Passport. Visa. Hotel reservations. Money. Clothes. Check.

As the Chinese New Year is inching closer, we believe you'd have all your trip preps in place.

Whether you're setting out to meet friends and family or simply travelling for a refreshing break, travel requires planning. In this case, skincare might be the last thing on your mind.

Before we look at some skincare tips to keep skin glowing on your travels, would you like to take our free skin care assessment? It will tell you more about the clean, active ingredients that are best suited for your skin - yes, even when you travel!

Why Does My Skin Act Up When I Travel?

Having your skin break out right around the Chinese New Year is not something you want.

Truth is, skincare often takes a back seat when you’re on-the-go. In addition, the following factors make it even more difficult for your skin to behave:

A New Schedule

Our sleep patterns while travelling are really different from those back at home. However, insufficient and erratic sleep affects our skin drastically.

A Switched-Up Lifestyle

You’re munching on all those lucky foods that are said to bring good luck for the coming year. Also, chances are that you're not getting your daily dose of sleep.

As a result, our skin misses out on essential nutrients and rest. To top off, a lack of physical exercise leads to the accumulation of toxins in our body. 

A Different Environment

We often underestimate the impacts of environment on skin.

Different places have different climates, and different climates have different humidity levels. While high humidity leads to excessive perspiration, low humidity leads to drying of the skin. Either way, our skin is exposed to a completely new air while travelling.

We're Using Different Products

We all eye free products in hotels, and sometimes, even take them back home. I mean, I technically paid for it.

While it is highly tempting to get the most bang for your buck, these hotel freebies are most probably not suited to your skin type. 

A Varied Skincare Routine

Back at home, you have your brushes, your creams, your exfoliant wipes and so on, all in place.

Amidst meeting loved ones, cleaning away, and eating delicious dumplings, your skin might not even be in the picture. We hate to break it to you, but a disrupted routine takes a toll on your skin. 

Fortunately, there are ways to keep your skin under control while travelling. And no, you do not need to bring along a suitcase-full of skin products. All you need to bring along is a few must-haves, and exercise a level of self-discipline.

8 Skin Care Tips to Keep Your Skin Glowing on Your Travels

Moisturise for the Flight

Ever found your face to be dull, dry, and lifeless after a long flight? No, that’s not tiredness. The pressure in aeroplane cabins is designed to help us breathe better.

However, it also has a dehydrating effect on our skin. To avoid this, apply a decent amount of moisturiser before boarding the plane, and during the flight too, if it’s a long one.

Bring Moisturisers Suitable for your Travel Destination

Another thing we usually overlook is the climate of the country we're going to. We bring along moisturisers that are effective for our skin in our home country, on our travels — but reality check, they don't work the same in different environments.

Tip: If you're heading to a dry climate country, bring a thicker-bodied moisturiser (cream). If you're heading to somewhere more humid, bring a lightweight moisturiser (gel or lotion).

SPF is Your BFF

Ask any traveller the secret behind their flawless skin, and they will not not mention sunscreen. Whether you’re on the plane, by the beach, or in a desert, the hazardous UV rays will get to you. So, never leave the house without applying SPF!

Tip: In order to know which sunscreen is best for you, refer to a sun protection factor (SPF) guide online.

Bring Along Multitaskers

A light bag while travelling makes things a lot easier! So that you don't skip out your skin's needs in the pursuit of travelling light, carry skincare that can do more than just one job.

An example is that of a moisturiser with SPF. This will do the job of hydrating your skin as well as protecting it from the sun.

Use Aloe Vera to Fight Sunburns

A swim in the sea or a hike in the mountains can cause sunburns - sometimes, despite having applied sunscreen.

Soothe your sun-kissed and sun-damaged skin by applying aloe vera gel. Since an aloe vera plant might not be accessible on your travels, pick a bottle of chemical-free gel from the closest departmental store or pharmacy.

Carry Product in Airless Pump Bottles

These containers are devoid of straws or tubes, and instead, work with a vacuum mechanism. Airless pump bottles for skincare are great while travelling because:

• The bottle can be pumped at any angle. You won't have to wait for the product to settle after it's been bounced around in your luggage!
• An absence of straws keeps the product fresh, by preventing the growth of bacteria.
• Airless pump bottles come in different sizes - travel-friendly ones too. Moreover, they can be reused!

You can read more about why airless pump bottles are a game-changer.

Cleanse and Massage!

Whether you’re a makeup buff or not, always make it a point to wash face properly, and gently. This will help your skin get rid of makeup, toxins, and other impurities.

Also, we're looking at 30-50 seconds of cleansing— why not give yourself a face massage while you're at it? 😉

Tip: As an alternative, carry some facial wipes with you. They can be used anywhere and at any time.

Eye Serums, Cold Compresses or Tea Bags to Depuff

Puffy eyes while travelling are a result of fatigue, stress, dehydration, and lack of sleep. Getting enough rest when you're having a good time is hard.

So, bring along a small bottle of under-eye serum and apply it from time to time.

Alternatively, wrap crushed ice in a clean cloth (cold compress) or place brewed tea bags on the under-eye area. A cold compress can help eliminate dark circles by shrinking dilated blood vessels.

For the latter, tannins in the tea will help de-puff the eye bags by shrinking blood vessels and tighten the skin around the eyes. Yay!

The truth is, healthy skin and travel are compatible. So, no matter where you are on this Chinese New Year, promise yourself healthy skin.

If you want to make your skin more travel-proof, learn about the clean and active ingredients that will best complement your travel-filled lifestyle!