Whether you're flying to an island paradise or enjoying a staycation, we know that it can be tough sticking to your tried and tested skincare routine.

How travel impacts your skin

Your skin can go on a rollercoaster as you travel and live your best life. From different climates and excess sun exposure to disrupted skincare routines, your skin is often pushed down your list of priorities and it can be easy to forget the impact of travel on skin. 

1. Dehydration from air travel

The air circulating through an aeroplane cabin has a much lower humidity than the air your skin is used to. This means that moisture is drawn from your skin, making it prone to dryness, flakiness and tightness. Some people even find themselves dealing with increased oiliness as skin tries to compensate.

2. Change in climate

When you travel to a destination with a different climate, whether it’s drier, more humid, hotter, or colder than what your skin is used to, your skin has to adapt quickly. This sudden shift in climate can shock your skin, leading to breakouts, redness, or dryness.

In tropical or humid climates, it's common for your skin to produce more oil than normal, and increased sweating can lead to troublesome skin. Clogged pores and blackheads, whiteheads, or breakouts can be common in these climates, and your skin might feel more greasy than normal. Opt for lightweight moisturisers and try to incorporate an exfoliant in your routine, two to three times per week. 

For cold, snowy, or high-altitude areas, your skin can lose moisture much more rapidly. This can cause skin to feel dry, flaky or tight. Chapped lips are also common in these climates, so remember your lip balm! Use a hydrating oil after a lightweight serum to build up hydration layers and lock in moisture.

3. Sun exposure

When you’re enjoying time outdoors more (especially in tropical or high-altitude areas), your skin is at a greater risk of sun damage. Exposure to UVA and UVB rays can lead to sunburn, signs of premature ageing, and hyperpigmentation if you’re not vigilant with SPF.

4. Stress and a lack of sleep

A lot of people can relate to having a wonderful time travelling, but being left feeling extra tired and a little more stressed than normal. That not only impacts how you feel, but also your skin. Things such as jet lag and changes in diet while travelling can impact your hormones, which in turn, impact your skin and can cause breakouts.

5. Disruption in your skincare routine

Travel can easily disrupt your usual skincare routine. Whether it’s packing constraints or skipping steps to save time, not sticking to your usual skincare routine can irritate your skin barrier.

That’s why we created our Travel Size Skincare range, making it easy to bring all your staple products with you, wherever you go. From our Cleansing Balm and Cleansing Milk, to Peptide Serum and Face Toner, find your favourite formulations, just smaller.

Keeping your skin nourished in the air

Whether you loathe or love flying, one thing’s certain – your skin needs a little extra love after you’ve been on a plane. Here’s how to protect your skin while flying:

• Hydrate from the inside out: Drink plenty of water before and during the flight. Top tip: bring an empty water bottle to the airport with you, and fill it with water at free refill stations. 

• Use a hydrating face mist: Rehydrate and recharge mid-flight.

• Apply a rich moisturiser: Opt for a non-comedogenic moisturiser and seal in hydration before takeoff.

• Avoid makeup: If you feel comfortable, let your skin breathe during your flight.

• Bring hand cream and lip balm: These are essentials for your hand luggage. Rehydrate these areas mid-flight, as they dry out quickly on flights.

Travel skincare tips and tricks

1. Go waterless and with less packaging

If you worry about travelling with your skincare that’s in glass containers, there’s a simple solution for your cleansing needs – using a solid soap bar. 

As well as being a waterless skincare option, our Chai Soap Cleansing Duo are all natural, vegan, and formulated without palm oil. 

Fennel + Cardamom Chai Cleansing Bar

Great for combating travel-induced breakouts, our Fennel + Cardamom Cleansing Bar works to gently purify and energise your skin. Formulated with green clay, this soap bar draws out impurities and pollution residues from pores.

Cinnamon + Ginger Chai Cleansing Bar

This soap bar is formulated with pink clay, which is great for reducing redness and any irritation your skin is experiencing from travel. The Cinnamon + Ginger Chai Bar works to purify the skin and leave it feeling energised. 

2. Adjust according to the climate

While your skin craves consistency, it’s also important to consider your surroundings. If you’re in a dry climate, consider switching your usual day cream for a richer moisturiser, like our Night Cream. If you’re travelling to a humid destination, make sure that you’re sticking with lightweight, non-comedogenic products.  

3. Hydration is key

Especially in warmer climates, hydration is essential to your skin’s health. As well as adding hydration to your skin through moisturising products, make sure you don’t forget to hydrate from the inside out by drinking lots of water. 

Discover our full collection of Travel Size Skincare, ready to accompany you on your adventures.