The holidays are here, and whether you’re hopping on a plane to see family, escaping to a tropical destination, or just visiting friends down the street, one thing’s for sure: you want to look and feel your best. That means healthy, glowing skin—because who has time for dullness when there’s so much holiday magic to enjoy?
But here’s the catch: travel can be tough on your skin. Between dry airplane air, changing climates, and the rush to pack (not to mention stress!), your skincare routine often takes a backseat. But don’t worry—we’ve got you covered with a simple, no-fuss skincare guide for travel that will keep your glow intact no matter where you go.
In this article, we will also cover the must-have skincare essential products whether you are hitting the roads, rails, or friendly skies.
Keep Skincare Simple (Your Skin Will Thank You)
First things first: don’t overcomplicate your skincare routine while traveling. This isn’t the time to experiment with new products or start a 10-step regimen. Keep it simple—cleanse, hydrate, and protect. That’s all you need.
Remember, you don’t want to irritate by mixing things up or trying new products. The last thing you want at a holiday party is splotchy skin or an outbreak of pimples.
6 Travel-Friendly Skincare Products You Need
When you’re packing for a trip, you don’t want to lug around full-sized bottles of everything. But that doesn’t mean you have to skimp on your skincare routine.
Here are six travel-friendly skincare products that will keep you glowing on the go:
1. Travel-Sized Cleanser: Eight Saints Down to Earth Gel Cleanser
Eight Saints Down to Earth Gel Cleanser is gentle, hydrating, and the perfect size for travel. Bonus: it doubles as a makeup remover, so it’s a two-in-one product.
2. Hydrating Moisturizer: Cloud Whip Face Cream
This rich yet lightweight face cream provides all-day moisture. Apply it after your cleanser, and you’ll feel ready to face any weather conditions, whether heading to the beach or the slopes.
3. Nighttime Hydration: Night Shift Hydration Gel
After a busy travel day, your skin deserves some serious TLC. Night Shift Hydration Gel is packed with aloe vera and other soothing ingredients that deeply hydrate your skin overnight. Apply it before bed, and wake up with soft, refreshed skin.
4. Lip Balm: Burt’s Bee’s Lip Balm
Traveling often leads to chapped lips, and that’s not a cute look. Burt’s Bee’s Lip Balm is a must-have to keep your lips soft and smooth during your travels. It’s small enough to toss in your bag and ensures that you’ll have the most kissable lips, no matter where you are.
5. Moisturizing Mist: Caudalie Beauty Elixir Face Mist
Need a quick refresh after a long flight or a road trip? Caudalie Beauty Elixir Face Mist is the ultimate skincare pick-me-up. It’s packed with hydrating ingredients and a light, refreshing scent to help you feel awake and revived after travel.
6. Sunscreen: Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Moisturizing Face Serum with Vitamin E & SPF 60
Neutrogena’s Ultra Sheer Moisturizing Face Serum with Vitamin E and SPF 60 is a powerhouse for sun protection and hydration. This lightweight formula provides high SPF coverage while delivering a dose of Vitamin E to nourish and protect the skin against environmental stressors. Ideal for daily use, it absorbs quickly, leaving skin feeling soft and shielded without a greasy residue.
The Power of Hydration
We cannot stress this enough—hydration is everything when you’re traveling. The air on airplanes is notoriously dry, and that can leave your skin feeling parched. If you’re traveling to a colder climate, the dry air can also zap moisture from your skin, leaving you with that tight, uncomfortable feeling.
Here are a few tips to help keep your skin hydrated on your trip:
- Drink water: Start by hydrating from the inside out. Drinking water will help keep your skin looking plump and fresh.
- Use a facial mist: A facial mist, like is great for refreshing your skin during long flights or car rides.
- Opt for hydrating products: Use moisturizers that are packed with hydrating ingredients like aloe vera, glycerin, or hyaluronic acid.
- Use a humidifier: If you’re staying somewhere dry (like a hotel or cabin), a portable humidifier can do wonders to keep your skin from drying out.
Common Skincare Concerns When Traveling
When you’re on the go, your skin can face all kinds of challenges. Traveling exposes your face to dry air, unfamiliar climates, and long days without your usual routine.
Here are some common skincare concerns travelers deal with and a few tips to help.
Dry Skin
Airplane cabins are notorious for sucking the moisture out of your skin (you can quickly start feeling like a prune). The low humidity can leave your face feeling tight and flaky, and long car trips with the AC blasting aren’t much better.
To combat dry skin when traveling, make sure to pack a hydrating moisturizer or a facial mist to refresh your skin on the go.
Breakouts
Changes in climate, new environments, and the stress of travel can lead to unwanted breakouts. Sweating on long travel days or using hotel products your skin isn’t used to can clog pores.
Keep a gentle cleanser and a spot treatment handy to keep your skin balanced and breakout-free.
Puffy Eyes
Let’s be real—traveling is exhausting. Early flights, time zone changes, and long days of sightseeing can make anyone’s eyes puffy. To help, bring along a soothing eye cream or cooling gel. Even a few minutes of cooling can make a huge difference in making you look (and feel) more awake.
Sun Damage
Whether you’re headed to the beach or exploring a snowy mountain, UV rays are always a concern.
Forgetting sunscreen can lead to sunburn and long-term damage. Don’t skip the SPF—even on cloudy days or winter trips.
Skincare Travel Tips: Dos and Don’ts
To make your skincare routine even easier while traveling, here are some dos and don’ts to keep in mind:
Dos:
- Pack travel-sized products: You don’t need to bring your entire skincare collection with you. Travel-sized products like the ones listed above will save space and meet your skin’s needs.
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water, especially during long flights.
- Use SPF daily: Protect your skin from UV rays no matter the season.
- Keep your skincare routine simple: Stick to the basics—cleanse, hydrate, and protect.
Don’ts:
- Don’t forget to moisturize: Traveling can be rough on your skin, so never skip moisturizing.
- Don’t try new products: Now’s not the time to experiment with new skincare products. Stick to what works for you.
- Don’t neglect your lips: Chapped lips are a travel nightmare—keep a balm handy.
- Don’t skip sunscreen: Even if you’re not sunbathing, UV rays can still damage your skin. Wear sunscreen every day.
Why Travel Skincare is Important
When you’re traveling, it’s easy to let your skincare routine slip, especially with all the excitement and hustle and bustle. But taking care of your skin while you’re away from home is crucial to keep it looking healthy and radiant.
Think of your skin as your best travel buddy—it needs a little extra love to deal with the stresses of travel. Skincare helps protect it from environmental factors like pollution, dry air, and temperature changes. Plus, you want to look and feel your best for all those holiday photos, right?
Holiday travel doesn’t have to mean sacrificing your skincare. With a few key products and a simple routine, you can keep your glow intact while you’re on the go. From gentle cleansers to hydrating moisturizers, make sure your skin stays happy and healthy throughout the holiday season.
So pack your bags, grab your skincare essentials, and get ready to glow on the go. Your skin will thank you—and so will your holiday selfies.
