4 Skincare Must Haves For Traveling

This is the month your skin needs the most TLC. If you're traveling by plane for the holidays, then you need to step up your skincare game. The recycled air and colder weather (depending on where you are) can wreak havoc on your skin. There are 25,000 skincare products in the world (yes, 25k), but there's only a handful you truly need. Even from that handful, there's really 2-3 key ones that are necessary to keep your skin healthy. Don't take it from us, take it from most dermatologists and skincare experts. Don't worry if you can't carry your favorite mugwort mask because it doesn't comply with TSA regulations, your skin will be just fine without it, but there are a few non-negotiables. Here's our comprehensive list: 

1. A hydrating moisturizer

Opt for a moisturizer with great humectants, which are ingredients that help retain moisture, like hyaluronic acid, or glycerin. A solid moisturizer is nourishing to the skin, leaving it supple, hydrated and protected with fortifying ingredients like ceramides, or peptides for anti-aging benefit. Since you won't be able to take your entire jug of moisturizer, opt for travel size skincare and get a mini moisturizer. That way, if it doesn't end up working for your skin, you're not stuck with a huge bottle. 

2. A good cleanser 

A good cleanser is one that removes excess dirt and oil without stripping your skin of its natural oils. If you deal with acne, then opt for a cleanser that has acne fighting ingredients like salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide and niacinamide. Remember that ultimately a cleanser comes off, so keep that in mind when thinking about how to keep acne at bay. Consider investing in a nighttime spot treatment as well if your skin can handle it. Make sure that if you are using a cleanser with active ingredients, you don't follow up with other serums or toners with actives. Try to switch up when using actives to avoid irritating your skin. For example, if you use a salicylic acid morning cleanser and a glycolic acid serum or toner, try to use that toner at night, instead of after cleansing. 

3. An SPF moisturizer or sunscreen 

It doesn't matter if you see the sun for only 1 hour of the day, wear your SPF. UVA and UVB rays can still peek through the clouds or your windows regardless of how much the clouds cover it up. There's a range of different sunscreens in the market now, and ones that can double as makeup coverage will have a variety of shade ranges to offset that unsightly white cast sunscreen is known to have. Remember, the number one cause of skin aging is sun exposure! You can save your skin years of aging by slathering on sunscreen every single morning. 

4. Eye cream 

Another way that traveling can wreak havoc on your skin is from a disrupted sleeping schedule. If you're traveling for long stretches, vacationing, or catching up with family and old friends, chances are, you're not sticking to your usual routine. Traveling always comes with some routine adjustments or abrupt changes, so it's normal. There's less moisture in the air, you're rubbing your eyes, and maybe you're having more wine than you usually do (as you should). If you want to avoid the puffy eyes or dark circles in holiday photos, get a brightening, de-puffing eye cream. 

The secret to having good skin isn't overly complicated. Cleanse, protect, and defend is the tried and true adage, and that shouldn't change no matter where in the country or the world you travel. If your commitment issues extend towards skincare products, just buy travel sizes and figure out which product works the best for your skin. Happy skincare buying!