How do I stop my skin breaking out on vacation?

Can a change in climate cause breakouts?

Yes. High humidity can trigger acne flares. Heat, oil, bacteria and friction can work together to clog pores and cause inflammation; sweat alone is not the whole explanation. Tight clothing and headgear can also worsen breakouts. Travel stress is another possible trigger.345

Hot, humid weather does not rule out dry skin. Sun, pools and air conditioning can leave skin dry and irritated, while flights and different climates can also increase dryness. Keep moisturizing rather than treating every change in your skin as excess oil.12

How do I prevent travel acne?

1. 1Start the day with a gentle cleanse. Wash your skin twice daily without scrubbing. Use moisturizer and apply a broad spectrum, water resistant sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher to exposed skin.
2. 2During activities, blot sweat with a clean towel rather than rubbing. Wear loose, breathable clothes, change out of sweaty exercise clothing and shower after workouts. Wash sweaty hats, headbands and towels before using them again. Reapply sunscreen every two hours and after swimming or sweating.
3. 3After the pool, shower with fresh water and a mild cleanser. Use warm rather than hot water, and apply moisturizer while skin is still damp. At the end of the day, remove makeup and cleanse gently. Do not pick or squeeze spots.

Should I bring my usual skincare on vacation?

Pack your usual cleanser, moisturizer and other routine products in travel containers, so the holiday itinerary does not also become a skincare audition. Keeping your travel routine similar to your home routine reduces the risk of an allergic reaction to unfamiliar products. Hotel toiletries often contain fragrance, which can irritate sensitive skin.1

A lighter routine is useful in hot weather; your bathroom shelf does not need its own seat on the plane. Choose a lighter moisturizer if thick layers contribute to clogging, and apply moisturizer morning and night. If skin feels dry between applications, moisturize again.13

Can sunscreen cause vacation breakouts?

Heavy skincare layers, especially thick lotions with sunscreen on top, can contribute to clogged pores. Try a lighter, water based sunscreen labelled noncomedogenic or oil free, while keeping broad spectrum protection, water resistance and SPF 30 or higher. Choosing a different formula is more useful than abandoning sun protection. Seek shade and wear protective clothing too.123

What if spots appear anyway?

A pharmacist can advise on acne treatments such as benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. Benzoyl peroxide targets surface bacteria; lower concentrations and wash formulas are less irritating. Salicylic acid helps remove dead skin cells that clog follicles. Acne treatment is not an instant holiday fix: retinoid treatments often need several months before noticeable results.56

If you take prescription medicines, check the container or ask a pharmacist about sun reactions before outdoor activities. Acne antibiotics including doxycycline, tetracycline and minocycline can cause an allergic reaction in sunlight. If your medicine can cause this reaction, stay out of the sun.2

When should I get medical help?

Not every vacation bump is acne. Heat rash can feel prickly or burning, while infected hair follicles can look like pimples but feel itchy and tender. Get a new travel rash assessed, and tell the dermatologist where you went and what activities you did. See a doctor for deep, painful or scarring spots, acne that is not improving, or hot, swollen skin suggesting infection.1236