the lip balm and face wipes in your day bag. You may not have time to run back to the hotel between activities. Wipes = instant refresh.
Carve out a little mask time. While relaxing, apply the detoxifying or moisturizing mask you packed. It’s a great way to support your skin after flying and changing your routine.
If you get an unexpected visitor… Travel zits happen. If the breakout looks red, use your hydrating mask to soothe. If it’s under the surface, use something detoxifying or lightly exfoliating. Spot treatments help too.
WHEN YOU GET HOME
Alongside your laundry and dopp kit, hopefully you’re unpacking great memories and good vibes to carry you through to your next adventure.
The only thing not to hold on to? Those travel-sized products you made.
Don’t let your products sit in a closet for months—use them up. Since you brought most of your routine with you, they’ll fit right back in on your bathroom counter next to their full-sized counterparts.
