One of the perks of working in the beauty industry (besides all of the free products) is learning how to really care for your skin. Below are some easy tips that have helped me take care of my skin during my travel journey.
This picture was sponsored by Supergoop.
1. Wash 2x a day!
This one seems like a no-brainer, but when traveling you can get off track as you are in a new place, with so much going on causing you to fall out of routine. Don’t skip a wash. Your skin will thank you later.
2. Avoid hot water.
It is only natural to want to wash our face in the shower, with that steaming hot water that feels so good on our bodies. However, this doesn’t help your skin, especially the sensitive skin on our face. Depending on where you are in the world the water levels can be harsher, more drying or contain different minerals. Make sure to wash with warm/cooler water to avoid harming the skin and close those pores.
3. Makeup wipe AND cleanser.
One or the other won’t get it, you need both. Honestly, while traveling I only wear makeup once a week, if that. I find it much better for my skin to breathe and be free, plus I just don’t feel like bothering. However, when I do I use a wipe to remove all of the gunk, and finish with cleanser to cleanse the face of what’s underneath. I know makeup removing cleansers are easy and convenient but I have found them not to be as effective as using a remover, then a cleanser to really get everything off.
4. Avoid wiping your face dry.
Try not to drag a towel across or down your face. Gravity is too real and all of that pulling can cause your skin to sag over time. Pat or dab it dry instead.
5. Invest in a good moisturizer.
Yes, skincare can be expensive when traveling, but for me, it is a well worth it investment. Cut back on other things and amp up your skincare inventory. Using a moisturizer with antiaging, anti-scarring and other target solutions will only keep your skin protected and nourished for the long haul.
6. Sunscreen, sunscreen, SUNSCREEN!
Being in the sun is cool and all but not for your face. It’s great to use a moisturizer with SPF, but that simply is not enough. You need to apply sunscreen every 30 minutes especially if you are in beachy, desert, hot places. I still tan either way, but it’s good to know I won’t be causing my skin damage from those oh so strong rays.
7. Special treatment.
I use a mask or a peel once a week, or once every two weeks. This helps me really get into those pores, turn over those cells to get rid of dark spots and exfoliate the skin properly.
8. Buy in minis.
Most products are sold in travel sizes, or some pharmacies will even give you deluxe samples. I live by these. That way you are not bogged down by all of your toiletries and you can make those carry on restrictions (my favorite J)
9. Stick to the same thing for a least a month.
It is super easy to buy whatever is convenient and continue changing product on the regular. This is actually not very effective. You should stick with the same product for a while to give it time to really work and show the results. After about a month, if nothing, moves on. It will take some time see what really works for your skin type and some real searching effort if you change locations constantly like me.
10. Keep it simple!
No need to get all fancy and complicated. Depending on your skin, 3-5 products max are all you need. For me it is super simple: cleanse, mask, moisturize, protect. You can throw a serum, eye cream or an oil in the mix if there are specific concerns you want to tackle. My motto is the less the better especially when on the go.
Drinking lots of water, and eating well will also contribute to better skin. That way, half of the work is already done!
Everyone’s skin concerns are different but below are the products I am currently using:
Mud mask inspired by my recent trip to the Dead Sea
For moisture and dark spots (acne scars)
Sunscreen for all my sunny days
Happy to answer any questions below!
xo – Jakiya