Skin Care Rules While Traveling

Deciding which skincare products to bring on a trip can be challenging—especially if you’re trying to fit everything in a carry-on. TSA allows one quart-sized bag of liquids, gels, creams, and pastes, and they must be in travel-sized containers that are 3.4 ounces or less each. The question is: Do you really need to transfer everything into tiny bottles, or will a few days without your usual cleansers and creams make a difference?

Board-certified Forefront dermatologist Dr. Giacomo Maggiolino offers tips for essentials to bring along, and how to adjust your skincare regimen while you’re away.

Moisturizer is a must.

Typically, airplane humidity hovers below 20%, which is significantly lower than the average indoor humidity of 30-60%. This can lead to dehydrated skin that feels dry and tight. This is why it’s important to apply moisturizer before leaving home, and to bring along enough product to reapply throughout your trip.

Ideally, your moisturizer should contain a humectant such as glycerin or hyaluronic acid to increase the skin’s water content, and an occlusive agent like petrolatum or mineral oil to form a barrier that holds water in. Just remember that you may want to tailor your moisturizer based on where you’re going. For example, if you live in the cold and are using a heavy moisturizer to combat winter dryness, you will want to switch to a lightweight oil-free product when you head to a warmer, more humid destination to prevent breakouts.

Don’t forget your lips.

The lips have some of the thinnest stratum corneum on the body, which is the outermost protective cover of the skin. This makes it easier for water to be lost, particularly in dry atmospheres. Considering that the lips also don’t have any oil producing glands, travel can wreak havoc on them.

Dermatologists love Aquaphor Lip Repair because it’s petrolatum-based, which prevents water loss and creates a long-lasting protective barrier against harsh environmental pollutants. Make sure to choose the version with SPF 30 sunscreen to protect against UV rays. Just be sure to leave Chapstick and Blistex at home since they are often made with menthol, which can be drying.

Drinking enough water.

While moisturizer seals water into the skin barrier, drinking water supports your body’s overall hydration, allowing water to reach the skin from the inside out. Moisturizer prevents moisture loss; drinking water prevents dehydration-related skin issues.

Since you’ll likely be offered just a small cup of water on the plane, purchase a bottle of water or fill up a travel cup before boarding. Then, make sure to drink water throughout your journey, especially if you’re traveling to a hot or dry destination or doing a lot of physical activity.

Bring sunscreen – no matter where you’re going!

Sunscreen is vital whether you are traveling to the beach or not. UV rays can reach your skin while sitting by a window on the plane just as easily as it can on a tropical island – so apply sun protection before leaving home. To save room in your suitcase, choose a moisturizer that includes SPF 30 or higher.

Keep in mind that rays can bounce off water, sand, and even snow, amplifying your UV exposure, so be extra vigilant about applying sunscreen every 2 hours if you’re heading to those types of destinations.

Toss in cleanser or face wipes.

Chances are you don’t want to bring home new zits as souvenirs. If you struggle with acne, it’s best to make room in your bag for a salicylic face wash that will keep dirt, oil, and sunblock out of your pores. However, if you have dry or combination skin, it’s okay to throw in some makeup removing towelettes as a cleanser for a few days, as long as they are free of harsh alcohols and chemicals. Aveeno, Neutrogena, CeraVe and Cetaphil products should be fine.

Whatever you do, avoid using hotel bar soap on your face. It could lead to extra dryness, irritation, or an allergic reaction.

Leave retinols, benzoyl, and AHAs at home if you’re going somewhere sunny.

Retinol makes your skin more sensitive to the sun, meaning it’s more prone to sun damage. To play it safe, discontinue retinol products two days before your trip and just leave them at home. And while it may be hard to ditch your spot treatment for a few days, it’s best to leave benzoyl peroxide behind since it also makes skin extra sensitive to UV rays. Instead, use salicylic acid to combat oil since evidence suggests it’s safe in sunny locations.

Other products that might be unsafe in the sun are those with alpha hydroxy agents like glycolic and lactic acids since they remove the top layer of skin, leaving it highly susceptible to burns.

Try new products at least 3 days before your trip.

The last thing you want is a rash or other allergic reaction while on your trip, so don’t bring a new cleanser, moisturizer, or makeup without trying it first. Skin reactions often appear within 24 to 48 hours, while others can take a few days to develop.

Ask a dermatologist if you have any special concerns.

If you’ve been following a special skincare regimen for certain conditions, talk to your doctor before traveling. Skipping out on medicated solutions or switching products could affect your treatment. You should also mention if you are pregnant, as some sunscreen products can be harmful.

At Forefront Dermatology, we offer comprehensive and compassionate care for all skin conditions and create customized treatment plans for all ages. Find a location near you today.