I've always been prone to acne, a blend of oily and dry skin, hyperpigmentation, and sunburn, all of which are usually compounded by traveling. An irregular sleep schedule, dehydration, a higher intake of alcohol and processed foods, time outside in the sun and wind, and mask usage are all to blame if you've found that your skin is a little worse off while you're on the move. Here are some of my tips for keeping my skin feeling fresh:
Sunscreen: Wear SPF daily, even when the skies are grey. UV rays are still making their way through even if the sun is seemingly on a break. Not only should you wear sunscreen, you should reapply it regularly--on your face, ears, neck, upper chest, and hands. The neck and upper chest have quite thin skin, and they--alongside ears and hands--are commonly overlooked when it comes to lathering up. They're also some of the first places to show wrinkles, which will exhibit even earlier if you've had tons of sun exposure. In addition to my sunscreen, I often wear a wide-brim hat or ball cap, plus sunglasses. If you're annoyed by having to deal with gooey sunscreen, sunscreen sticks are a great way to easily protect yourself with no mess.
Limit your alcohol take and stay hydrated: I know this can be difficult while on a trip, but taking a break from alcohol can help to give your skin a boost. Make sure to drink lots of water, too. As an American, I always lapse on my water consumption while abroad since water must often be purchased at restaurants, and I don't want to carry around a water bottle. Don't make my same mistake!
Change out your mask often: Keep fresh Covid-19 masks at the ready. Re-using the same one over and over exposes your skin to bacteria.
Moisturize: Hydrated skin is the number one way to keep it looking fresh and healthy. Long airplane trips are a major culprit when it comes to drying your skin out, so I recommend taking a small moisturizer in your carry-on--and don't forget to apply around your eye area! As mentioned before, sun (plus wind and cold weather), alcohol, dehydration, and masks also dry out the skin, so using moisturizer is just one part of the equation.
Don't over-exfoliate: Over-exfoliating aggravates the skin, so I only do it a few times a week. Additionally, as you're applying makeup and skin products to your face, use gentle and upward strokes. Remember that your skin is delicate! And while we're speaking of makeup, don't forget to wash your makeup brushes frequently, as well as washcloths, sheets, and pillowcases. I actually use a silk pillowcase to ensure there's minimal friction on my facial skin as I sleep.
Eat anti-inflammatory foods: It's so hard to eat healthily while you're on a trip, I get it. Tacos and pastas and desserts are calling your name! Your skin will thank you, though, if you pick up some fresh berries for snacks throughout the day.
Sleep: This is an obvious one, but it's worth mentioning. It's easy to fall prey to an irregular sleep rhythm while you're traveling. Airplane travel, a timezone shift, and staying up late/waking up early can keep you from getting your proper amount of snooze time. If you're unable to maintain your normal circadian rhythm, and can't power nap during the day, then load up on some of these other tips.
Skin gurus, what other tips and tricks do you employ to keep your skin healthy while you're traveling?
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