Beauty is a state of mind, not a hobby. So even when you’re jet setting or globe-trotting around the world, maintaining that healthy, glowing complexion is a daily battle.
But taking care of your skin while traveling can be a challenge. Especially if you’re a mother. The normal rules don’t necessarily apply anymore, especially now that you’re in foreign lands.
So many factors need to be considered. Climate, temperature, humidity, sun exposure. Not every country is created equal.
You may even need to adjust your products to fit the change of air, not only while travelling, but also when you’ve arrived. But more on this later.
With the right skincare routine and a few essential products, you can keep your skin looking its best even while travelling. Whether that’s for business or pleasure.
In this article, we will explore some practical skincare tips and recommend must-have products for your travel skincare routine.
6 Skincare Tips to Follow When Travelling
Clean Slate
One of the most important steps in any skincare routine is proper cleansing, and this is especially true while traveling.
Make sure to cleanse your face thoroughly both in the morning and at night to remove dirt, sweat, and makeup.
Choose a gentle cleanser that suits your skin type and opt for travel-sized versions or invest in reusable travel containers to minimise space and avoid spills.
For cooler, drier countries avoid foaming cleanser as this can be too drying. Instead opt for gentle, non-foaming cleansers. For hot and humid countries, foaming, astringent cleansers are better especially if you’re oily or blemish prone.
Recommended Products:
Cosrx Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser 150ml (RM44.10)
Garden of EDEN Gentle Milk Cleanser 100ml (RM21.70)
Moisturise
Traveling often involves exposure to dry air, whether it’s in airplanes, hotel rooms, or different climates. Keeping your skin hydrated is crucial to maintain its moisture barrier and prevent dryness and dullness.
Pack a travel-sized moisturiser or face mist to replenish your skin’s hydration levels throughout the day.
Look for products with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and glycerin for maximum moisture retention.
For hotter climates, opt for lightweight, mattifying moisturisers for sensitive skin since heat can often trigger rashes.
For cooler climates where there’s a higher risk of dry or peeling skin, opt for thicker “cold cream” types of moisturisers that can seal in the hydration better.
Recommended Products:
Derma Health’s SkinLabs Concentrated Vitamin E Cream 100ml (RM24.90)
Cosrx Oil-Free Ultra Moisturizing Lotion 100ml (RM74.70)
Sun Protection is Non-Negotiable
Regardless of your travel destination, sun protection should always be a priority. UV rays can penetrate through clouds and windows, causing long-term damage to your skin.
Pack a travel-sized sunscreen with broad-spectrum protection (SPF 30 or higher) and apply it generously on your face, neck, and any exposed areas.
Remember to reapply every two hours, especially if you’re spending time outdoors.
This applies to whether you’re in hot or cold climates. But avoid oily sunscreens if you’re in a humid country as this can cause excess shine.
Recommended Products:
Cosrx Aloe Soothing Sun Cream SPF50 50ml (RM50.40)
Yadah Oh My Sunscreen SPF35 PA++ 20ml (RM35.00)
Treat Your Skin with Masks
Traveling can be stressful, and your skin may need some extra TLC. Treat yourself to a relaxing skincare session by using face masks during your journey or at your destination.
Sheet masks are convenient for travel as they are individually packed and easy to use.
Choose masks that cater to your specific skin concerns, whether it’s hydration, brightening, or soothing.
For cooler climates, opt for masks with hydrating properties. For hotter climate opt for sensitive skin treatment or soothing face masks to help cool and calm the skin after a day in the hot sun.
Recommended Products:
Ariul Seven Days Mask – Bamboo Water 20g (RM6.50)
Ariul Seven Days Mask – Green Tea 20g (RM6.50)
Ariul Seven Days Mask – Avocado 20g (RM6.50)
Don’t Forget Your Eyes and Lips
The delicate skin around your eyes and lips requires special attention, especially when traveling.
Lack of sleep, dehydration, and changes in climate can contribute to dryness and fine lines in these areas.
Pack a travel-sized eye cream to moisturise and reduce puffiness, as well as a nourishing lip balm to keep your lips soft and protected.
This rule applies to both hot and cold countries.
Recommended Product:
Sven’s Island Sun Lip Balm SPF15+ 5g (RM28.90)
Acne-Treatment
We all breakout when travelling, even if it’s just to the next state. It’s simply from all the extra stress hormones that come with moving to a new place.
So even if you’re not naturally blemish-prone, pack an emergency acne treatment to help address those stubborn spots. Hydrocolloid patches or ‘pimple patches’ are great as an overnight spot remover.
Other products include benzoyl peroxide (only as a spot treatment), some type of clay mask like a bentonite clay, salicylic acid or BHA, sulphur, and if you’re going the more natural route, tea tree essential oil.
Recommended Products:
COSRX AC Collection Acne Patch 26 patches (RM26.10)
Garden of EDEN Tea Tree E Serum (RM32.10)
Cosrx BHA Blackhead Power Liquid 100ml (RM74.70)
Take Care of Your Skin When Travelling
Traveling doesn’t mean compromising your skincare routine. But it does mean you need to adjust your products a bit to fit into the changing climate.
But if you’re just travelling to neighbouring countries like Thailand or Indonesia, then your skincare probably doesn’t need to change that much. In fact if you’re travelling to other hot countries, your current
Malaysian skincare is probably enough. By following these essential skincare tips and investing in travel-sized versions of your favourite products, you can ensure your skin stays healthy, radiant, and hydrated while on the go.
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