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Your essential travel skincare guide

Fashion and Beauty
Your essential travel skincare guide
 Your essential travel skincare guide (Photo: iStock)

Travel can be a formidable adversary to healthy skin. So, what can you do? The secret lies not in packing your entire vanity case, but in choosing highly effective products.

No matter how rushed you are, never skip cleansing, especially after a day of exposure to varying climates and potential pollutants. Top travel recommendations include micellar water and a gentle, hydrating cream or gel cleanser.

Micellar water offers a quick, no-rinse solution for removing surface impurities and initial makeup, which is crucial on long flights or when immediate access to water is limited. Always follow up with a pH-balanced cleanser to purify your skin without stripping it of moisture.

Cabin air is notoriously dehydrating and environmental changes can damage your skin’s moisture barrier. To counteract this, swap those heavy creams that might feel occlusive for concentrated hyaluronic acid serums layered with a nourishing facial balm.

The serum effectively draws moisture into the skin, while the balm creates a protective seal to actively prevent transepidermal water loss, typically being waterless or rich in emollients such as shea butter or ceramides.

Furthermore, choose one key treatment serum that specifically addresses your main skin concern. For many, this will be an antioxidant serum containing vitamins C or E, which are designed to combat free radical damage caused by environmental stressors and UV exposure.

Alternatively, a niacinamide serum is excellent for soothing inflammation and strengthening the skin barrier, providing targeted care when your skin needs it most.

Finally, whether you’re sightseeing or rushing through the city to make a meeting, applying a broad-spectrum SPF is the most important thing you can do to prevent premature ageing and protect your skin against environmental stressors.

When travelling, choose a mineral-based SPF 30 or higher with physical blockers such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. These are gentler on sensitive skin and provide immediate protection, ensuring your skin is shielded wherever your travels take you.

Even if you’re exhausted and your evening is packed, dedicate just five minutes to nightly skin repair. After cleansing, apply your targeted treatment serum, if using, and follow with a rich, restorative night cream.

Look for formulas containing ceramides, peptides or squalane, as these ingredients help to repair the skin barrier and support overnight regeneration. This targeted approach will help your skin to recover significantly from the day’s stresses, preparing it for the next day’s adventures.

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