taking care of your skin while traveling is a must. Chances are even if you are going somewhere close to home your skin will need an extra bit of help as everything seems to work against it while traveling - dry airplane air I am looking at you!
In 2020, I wanted to do some proper research on the science behind skincare as I was still doubting a lot of the marketing tricks we are exposed to everyday. I was looking for a travel skincare routine that is simple and effective and doesn't cost a small fortune to maintain.
After a lot of trial and error and testing this travel skincare kit in a few different trips and environment, I can honestly say we have a winner!
This is my ultimate list of travel essentials, skincare things to avoid while traveling, and how to pack a travel skincare kit to avoid spilling and unpleasant surprises!
Travel essential #1: An amazing sunscreen!
Growing up in Greece you learn that sunscreen is a MUST! I don't go anywhere without it and I still regret not making it part of my daily routine earlier. It's not only about not getting burnt or preventing photoaging, is about keeping skin healthy.
There is no trip I have ever taken that hasn't resulted in an impromptu 3 hour walk, so it's a no-brainer really.
I love non-greasy sunscreens that don't leave a whitecast, blend easily with make-up and don't lead to piling a few hours later. I have tried quite a few but by far my favorite are:
- Paula's choice - RESIST Skin Restoring Moisturizer SPF 50
This is a great choice for make-up wearing days, but also super hot days! It is very light, and doesn't a white cast at all... although it is a chemical sunscreen.
- Paula's choice - SUPER-LIGHT Wrinkle Defense SPF 30
With just the faintest hint of a tint this mineral sunscreen is my go to for those super sunny days!
- Clinique SPF - SPF 50 Mineral Sunscreen Fluid For Face
Although this sunscreen tends to leave a small hint of a white cast, I love wearing it under make-up as it primes and hydrates the skin and looks flawless all day with no pilling!
Travel skincare kit must-have #2: A good cleansing balm
The sweet feeling of washing your face after a long day! You know it right?
My travel make-up routine is very minimal, so having a cleansing balm doubles as a make-up remover is a minimalist win. If you are a more glam traveler than I am - packing a separate oil-cleanser or micellar water to really get that make-up off at the end of the day is also advisable.
My absolute favorite cleanser that I keep coming back to is the Korres greek yogurt cleansing foam with pre and probiotics. It's super gentle and forms a beautiful lather, with the smallest drop of fragrance that makes me feeling so fresh after using it!
Travel skincare essential #3: A GREAT moisturiser
Depending on the time of the year, this might change. I love packing a light and water-based moisturiser for really hot and humid trips as it doesn't make my skin feel greasy. Some of my favorites:
Korres Greek Yoghurt Nourishing Prebiotic Gel-Cream:
I find that this is a perfect mid-way moisturiser that is super light for hot summer days, but packs in a lot of hydration for colder climates.
Neutrogena Hydroboost Gel Cream:
This is a great moisturiser for your travel kit if you prefer something completely oil-free and perfect for very hot to humid weather
Korres Wild Rose + Vitamin C Advanced Brightening Sleeping Facial
My favorite moisturiser plus! This is simply a lifechanging product. It's a facial in a jar, and the best thing in my travel skincare kit as it brightens and softens your skin while you sleep. My main skin concern in dryness and this has been a lifesaver.
In winter months, or for trips to the mountains where the temperature may range from really hot during the day to really cold and crisp at night I also pack an occlusive moisturiser that is slightly thicker and will protect my face and lips from drying and cracking.
Vaseline or a petrolatum jelly of anytype can be extremely effective in keeping all moisture in, and before you scream - just google it, believe me there is more skincare science behind it than you might think!
Active Ingredients for your travel skincare
incorporating active ingredients in your skincare routine while traveling can be a hassle, as some actives are packaged in a way that is easily breakable or bulky.
Depending on your skin concerns you might want to prioritise actives when traveling. For shorter trips I avoid packing any actives and instead focus on taking with me products like the Korres Wild Rose + Vitamin C Advanced Brightening Sleeping Facial, that packs several functions at once.
For slightly longer trips, I prefer packing a retinol cream (before pregnancy), or most commonly my favorite skin toner The Ordinary 7% Glycolic acid toner, that exfoliates skin gently and makes you feel extra refreshed.
All of the above together make a very robust skincare routine that will carry through any conditions you might find while on the road.
How to pack your travel skincare
I prefer packing everything in their original packaging, or opting to invest in the travel-size item once and then refill it when it empties.
Before you start repacking everything, make sure you are not going to ruin the product. A lot of skincare products come in certain packaging for a reason. Most commonly to limit exposure to air or sunlight.
The easiest way to protect from spilling any liquid formulations is to add a little piece of gladwrap in between the lid and the openning of the product bottle and then secure as normal.
What not to take in your travel skincare kit
Thinking of all the things to take can be a hassle but it's equally furstrating having to empty a suitcase full of things you didn't use.
- Bulky or easily breakable things
- Expensive items (I prefer to pack a little bit just in case!)
- Multiple products that do the same thing
Final Thoughts
What do you think of this travel skincare routine? Let me know your thoughts on withgiota as I share a lot of tips and tricks while on the road. Until then...
Enjoy the adventure!
.jpg)
