Traveling and exploring the world is exciting and fun. Experiencing different cultures, cuisines, art and music is important for the soul. But, it can also be stressful on your skin. Changes to climate, time zones, and diet can take a toll on your skin, causing it to become dry, oily, or break out.

To keep your skin looking and feeling its best while on the road, here are some simple skincare tips and advice to remember when traveling.

Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate

Traveling can be super dehydrating and it's easy to forget to drink enough water, especially if you're on a long flight or spending a lot of time site-seeing outdoors. Drinking enough water is one of the simplest things you can do to keep your skin healthy, hydrated and glowing. If you’re flying, bring an empty water bottle, fill it up at the airport after you pass security and always carry water with you throughout the day. If traveling to hot and humid climates, think about packing some Hydration tablets/sachets into your suitcase. These help to boost hydration and rebalance your electrolytes if you’re sweating or losing a lot of water during your travels.

Skincare Tip: You can use a hydrating mist or facial spray to give your skin a quick burst of moisture throughout the day.

Don’t Skip Cleansing

No matter where you are traveling, it’s super important to cleanse your skin properly. Using an effective cleanser will help to remove dirt, oil, SPF and other impurities that can clog your pores and lead to breakouts. Continuing to use your trusted cleanser is a reliable option, however, you might need to change up your products depending on your destination. For example, if you’re traveling to cooler, icy climates look for a gentle cleanser or Oil Cleanser, that won’t strip your skin of its natural oils. The cold temperatures, icy wind and lower moisture levels in the air will cause your skin barrier to become dry and fragile. With warmer and more humid climates, your skin can sweat more, increasing sebum production. You’ll also be using SPF and spend more time outdoors. Double cleansing can be an effective way to deeply purify your skin without damaging your protective barrier.

Skincare Tip: If you’re traveling light, you can even use a micellar water or cleansing wipes to remove makeup and keep your skin fresh and clear. We like to have ours close to hand when flying long distances for a mid-flight cleanse.

Moisturise Regularly

Whilst you are super excited to be in a new place, your skin might be having a slight meltdown from the exposure to a new climate, changes in temperature, different pollutants, chemicals and types of water. Some hotels/hostels use powerful laundry detergents that can irritate and dry your skin too. To keep your skin’s natural protective barrier strong, apply moisturiser AM and PM, especially after taking a shower, swimming or washing your face. Look for a moisturiser that is lightweight and non-greasy, so it won't clog your pores or make your skin feel oily.

Skincare Tip: You can also use a facial oil to give your skin an extra boost or a pack a nourishing, hydrating face mask to use once or twice a week.

Protect Your Skin. Pack Your SPF.

One of the most important skincare tips when traveling is to protect your skin from the sun. UV rays can be damaging to your skin, even on overcast days or in cold weather. Sun exposure can cause sunburn, premature ageing, dark spots, pigmentation and even skin cancer. Be sure to apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher every day, reapplying it every two hours. Hats and sunglasses are also a must to further protect your face and skin from the UV rays.

Avoid Harsh Skincare Products

When traveling, it's important to use skincare products that are gentle and non-irritating. Avoid harsh cleansers, exfoliants, and toners that can strip your skin of its natural oils and cause it to become dry and sensitive. Stick to gentle, nourishing products that won't irritate your skin.

Keep Your Hands Clean

Traveling often involves touching surfaces where bacteria thrive, such as airplane trays, hotel doorknobs, on public transport and in public toilets. To avoid getting sick or spreading germs, make sure to wash your hands regularly with soap and water or use hand sanitizer. Avoid touching your face as much as possible to prevent bacteria and oil from transferring to your skin.

Get Enough Sleep

Sleep is essential for healthy skin. When you're traveling, it can be tempting to skip a few hours to avoid FOMO. However, a lack of sleep can wreck havoc on our skin! “Beauty sleep” has the scientific evidence to support this, and that there’s a strong connection between sleep and skin health.

During sleep, our bodies go into "repair mode," repairing and renewing our cells and tissues. Reducing inflammation, boosting circulation and collagen production, and keeping our bodies hydrated. Without proper sleep we can see an increase in Cortisol levels that cause inflammation within the body including our skin. And that extra baggage we didn’t ask for (big dark circles) are due to the tiny blood vessels under our eyes dilating, causing puffiness and darkness.

Skincare tip: Pack an eye mask (silk mask). This can be a life saver when trying to sleep on a plane, bus or train, or if you’re sensitive to light.

One of the best skincare tips when traveling is to stick to your skincare routine as much as possible. Even if you’re tired or jet-lagged, take a few minutes for some self-care, to cleanse your skin, apply your moisturiser and practice some skin mindfulness. Your skin will thank you in the long run! And with the right skincare products and proper hydration, you can keep your complexion looking its best. Safe travels!