Travel-Friendly Skincare

  • 28 May - 03 Jun, 2022
  • Mag The Weekly
  • Beauty

Between the arid atmosphere on airplanes, less-than-good-for-you meals at airport food courts and the stress that accompanies any trip, travel can wreak havoc on your skin. Fixing the inevitable blemish or dull complexion would be easy with your skincare kit back at home. But the TSA’s pesky 3-1-1 rule has you bound by some pretty strict constraints. How can jetsetters give their skin the care it needs?

Anyone who’s waited a half hour (or more) for their suitcase to pop out at baggage claim knows that checking a bag stocked with all their cleansers, serums and moisturisers isn’t the answer. Instead, it’s about curating a careful selection of high-quality products that will restore your travel-weary skin – without taking up too much real estate in your bag.

The good news is that you don’t have to search far and wide to build an on-the-go skincare arsenal.

Here are the ultimate travel-friendly skincare products and ingredients that belong in your suitcase.

Cleanse thoroughly

When travelling from cold to hot climates the most immediate difference is that your skin is likely to perspire more. For those with acne-prone skin, this can be a trigger for a breakout – not so much the perspiration initially, but when it is left on the skin for a long time. Which is why we insist on thorough cleansing twice a day, to remove perspiration, sunscreen and pollution from the skin. And not just on the face. This expands to your whole body. The neck, chest and back are also prone to breakouts.

Opt for a pH balancing toner

As you travel from between different climates the pH of the skin can change, which is why aestheticians always recommend using a pH-balancing toner. Our skin is naturally acidic. Typically, it has a pH balance of between five and six. When our skin’s pH raises towards alkaline levels, it triggers a chain reaction that results in trans-epidermal water loss, dehydration, and eventually inflammation. A pH balancing toner restores the skin to its ideal state.

Incorporate niacinamide

When we go from hot to cold temperatures, our blood vessels constrict to help regulate body temperature. In some people with certain skin conditions (sensitive/reactive skin/those with rosacea), this can trigger a flare up. Here’s where your calming ingredients come in handy. In particular: niacinamide. As one part of the vitamin B3 molecule, niacinamide is one of the most potent anti-inflammatories in skincare, working to suppress the skin’s inflammatory response to calm and soothe skin – an ideal addition to the frequent traveller’s beauty kit.

Invest in a good lip balm

The low humidity associated with cabin air can be quite drying for the skin. Any flight that’s longer than four hours, and your skin is going to feel it – particularly on the lips, which are incredibly vulnerable. An occlusive lip balm applied regularly is an absolute must.

Stay hydrated

Even before you arrive at your destination, you have the journey to contend with, and all the germs and dry, cold air that comes with it. It’s a recipe for dehydration all round. This is where skincare layering comes in: think humectants, occlusives and emollients. Extra hydration is our focus when it comes to dealing with the dryness of travel. During the flight, you can use Dr Barbara Sturm’s Anti-Pollution Drops and Hyaluronic Acid Serum, and seal with a cream to avoid trans-epidermal water loss.

As for long-haul flights, reapply your face cream throughout to keep the skin feeling fresh and moistened. Along with this, you should always travel with a hydrating face mist.

Consider using a face mask

One of the best ways to keep dryness at bay is with a face mask. Masks are the best way to intensely hydrate the skin during a long-haul flight. The 111Skin Y Theorem Bio Cellulose Facial Mask is ideal for this kind of scenario. Using bio cellulose material that is used to treat burn victims, potent actives contained in the formula penetrate the skin, keeping it well moisturised for flawless skin when you touch down on the tarmac at your destination.

RELATED POST

COMMENTS