Dr. Deanne Mraz Robinson, the president and co-founder of Modern Dermatology in Westport, Connecticut, and an assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Yale New Haven Hospital, warns that traveling can wreak havoc on the skin. Besides being away from your familiar skincare products, the experience of travel itself can lead to issues. Dr. Scott Flugman, a dermatologist with Northwell Health in Huntington, New York, highlights that all travel methods, especially planes and trains, expose individuals to artificial air circulation systems, resulting in a significant loss of skin moisture.
Air travel, in particular, is notorious for dehydrating the skin. A small study revealed that humidity levels on airplanes can drop to as low as 10 percent, leading to skin dehydration, especially on the cheeks. Dehydration accentuates fine lines, wrinkles, and gives the skin a dull appearance, as explained by Dr. Robinson.
Moreover, travel often brings along stressful situations, such as unexpected traffic jams or rushing to catch a flight. Stress can trigger inflammatory responses in the body, exacerbating conditions like acne, rosacea, and psoriasis, warns Dr. Robinson. Dr. Marisa Garshick, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City, further points out that heightened stress levels may lead to breakouts. One study found a correlation between individuals with stressful jobs and higher stress levels and acne around the jaw area.
Additionally, disrupted sleep during travel can interfere with the skin's repair process. Even just two days of poor sleep can result in paler and less attractive skin, according to another study.
Thankfully, these issues can be mitigated with some preparation. Dermatologists provide valuable insights into their personal practices for maintaining healthy skin during travel. Here are their recommended tips:
1. Stay Hydrated
To combat the drying effects of low humidity levels during flights, the best approach is to stay well-hydrated by drinking water. Research has shown that increasing daily water intake by 2 litres over the course of a month can significantly improve skin hydration, resulting in a more youthful and healthier appearance. Dermatologist Dr. Deanne Mraz Robinson advises starting the hydration process early by consuming half your body weight in ounces of water in the days leading up to your travel and continuing to stay hydrated during your journey. By prioritising proper hydration, you can help your skin retain its moisture and vitality while flying.
2. Keep Your Lips Hydrated
During long travel days, it's common to forget about caring for your lips, but according to Dr. Marisa Garshick, this is a mistake that can lead to dry and chapped lips. In addition to skin, lips can also become dehydrated during extended journeys. To counteract this, Dr. Garshick emphasises the importance of keeping the lips well-hydrated.
For on-the-go lip hydration, she suggests using products like Vaseline or Aquaphor, which are ointments known for their ultra-moisturizing properties. These products can help prevent dryness and keep your lips feeling soft and comfortable throughout your travel. Don't overlook the significance of lip care and make sure to include these moisturising ointments in your travel essentials for lip hydration en route.
3. Wear Sunscreen
When heading to a tropical destination, it's common to remember essentials like sunscreen and beach hats, but you may not immediately think of applying sunscreen during airport or aeroplane travel. However, dermatologist Dr. Marisa Garshick advises making it a habit to use sunscreen on travel days, especially when flying, as you're closer to the sun's ultraviolet rays.
A meta-analysis found that pilots and flight attendants have double the incidence of melanoma, a potentially life-threatening form of skin cancer, compared to the general population. To protect your skin, it's essential to apply sunscreen before take-off.
Dr. Garshick recommends EltaMD UV Daily Broad-Spectrum SPF 40 sunscreen, which is lightweight and hydrating. The tint in this sunscreen can help conceal any blemishes that might occur during a long day of travel. Regardless of the sunscreen type you choose (chemical or mineral, tinted or untinted), aim for at least SPF 30, and remember to reapply every couple of hours as recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation.
By incorporating sunscreen application into your travel routine, you can safeguard your skin from the harmful effects of UV rays, even when spending most of the day in the airport or on a plane.
4. Bring Your Usual Products
To avoid overwhelming your skin with new products and additional stress during travel, it's best to stick with your trusted skincare routine. Dr. Marisa Garshick advises continuing with your regular routine even while on the go.
