Skin Care Routine Simplified – Travel Edition!
With the holidays coming up, many will travel far and wide to see their loved ones. If you are one of those lucky travelers, you’re going to want to know the Dos & Don’ts of a good travel skin care routine. If you’re anything like me, you have consumed countless hours of skin care experts talking about their skin tips for traveling. & if you’re nothing like me and have never taken an interest in skin care, let alone while traveling, but now find yourself curious, a.) Welcome!, and b.) you’re in the right place!!
Do #1: Clean your HANDS before you do anything!!
This is always crucial, but especially when on the road. Airports, train stations, and bus stops are like Disney Land for bacteria – it’s their happy place. Before your hands touch your lovely face, make sure to wash them. No excuses, people!
Do #2: Wash, don’t wipe your face clean.
By this, I mean, do not use face wipes to clean your face. They will never do the job of a good cleanser. So, pretty please do not skip this step. I know, I know, it’s more convenient. But you are doing your skin a disservice if you use a face wipe, or worst, skip washing your face altogether (the horror!).
Do #3: Keep it simple.
I know that there are many videos out there about elaborate skin care routines for the inside of a plane. Although very bougie, I would not recommend. Especially during these times where masks are mandated to be worn throughout your trip. For example; sheet masks and mists are useless in airplanes. Sorry, but it’s true. Due to the cabin being so dry, those products evaporate way too quickly, way before they can provide your skin with any benefit. In actuality, doing either one of those practices may draw out the little moisture your skin is holding onto, thus making your skin drier in the end. Sad. I know. All you need to do is make sure that your skin is clean, hydrated, well moisturized, and protected from the sun, which brings me to my next point…
Do #4: SPF is your BFF<3
If you don’t already know, SPF is the key to good skin. There is no better product against aging and dark spots than the good ole sunscreen. Even when 30,000ft in the air. Wear it with pride.
Do #5: Hydrate & Moisturize!!
The inside of an airplane is drastically drier than normal weather conditions, with roughly less than 20% humidity. Ideally, after you cleanse your skin, you should apply a light, hydrating serum and then lock that in with a moisturizer. When in doubt, use your products in the order of lightest/thinnest to thickest. If you’re in for a long flight, reapply your moisturizer when you feel it’s needed. Just remember to wash your hands before any and all applications.
Do #6: Do these steps before you’re at the airport, train station, or bus station.
If you can, cleanse and do your skin care for your big trip at home. This way, once you start your commute, you can focus on simply reapplying and maintaining your routine. It’ll be one last thing to worry about when you’re busy on the go.
Do #7: Prepare your TSA-approved toiletry bag ahead of time!
Whether you prefer to order your favorite skin care products in travel size, or if you pour your products into the travel size containers yourself, plan what you want to bring beforehand. Make a list of what you need while traveling, and pack them ahead of time to ensure that they will fit into those pesky TSA standards.
Do #8: Pack for where you’re going!
If you are going to a destination where the climate is much like where you live, you won’t necessarily need to make adjustments. However, if you’re transitioning from cold to hot, humid to dry, or any of the many variations of weather patterns, you should plan accordingly. If you’re going to drier, colder climates, you might need to pack a gentle cleanser and a thicker moisturizer. If you’re going to a hotter, more humid environment, think about bringing a more active cleanser and thinner serums & moisturizers.
Bonus Tips:
Change your masks every 3-4 hours;
Wear your hair out of your face;
Drink plenty of water before, during, and after your commute;
Stay away from sugary drinks and foods;
Limit your salt intake (especially if you’re prone to swelling);
Bring disinfecting wipes to wipe down your surroundings (seat, armrest, tray, etc).
Do you have any plans to travel this year? Let me know below.
Safe travels, everyone!!
XO – Pachee
