How can I simplify my skincare routine when traveling?

What should I pack and leave behind?

Pack your usual cleanser and a moisturizer suited to your skin type. Choose a broad spectrum, water resistant sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. Familiar products are especially useful for sensitive skin: hotel toiletries often contain fragrance, which can irritate. Smaller containers are enough of a change; your cleanser does not need a holiday makeover.23

An antioxidant serum is optional, and so is toner. A toner does not need its own boarding pass. Eye cream is another extra you can leave behind; a moisturizer is generally preferred to avoid further irritation around the eyes. These are cuts to optional cosmetic steps, not instructions to stop prescribed treatment.14

You do not need to buy a more expensive routine for the trip: price does not tell you how helpful a product will be. Consistent use matters more than a long sequence of products. If you do need something new, introduce one product at a time rather than changing several at once.45

How should I use the essentials?

In the morning:

1. 1Wash gently with your cleanser and lukewarm water. Use your hands rather than scrubbing, and pat dry with a towel.
2. 2Apply moisturizer. Choose the hydration your skin needs rather than a scrub or a cleanser containing microbeads, which can irritate.
3. 3Apply sunscreen last, at least 20 minutes before going into the sun. Cover exposed skin, including your ears, neck, backs of hands and tops of feet.

At night, remove makeup if you wore it, then cleanse and moisturize. Most cleansers do not remove all makeup, so keep a makeup remover if you need one; micellar water or a balm are options. Sunscreen is not needed at night. For the simplest routine, you do not need to insert a toner between cleansing and moisturizing.14

What if my skin feels drier on the trip?

Airplanes and a different climate can make skin drier. Apply moisturizer while your skin is still damp after bathing, and again whenever it feels dry. For dry skin, petroleum jelly can help lock in moisture. The useful adjustment is more moisture when needed, not automatically adding several new products.2

Which step should I not cut?

Keep daily sunscreen, including in winter. For planned sun exposure such as a beach day, choose SPF 50 or higher. Do not rely on the SPF in makeup alone. Reapply sunscreen at least every two hours outdoors and after swimming or heavy sweating. If you use insect repellent, apply sunscreen first and repellent second, following both labels for reapplication.346

Sun protection also matters through car and airplane windows. Use shade, protective clothing, a wide brimmed hat and UV protective sunglasses. Exposure can be greater near the equator and at higher elevations, and snow, sand and water reflect UV rays. Some medicines, including doxycycline and retinoids, can increase sensitivity to sunlight, making protection especially relevant.267

What if a product irritates my skin?

Stop using a product if it causes irritation and make an appointment with a dermatologist. For a new rash during or after travel, tell the dermatologist where you went, how long you stayed, what activities you did and whether anyone traveling with you has similar symptoms. Seek medical attention for severe sunburn, particularly with dehydration, high fever or extreme pain lasting more than 48 hours.126