14 Ways to Keep Your Skin Glowing While Traveling

Traveling can be exciting, but it often wreaks havoc on your skin. From dry airplane cabins to changing climates and late nights, your glow can fade faster than your boarding pass scans. Whether you’re jetting off on a redeye or exploring a tropical escape, keeping your skin radiant while on the move doesn’t have to be a struggle. A little prep, some strategic packing, and knowing what your skin needs to stay hydrated and fresh. In this guide, we’re sharing essential skincare tips tailored for jet-setters. These tricks will help you combat dullness, dryness, and fatigue so you can step off the plane looking like you just came from a spa, not a redeye.

Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate

The dry air in planes and irregular schedules can make your skin dull and tight. Combat this by drinking plenty of water before, during, and after your trip—aim for at least 8 ounces per hour on a flight. Don’t rely on the tiny cups of water they serve; bring your refillable bottle. Pair this with a hydrating serum or moisturizer to seal in moisture and keep your skin feeling fresh. Staying hydrated isn’t just good for your skin—it helps fight fatigue and energizes you while exploring.

Use Eye Masks for Puffy Eyes After a Long Flight

Long flights and red-eye schedules can leave you with tired, puffy eyes. Enter eye masks—the ultimate travel skincare hack. These cooling patches work wonders to reduce puffiness and brighten dark circles. Apply them once you land or during your flight if you want to show up refreshed. They’re compact, easy to pack, and feel like a mini spa treatment for your face. Plus, the soothing sensation is perfect for relaxing after a chaotic journey.

Pack Travel-Sized Sunscreen

Sunscreen is your best defense against sun damage, no matter where you’re headed. Travel-sized versions are perfect for tossing into your carry-on, so you never have protection. Remember, UV rays don’t take a break just because you’re on vacation. Protecting your skin prevents sunburn and keeps your complexion even and youthful. It’s a small step that makes a big difference in your skin health.

Refresh with Facial Mist

Facial mists are like a quick burst of hydration in a bottle. Perfect for mid-flight or after a long day of exploring, they refresh your skin instantly while locking in moisture. A spritz here and there can keep your skin feeling dewy and awake, even if you’re running on little sleep. Pro tip: Keep one in your bag when your skin needs a little pick-me-up.

Bring a Sheet Mask or Two

Sheet masks are a lifesaver for tired, travel-worn skin. They’re lightweight, compact, and packed with hydrating ingredients to boost your complexion. After a long day, applying a sheet mask feels luxurious and helps your skin recover from dryness or fatigue. Choose masks that target hydration or calming to soothe any redness or irritation. They’re also perfect for multitasking, and you can unwind while letting your skin soak up the goodness.

Stick To A Simple Routine

Travel isn’t the time to experiment with elaborate skincare routines or new products. Stick to a tried-and-true lineup: a gentle cleanser, a hydrating moisturizer, and sunscreen. This ensures your skin stays balanced and doesn’t react to unfamiliar formulas. Simplicity is key when you’re dealing with changing climates and tight schedules. A pared-down routine is easy to manage and keeps your skin healthy without adding unnecessary stress to your travel plans.

Don’t Skip Cleansing Wipes

Cleansing wipes are perfect for removing makeup, dirt, and sweat when you can’t access running water or a proper sink. Use them at the end of a long travel day or after a flight to avoid clogged pores and breakouts. Opt for gentle and hydrating wipes so they don’t strip your skin of essential moisture. They’re lightweight, easy to pack, and a lifesaver for maintaining a clean, healthy complexion on the move.

Use Overnight Hydrating Masks

Overnight hydrating masks are a must for combating the dryness that comes with travel. They work while you sleep, delivering a deep dose of moisture and leaving your skin plump and refreshed by morning. Apply one after your nighttime routine, especially after a long day of flying or exploring. You wake up with radiant, glowing skin without adding extra steps to your routine.

Avoid Alcoholic Beverages

As tempting as those in-flight cocktails or vacation margaritas may be, alcohol can severely dehydrate your skin. It’s a recipe for dull, tired-looking skin combined with the dry airplane air. Instead, use hydrating drinks like water or herbal teas to keep your skin moisturized and your energy levels up. If you indulge in a drink or two, balance it out with plenty of water to minimize the dehydrating effects. Your skin—and your post-travel glow—will thank you!

Wear a Silk Eye Mask

A silk eye mask isn’t just a luxury; it’s a must-have for protecting your skin and ensuring quality rest while traveling. Unlike other fabrics, silk doesn’t absorb your skincare products, so your serums and creams stay where they belong—on your skin. Beyond the skincare benefits, a silk eye mask blocks light, promoting better sleep whether on a bright plane or in an unfamiliar hotel room.

Bring a Portable Humidifier

Traveling often means spending time in environments with dry air, like airplanes or hotel rooms. A portable humidifier is a game-changer for keeping your skin hydrated. These compact devices add moisture to the air, helping your skin retain hydration and preventing dryness. Use one in your hotel room overnight to wake up with soft, supple skin. They’re lightweight, easy to use, and a perfect travel companion for jet-setters who want to keep their glow intact.

Avoid Touching Your Face

When traveling, your hands come into contact with countless surfaces brimming with germs, and as soon as you touch your face, you provide these germs and microbes a passage to transfer onto your skin, leading to breakouts and infections. So, when you’re out and about, try to avoid touching your face.

Prioritize Sleep for Skin Recovery

When traveling, it becomes difficult to get enough sleep hours, which wreaks havoc on your skin. During sleep, your body enters repair mode, allowing skin cells to regenerate, but when you don’t get enough sleep, your skin fails to heal itself properly. As a result, you wake up with puffy eyes, pigmentation, and black bags. It’s important to prioritize your sleep so you wake up fresh and energized to travel.

Don’t Forget Vitamin C Serum

Vitamin C serum brightens your complexion, protects against environmental damage, and helps reduce the appearance of dark spots caused by sun exposure. Apply it in the morning before your moisturizer and sunscreen for maximum protection during your trip. It’s a small addition to your routine that delivers big results, ensuring your skin stays radiant no matter where your travels take you.

More For You

Want to know more beauty secrets? Here are some must-know celebrity tips for keeping your skin perfect and glowing, no matter where you travel. Find out how famous stars manage to keep their skin looking great, even with packed schedules and long trips. These simple tricks will help you stay fresh, glowing, and ready for photos wherever you are!

This article was first published on RB ITALIA Blog.