Caring for your skin while on vacation calls for a little extra planning and a few essential tweaks
Neglecting simple precautions can complicate skincare on your vacation. Representation pics/Istock
Up until recently, packing skincare for a holiday meant throwing in an extra tube of sunscreen or cold cream, depending on the destination you were heading to. However, most contemporary travellers have a detailed and meticulous skincare routine that’s designed to address specific pain points… and, to their dismay, these routines cease to work their magic as soon as they set foot on foreign soil. The reason, experts say, has a lot to do with how your skin (and skincare products) behave in different climatic conditions.
Hydrating face washes and lotions can help in cold conditions
“Your skin responds to changes in humidity, pollution and altitude. Further, many travellers tend to overcomplicate their routines. Bringing every product you use at home could lead to irritation or breakouts. Neglecting simple precautions such as overlooking your lips and hands or over-exfoliating in a new climate, can increase sensitivity and cause irritation,” says Dr Shweta Nakhawa, consultant dermatologist at KIMS Hospitals, Thane.
Packing smart
“The first consideration I make when packing skincare for a holiday is the weather. If it’s hot and humid, I switch to lighter textures — these include hydrating gel-based moisturisers, and face washes that matte-fy and control sebum. Conversely, if I’m heading somewhere cold or dry, I switch to hydrating face washes, rich, cream moisturisers and even a facial oil to keep my skin nourished,” shares Dollie Solanki, a beauty content creator.
Use a reliable sunscreen for your summer holiday
She adds that no matter the weather or the destination, she carries a broad-spectrum sunscreen with high SPF and a PA+++. “I also ensure that I carry a hydrating sunscreen mist in my handbag which is great for quick touch-ups. As with skincare, I choose the formulation of the sunscreen based on the climate — for humid destinations, I choose a matte-fying sunscreen mist, while a product that gives a dewy finish works best in dryer climates,” she clarifies.
Shweta Nakhawa and Dollie Solanki
Most importantly, regardless of the destination, it’s important to stick to gentle formulations and avoid products with active ingredients to avoid any adverse skin reactions. Dr Manisha Mareddy, a dermatologist and founder of Jade Dermatology Start recommends a simple formula to pack light but effective during your travels. “Start with your ‘core’ — a gentle cleanser, hydrating serum (such as hyaluronic acid or glycerine), a moisturiser with barrier-repair (ceramides or niacinamide), and a trustworthy broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30+).
If your skin tolerates active ingredients (retinoids, acids), bring small amounts, but be ready to pause if you notice irritation. For your scalp, use lighter leave-in conditioners in humid climates instead of heavier oils. After swimming, a chelating or clarifying shampoo helps remove salt and chlorine. Use a UV‑protectant hair spray outdoors,” she suggests.
Missed it? Fix it
In the unfortunate but not unlikely scenario of you forgetting your skincare, or carrying along the wrong products, Dr Nakhawa offers a few important guidelines: “Choose familiar textures and avoid strong ingredients such as retinoids at first. Pharmacies usually have hydrating gels, gentle cleansers and SPF products that match local conditions. A few essentials such as a moisturiser, sunscreen, cleanser and a light serum are often enough for most trips.
Hydrating mists and balms can be useful during flights or in high-altitude areas.” Dr Mareddy recommends picking minimal-label gentle cleansers, hydrating formulas containing glycerine and/or hyaluronic acid, ceramide-based moisturisers, and sunscreen with water or sweat resistance. “With haircare, mild sulphate-free shampoos, anti-residue shampoos, lightweight leave-ins, and scalp-soothing formulas can be lifesavers. Always patch-test new products first before using on your face or scalp,” she says.
Travel taboos
Watch out for these common skincare mistakes for a stress and blemish-free getaway:
Always carry tried-and-tested products
>> Do not carry full-sized products; these take up unnecessary space and weight.
>> Seal your bottles with cling film over the mouth before screwing the lid back on, to avoid accidental spills.
>> Don’t get a facial just before a trip. Exfoliating treatments and peels can leave your skin sensitive and more susceptible to sun damage. The dry cabin air in the flight doesn’t help the skin either. Schedule your facial two or three days before your journey, so that your skin has time to settle down.
>> Avoid packing new products. Save your product experiments for home. When you are travelling, carry products that are tried and tested, and that work for your skin. Reactions or allergies can ruin an otherwise perfect holiday.
>> Double-cleanse at the end of the day. If you don’t want an elaborate routine, double cleanse and slather on a nourishing sleeping mask.
Inputs by Dollie Solanki
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
