It’s vacation season! Traveling can be loads of fun and allows you to create long-lasting memories. Unfortunately, your skin might not be on board with the change in scenery or routine. And if you suffer from acne, this can be especially true. Keep reading for some tried-and-true methods to help prevent breaking out during your travels.
1. Maintain a Skincare Routine
One of the most important ways to avoid breakouts is to establish a skincare routine. Having a sense of continuity helps your skin even out its issues over time. This is particularly true if you’ve found acne treatment products that work well for you and keep using them. Facial skin tends to dislike change, and it can react negatively when you try something new. Think about what it was like testing products before finding one that works. Rashes, breakouts, and dryness are just a few ways skin can react to new products.
When it comes to travel, it’s in your best interest to stick to the routine you know and trust. Avoid using complementary products offered by your hotel. Instead, bring trusted products with you and use them like you would at home. If you wash your face daily and nightly, don’t stray from that schedule. Stick with your routine, and your skin will thank you.
2. Research the Climate
You might not realize, but the temperature and overall climate of a place can have a big impact on your skin. Ever notice your hands getting dry in the winter or more breakouts happening in the summer? Luckily, you can prepare for your vacation skincare by looking up the weather forecast. Once you know the expected temperature, you can pack accordingly.
Just like the weather determines what clothing you’ll pack, it affects what skincare you should prioritize. For dry or cold locations, you’ll need to focus on keeping your skin moisturized. Bring along products that lock in hydration like hyaluronic acid. In the humidity, use lightweight products to prevent clogging your pores, and make sure you use a good cleanser. You’ll want to make sure you wash your face after sweating all day, otherwise the dirt can remain trapped in your skin, causing breakouts.
And, of course, if you’re going to be in the sun a lot, don’t forget to bring sunscreen. This is one of the best products you can use to protect your skin. Although if you struggle with acne, heavy sunscreens can cause breakouts. Try packing a lightweight formula, or one specifically designed for troubled skin. Look for packaging that says “non-comedogenic.” This simply means it’s formulated so that it won’t clog pores.
3. Don’t Wear Makeup on a Plane
If you’re traveling via airplane, there are some extra precautions you might consider taking. Since planes use recycled air in the cabins, there tends to be less moisture in the air . Consequently, your skin can dry out more easily, so make sure you apply a good moisturizer before takeoff and possibly throughout your trip.
It’s also wise to wear light makeup or skip it altogether for your flight. Wearing heavy makeup for extended periods of time can clog your pores. If you’re wearing a mask, you should especially consider going bare-faced because masks can trap dirt and oils. If you can’t fathom boarding without your signature shadow and wing combo, consider bringing a face wipe to remove your makeup during the flight.
4. Stay Hydrated
Ever heard the claims that drinking water can cure acne? While water itself can’t “cure” this condition, staying hydrated can help improve your skin’s appearance. The two main reasons for this are related to hydration levels and immune health.
Dehydration dries out the skin, which will then produce excess oil to compensate. This overabundance of oil can be the cause of clogged pores and breakouts. Additionally, being dehydrated can lower your immunity, which can affect your skin’s ability to fight germs. You want your body to fight against infections to prevent acne.
Even though it can be tough to stay hydrated when you’re constantly on-the-go on a trip, it’s worthwhile to make the effort. So bring a water bottle with you on your adventures or take water breaks in between activities. A cute water bottle can be a great souvenir or a place to store the stickers you collect as you travel.
5. Pack a Spot Treatment
There are few feelings more dreadful than waking up to see a huge zit on your face. And this is especially devastating while on vacation, when you want to look and feel flawless — especially for those Instagram pics. That’s why it’s a good idea to come prepared by packing a spot treatment for your travels.
These powerful creams aren’t meant to be applied to the whole face like cleansers. Rather, these are used in small dollops right over a blemish. Their formulas will reduce redness and dry out the pimple, helping speed along the healing process. And depending on the specific spot treatment, you can apply multiple times a day for maximum effectiveness.
Be Disciplined
Going on a vacation is supposed to be a time of relaxation and fun, but that doesn’t mean you should get lazy with your skincare. Even one night of sleeping in your makeup can clog your pores. Although you might feel tired after a full day of activities, make yourself wash your face and follow your routine. Otherwise, you might regret your actions later. Use the tips above to keep your skin happy and healthy on your travels.
