Traveling This Holiday? Your Skin Could be at Risk

The holidays are upon us, and with them come the joys—and challenges—of holiday travel. Whether you're packing your bags to visit family, heading to a winter wonderland, or escaping to a sunny retreat, one thing is certain: travel can wreak havoc on your skin. From dry airplane cabins to unpredictable weather changes, keeping your skin hydrated and glowing while on the go takes a little extra planning.

This season, I found myself preparing for a trip to see my grandkids in snowy Vermont. Between selecting gifts and coordinating plans, I nearly forgot to think about what my skin might need to survive the frigid air and long travel days. Thankfully, I’ve learned a few tricks over the years to keep my skincare routine intact, even on the road. Let me share my secrets with you.

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The Pre-Travel Prep

Before you even step out the door, a little preparation goes a long way. I always like to give my skin some TLC the night before a trip. A gentle exfoliation followed by a deeply hydrating mask leaves my face feeling soft and ready to handle whatever comes next. Think of it as priming your canvas—you wouldn’t paint on a dry, cracked surface, right?

When I was younger, I used to over-pack my skincare products, lugging around heavy bottles that rarely fit TSA requirements. But now, I’ve learned to travel light. I pick a few essentials—cleanser, moisturizer, serum, and sunscreen—and decant them into small containers if travel sizes aren’t available. It’s amazing how much easier life becomes when you streamline your routine.

On the Road (or in the Air)

Airplane travel can be especially brutal on the skin. I used to arrive at my destination feeling parched and irritated, my skin visibly complaining. These days, I’ve learned to bring along a hydrating facial mist for in-flight use. A quick spritz every hour keeps dryness at bay and feels refreshingly indulgent, even when squeezed into a middle seat.

Another lifesaver? Staying hydrated. It sounds simple, but sipping water throughout the journey makes a world of difference. I also try to skip the tempting glass of wine in-flight—it’s a trade-off, but one my skin appreciates.

For longer trips, I swear by a good under-eye gel. There’s nothing worse than showing up to see family with tired, puffy eyes. I pop on a pair of cooling gel patches once we land, and by the time I step out of the car, I feel (and look) much more awake.

Adjusting to Your Destination

When I finally arrived in Vermont last week, the cold air was bracing—invigorating, yes, but harsh on my skin. My lightweight moisturizer wasn’t cutting it, so I reached for a richer cream that I’d packed just in case. It’s a simple reminder that what works at home might not work when you’re in a completely different climate.

Similarly, if you’re heading to a sunny destination, don’t forget to up your SPF game. The winter sun may seem softer, but it’s no less damaging. I’ve learned this the hard way on beach trips, where I once underestimated the UV rays and paid for it with redness and peeling.

Ending the Day Right

No matter how exhausting the travel day has been, I always end it with my skincare routine. Cleansing is especially important after a long trip. Between pollution, sweat, and sunscreen, the grime on your face can add up. A double cleanse leaves my skin feeling refreshed and ready for a nourishing serum and night cream.

As I sat by the fire that evening, sipping hot cocoa and chatting with my family, I felt grateful not only for the warmth of the season but for the confidence that comes from knowing my skin was well cared for.

Final Thoughts

The holidays are a time for joy and connection, not stress and discomfort. By making small adjustments to your routine, you can ensure your skin stays glowing and hydrated no matter where you’re traveling this season. Whether it’s the chill of Vermont or the sun of Florida, taking a few extra moments to care for yourself is always worth it.

And remember, Dermagist’s products are all under the travel size limit, and are perfect for any trip, offering your favorite products in convenient, TSA-approved packaging. Wherever you’re going, they’ve got your skin covered.

Did This Touch You?

What are your favorite skincare tips for traveling? Have you ever faced unexpected challenges with your skin while on a trip? Share your stories and solutions in the comments below. Let’s inspire one another to look and feel our best this holiday season.