It’s hard enough to take care of your skin when you’re at home in your comfort zone, with pampering at your beck and call! When you’re travelling, separated from your products and daily routine, it’s that much harder. However, good skin and travel don’t have to be mutually exclusive. Once you understand your skin and the impact of travel, it’s much easier to mitigate the harshness.
The Commute
Let’s start with the first leg of your journey – flights or trains. ‘Flights are the number one cause of dehydration,’ says cosmetologist Dr Krishna Sundar, ‘Dehydration and flying go hand in hand with one another. This is primarily because of the sudden drop in humidity in the cabin. Humidity levels tend to drop at least by 10 per cent, if not 20, causing dryness. In fact, your fine lines and wrinkles, show up more prominently. The air pressure also affects your blood flow, and the lack of movement can cause puffiness. So that’s a lot of issues! Train rides are also problematic. In an air-conditioned carriage, it is the air circulation and dryness, while in an open compartment, the pollution levels and excessive sweating can really leave your skin in shambles.’
Dr Sundar suggests that the best solution is also the simplest – drink a lot of water in the days leading up to travel. Not easy, because you may also have to visit the restroom frequently, but it’s a small price to pay for healthy skin. If you’re a frequent traveller, at least 2 litres of water a day is a must. ‘Also use a good lip balm to prevent chapped lips. Rather than applying creams and lotions on a commute, I would just recommend a good sunscreen. Don’t clog your skin with too many unnecessary products. Carry a delicate face mist to keep spritzing and hydrating your skin. Lastly, choose your seat wisely. Up in the air, a window seat can give you more exposure to harmful UV rays, so try and pick an aisle.’
The Travel
We don’t realise it, but even the most subtle changes in topography and climate can throw our skin’s balance off. If you’re visiting a cold, dry place from a warm humid one, then be prepared for dryness and rough patches, which can even lead to eczema if left untreated. On the other hand, if you’re travelling from a dry climate to a moist, humid one, this could result in flare-ups, acne and blackheads because of the excessive sweat.
Dermatologist Dr Madhusudan Uppare says, ‘While travelling, the main thing to do is change your face wash. Pick one that is appropriate for the climate – either hydrating, or soaking up extra sebum. Choose a night serum or cream that is right for your skin type. A hydrating sheet mask will also do, fortified with vitamin A. The temptation to wear makeup (after all, you’ve got to look good in your selfies!) might be very high, but try to minimise this as much as possible. Opt for makeup products that combine skincare and are free of harsh chemicals. Sunscreen is not negotiable – lather it on every single day. Preferably use an SPF 50 version. Carry an undereye cream for puffiness and dark circles.’
One important thing is to stick to your usual beauty routine as much as possible, without compromising on skincare. Perhaps a few smart swaps would help, but carry along travel-sized products of your regular skincare products. According to Cognitive Market Research, the Global Travel Size Toiletries Market is Growing at Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 4.90 per cent from 2023 to 2030.
Watch Your Diet
Time change and jet lag are likely to cause disruptions in diet and sleep, two major factors that affect skin. There’s nothing you can do about this, except catching up on shuteye whenever the opportunity presents itself, and eating smart. Avoid excess salt, caffeine and alcohol and get as many fruits and vegetables into your diet as possible. Pick healthy proteins such as boiled eggs, grilled fish or sprouts. You’d definitely want to try out the local cuisine now that you’re out and about, but you don’t have to make every single meal an indulgence. Find one meal a day to explore and eat to your heart’s content and stick to wholesome staples the rest of the time. You’ll find that every cuisine has healthy options.
Don’t Neglect Body Care
Your face may get all the attention, but don’t forget to nourish the skin on your body too. Use a body cream with retinol and hyaluronic acid, which locks in moisture and keeps the skin soft and supple. Your body wash should keep in mind your destination – whether it is a heavy mousse-based wash, a lightweight jelly, a body milk or a clay-textured scrub. You might want to give the hotel cosmetics a miss, unless it’s a brand that’s tried and tested.
With these few simple hacks, you can have your cake and eat it too, travelling and acing your skin game simultaneously.