Top tips for looking after your skin whilst travelling

Travelling is about having fun and discovering more of the world, but we shouldn’t neglect our health in the process. Skin care is a big part of this for many, as our skin has to contend with travel factors such as sun exposure, dehydration, and changes in climate. As a result, a good travel skin care routine is essential. This guide highlights some practical skin care tips for travelling, helping you keep your skin healthy and glowing during your holiday.

Travel skin care tips

• Stay hydrated inside and out

• Protect your skin from the sun

• Combat travel-related skin stress

• Maintain a simple but effective skincare routine

• Keep hygiene in mind

• Adjust your skincare for the destination

• Don’t neglect your hands and feet

Stay hydrated inside and out

The importance of staying hydrated when travelling should not be underestimated. Travel can sometimes dehydrate the skin due to factors such as air-conditioned environments and sun exposure. Therefore, make sure you drink plenty of water during your travels, as this will be an essential tactic for maintaining your skin's elasticity and moisture.

How to stay hydrated when you travel:

• Carry a refillable water bottle so you always have a drink to hand.

• Use hydrating skin care products, such as serums with hyaluronic acid.

• Pack a facial mist; this way, you can protect against dry air and ensure skin hydration during long travel days.

• Avoid pressurised, air-conditioned aeroplane cabins by choosing a no-fly cruise for your holiday.

Protect your skin from the sun

Sun protection is one of the fundamental skin care measures when travelling, especially when visiting sunny destinations. When the sun is out in full force, there is a risk of sunburn, which can lead to premature ageing and UV damage. This can be especially potent when relaxing by the sea or pool as water can reflect the sun’s rays.

Sun protection tips to keep skin healthy:

• Use sun cream with at least SPF 30 and apply generously every two hours, especially if you have been swimming or sweating.

• Consider applying a lip balm with an SPF to protect lip skin.

• Protective clothing should be worn, such as wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses with UV protection, and lightweight garments with long sleeves.

• Try to find shady spots during the peak UV hours of 10 AM to 4 PM.

Combat travel-related skin stress

Travel can have numerous effects on our skin due to factors inherent to travelling, such as humidity levels, changes in climate or even saltwater exposure. This occurs due to a disruption of the skin’s natural moisture balance, which can lead to side effects such as dehydration, irritation, and increased skin sensitivity. As a result, it's important to combat these stresses as best we can by utilising soothing skin care products and rehydrating the skin overnight.

Tips to minimise skin stress when travelling:

• Before bed, apply a hydrating overnight face mask to counteract any dryness in the skin.

• Use breathable and lightweight make-up instead of heavier options.

• Calm irritation due to sunburn with a soothing aloe vera gel.

Another great option comes courtesy of Kacie from the blog The Rare Welsh Bit. She told us: "My top tip for looking after your skin while travelling is to travel with a silk pillowcase. While this might sound like a bit of a diva thing to do, you might be surprised at the difference it makes.

“If you're prone to acne flare-ups when travelling to different climates and exploring new foods, sleeping on a silk pillowcase will help to minimise friction and irritation, while also encouraging your skin to retain moisture. Plus, as silk is so lightweight, it won't weigh down your luggage either". 

You might also like: How to Sleep Better on Holiday

Maintain a simple but effective skin care routine

A simple travel skin care routine will greatly benefit your adventures away from home. Packing copious skin care products may be tempting, but this can be impractical. Consider a streamlined version of your routine to ensure your skin is protected without becoming over-encumbered.

That being said, skin care consistency is key, but there are ways to have the best of both worlds, as Cherisha, from the blog Inspired by Cherisha, explains: “If you’re someone who has an elaborate routine, you might be wondering how to pack all of your products with you. This is where travel-size products come in handy. If possible, look for the travel sizes of your products: your skincare, serums, SPF, lip mask, etc.”

Tips for packing a travel skin care routine:

• Pack a lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturiser to keep your skin hydrated.

• Consider packing multi-purpose products, including moisturisers with SPF and micellar water to keep the skin clean.

• Use travel-size skin care essentials or containers to save space in your suitcase.

• Don’t forget to pack plenty of suncream to use as the final step of your morning routine.

You might also like: What NOT to pack for a cruise holiday

Keep hygiene in mind

Another way to save your skin when travelling is to keep hygiene in mind. As travelling exposes your skin to varying environments, it's critical to maintain proper skin hygiene. This will help you to avoid breakouts and irritation. So, think about ways that you incorporate hygiene best practices into your daily skincare routine.

Top tips for skin hygiene when travelling:

• Make sure you carry a pack of cleansing wipes or some micellar water for a quick face cleanse on the go.

• Try to avoid touching your face too much, especially in crowded places such as terminals, restaurants, and town centres.

• Don’t use pillowcases and towels for too long before cleaning them to help prevent bacteria build-up.

Adjust your skincare for the destination

Where you travel makes a difference in how you look after your skin. Destinations vary depending on the climate, and therefore, it makes sense to adjust your skin care routine accordingly. Lauren Harano, who writes for The Every Girl, has found that adjusting her skin care routine based on the destination is a must:

“I have a pretty regimented skincare routine that I hate to stray away from, especially when I travel. However, I’ve learned that altering my skincare routine to my destination has been a saving grace when it comes to keeping my skin healthy and happy. Different climates, altitudes, and environmental conditions can have varying effects on the skin, making it so, so essential to tailor your skincare regimen accordingly.”

Skin care travel tips for different climates:

• For humid climates, use oil-free skin care products to help prevent clogged pores.

• For dry conditions, try hydrating products as a counterbalance and consider using a richer moisturiser.

• For colder destinations, it’s important to protect your skin with balms or ceramide-rich creams (a vital ingredient for maintaining healthy skin).

Don’t neglect your hands and feet

Another top skin care travel tip is to not neglect your hands and feet. When travelling, your hands and feet will be regularly exposed to the elements, especially if it's hot. As a result, the conditions can wreak havoc on your skin, and your hands and feet can become dry or cracked. So, make sure to look after these body areas as much as possible.

Skin care travel tips for your hands and feet:

• Be sure to apply nourishing hand creams and reapply them after washing your hands.

• Don’t forget to apply suncream on the backs of your hands and the tops of your feet.

• Consider moisturising your feet at night, especially if you’ve enjoyed a long day of walking or swimming.

How to look after your skin when travelling

Proper skin care when travelling can help you keep healthy and look great during your holiday adventures. This can be achieved via some basic steps and the tips above, such as staying hydrated, using sunscreen, sticking to a routine, and adapting your skin care to the destination.

So, relax and enjoy your upcoming cruise without worries by taking care of your skin during your travels. If you’ve not decided on your next adventure, check out our cruise holidays and the current cruise deals we have available.

For more travel tips, be sure to read the articles on our blog.