Ok guys, what is the latest welcome news? You got it! Governments around the globe are starting to loosen up on restrictions.
The travel industry is growing optimistic that 2022 will be the year tourism comes roaring back. Travelers are indeed beginning to think about the upcoming spring break. According to some early numbers, it looks like they’re thinking big.
After sitting out the past two seasons, the anticipation of change is electric! Following such a long period of constraints and limitations, traveling is no longer just about going places. It’s about squeezing every bit of happiness out of this experience. And just like you, we are absolutely stoked and ready for sandy toes and a sunkissed nose!
However, your skin might not be ready for such a change. Before your trip, think of making small tweaks to your skincare routine by planning ahead and packing what you need.
At this point, you’re probably thinking: “What? More planning? More rules? I still need to book my flight, secure a hotel, check the latest entry requirements, AND pack! No more rules. This girl just wanna have sun!” We feel you but hear us out!
When you’re away from home, it’s easy to let your skincare routine go out the window. But traveling is one of the times when your skin needs attention the most. Here are some issues to consider:
- Traveling is stressful. Stress can trigger an inflammatory response, which can exacerbate conditions like acne, rosacea, psoriasis, and cause breakouts.
- Large commercial vehicles with artificial air circulation systems expose you to extremely dry air, which results in a significant loss of moisture in the skin. This study showed that aircraft cabin humidity dropped to levels below 10% within 2 hours after take-off and remained this way throughout the flight.
- Your sleep patterns may change when you’re away from home. Lack of sleep can disrupt the skin repair process.
- If your complexion is oily, the heat and humidity can cause acne flare-ups.
1. Prepare your skin for the climate shift.
What you do to prepare your skin for the trip is as important as what you do during it. Give yourself adequate time to adjust to the new routine and environment. Study the weather forecast of your destination a week prior to your departure, and learn about the humidity levels, altitude, and temperature. When traveling to a warm climate, you should switch to a lighter non-comedogenic moisturizer to avoid clogging pores.
TIP: Don’t forget the rest of your bod. Make sure to give yourself a good exfoliation with a body scrub or a mitt before you take off.
2. Stick with the essentials.
Ideally, you want to keep as much of your regular routine as possible. Don’t freak out though. You still will meet the luggage weight limit! We believe in a consistent routine and a less-is-more approach - cleansing, toner, moisturizer, and sunscreen.
TIP: Hotel soaps and cleansers are generally not the highest quality and can be drying, so avoid using them. Overall, vacation is not the best time for testing new products.
3. Stay hydrated.
The best way to counteract the low humidity levels you’ll experience in flight is…drum roll please…drinking water. Researchers found that increasing your water intake by eight glasses a day for one month led to increased skin hydration. Start prepping early and drink sufficient amounts of water for the days leading up to the trip and through your travel. Alongside good ol’ water, a hydrating facial mist is going to be your best spring break buddy. Use it while en route and throughout your stay to rejuvenate and refresh your skin.
TIP: To enhance skin hydration before exposure to the dehydrating effects of cabin pressure, apply intense moisturizer the night before your flight.
4. In sunscreen we trust.
You’ve likely got your beach hat and tanning lotion already packed. You also know that sunscreen must be applied every day. But did you know, it is absolutely essential on travel days, especially on a plane when you’re even closer to the sun’s UV rays? An environmental Health study showed that 7.4% of female flight attendants reported having had non-melanoma skin cancer compared with 1.8% of women in the general population group. So don't skip on sunscreen while you’re spending a day in the airport or on the plane. Upon arrival, be sure to apply extra sunblock after swimming and sweating, especially if you have pale winter skin that hasn’t seen much sun lately.
TIP: Despite all the precautions, sometimes the sun can get the best of us. So be ahead of the game, and always pack a bottle of after-sun remedy.
5. Be prepared for skin emergencies.
Different water pH, and the surfaces our head and face touch can cause even the most perfect skin to break out. And there is a name for it — airplane acne. It is unpredictable but treatable. Dermatologists recommend including a small tube of benzoyl peroxide in the list of your travel toiletries, as well as antibiotic ointments for minor cuts or scrapes.
TIP: To keep breakouts at bay, skip the makeup altogether. If you want to add a touch of glow to your skin opt for a lightweight bronzer or multi-use tinted face balm.
And that’s all, folks! Just five simple steps and very few products to pack. Let’s sum it up:
- Tweak your skincare routine according to your destination climate.
- Stay hydrated inside and out, before and during your travel.
- Pack essential products: cleanser, lightweight moisturizer, a hydrating toner or facial mist, sunscreen, after-sun lotion.
- Pack small tubes of emergency skin products like benzoyl peroxide and antibiotic ointment.
- Use sunscreen generously while on the move and throughout your tour.
Now you are ready to tropic like it’s hot!
Written by Elena Popkova