Read Also: Simple Skincare Routine for Beginners
To make travel easier, Dr. Deanne Mraz Robinson suggests seeking out sample-size versions of your essential skincare products, such as cleanser, moisturiser, sunscreen, and antioxidant serum. These smaller versions are more convenient and avoid the need to transfer oils and serums into plastic containers, which may not preserve their effectiveness properly.
Certain skincare products, like vitamin C serums, require specific storage conditions to maintain their potency. Most vitamin C serums, for instance, are best kept in a cool, dark place away from extreme heat, which is why they are often sold in dark bottles. Therefore, it's essential to do your research before transferring products into travel-size bottles to ensure they retain their efficacy.
However, some basics, like cleansers, can usually be safely decanted into travel-size containers without compromising their effectiveness, as confirmed by Dr. Garshick.
By sticking to your regular skincare routine and opting for sample-size versions of your essentials, you can maintain the health of your skin while travelling without introducing unnecessary risks or stress to your complexion.
5. Avoid Using Hotel Skin-Care Products
It's advisable to be cautious when using potentially irritating hotel skin-care products. While it's convenient to rely on the complimentary offerings provided by hotels, these products might not be suitable for everyone's skin type and sensitivities.
The unfamiliar ingredients and formulations in hotel skin-care products can lead to adverse reactions, such as redness, itching, or breakouts. To avoid these issues, consider bringing your own trusted skincare products during your travels. Pack travel-sized versions of your cleanser, moisturiser, sunscreen, and any other essential items that you regularly use.
By sticking to your familiar skincare routine and products, you can minimise the risk of skin irritation and maintain healthy skin throughout your trip. If you're uncertain about the ingredients in the hotel products or have specific skin concerns, it's always better to err on the side of caution and use your own tried-and-tested products.
6. Prepare for Acne Breakouts
Even with the precautionary measures mentioned earlier, there is still a possibility that your skin may experience breakouts while travelling. Factors like stress, changes in water pH and hardness, and contact with different surfaces can trigger breakouts, even in individuals with otherwise flawless skin, as suggested by research.
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To be prepared for such situations, it's advisable to have a suitable treatment for breakouts on hand. Dermatologist Dr. Tanya Nino from St. Joseph Hospital in Orange, California, carries a small tube of 10 percent benzoyl peroxide to deal with breakouts. This product can be found over-the-counter, such as AcneFree Terminator 10 Maximum Strength Acne Spot Treatment.
Benzoyl peroxide is known for its effectiveness in treating acne and can help address breakouts while you are away from home. By having a reliable spot treatment like this in your travel kit, you can promptly address any unexpected breakouts and keep your skin looking its best during your trip.
7. Treat Yourself with Facial Mist While en Route
Taking care of your skin while travelling is a fantastic idea, and there's no need to feel embarrassed about pampering yourself on the road. Dermatologists offer some valuable tips to keep your skin nourished and refreshed during your journey.
Dr. Deanne Mraz Robinson recommends treating your skin to a hydrating mask during long flights. One product she suggests is the SkinCeuticals Hydrating B5 Mask, which can provide much-needed moisture to your skin during air travel.
Dr. Patricia Farris, a board-certified dermatologist from Metairie, Louisiana, advises carrying a hydrating facial mist with you and spritzing it periodically throughout your trip. Two excellent options she recommends are Evian's Brumisateur Natural Mineral Water Facial Spray and Avène Thermal Spring Water. These facial mists will help keep your skin moisturised and revitalised, even during extended travel hours.
While you might get some curious looks from fellow passengers, rest assured that your skin will thank you. By indulging in these hydrating treatments, you can arrive at your destination with hydrated, smooth, and glowing skin. So, go ahead and show your skin some love on the road – your skin will appreciate it, and you'll feel more refreshed throughout your journey.
