Build the Perfect Travel Skincare Routine

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Figuring out a travel skincare routine can be SUCH a hassle. Why does every cleanser come have to come in a giant bottle? And how do you decide what to bring??

Don't worry, I've got you.

Here's a fool-proof formula to building the perfect travel skincare routine. Follow these simple steps and your skin will be glowing and happy throughout your entire adventure!

Step 1: Research Your Travel Destination

Climate and travel type can make a big impact on your skin. Make sure to do some research on your destination before picking any products. How's the humidity? Is it sunny all the time? Are you flying?

On my latest trip, I went on a cruise to Southern Mexico. I knew it would be hot and sunny, but I was NOT prepared for the humidity. I would have swapped some of my skincare picks if I'd realized just how much it would affect my skin! Don't make the same mistake I did.

Step 2: Build Your Skincare Routine

Everyone's skin needs are different, so there's no perfect routine or set of products you should pack. Luckily I've got some basic guidelines and a few tried-and-true product recommendations to help you out!

Your routine should look something like this:

Cleanser
Treatment
Serums
Moisturizer
Sunscreen

What you use in each category will vary from person to person! For example, you might not use any serums- that's totally fine. Listen to your skin and give it what it needs. Your travel skincare routine probably won't be the same as your regular one!

Here's what I took with me:

Cleansers

CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser
This cleanser is super gentle. It's perfect for sensitive skin or compromised moisture barriers, but might not be tough enough on oily skin. While I love using this product back in the high desert of Colorado, it wasn't quite strong enough for how greasy I got in the humidity of Mexico. It's available in a travel size bottle at most drugstores!

e.l.f. Holy Hydration! Makeup Melting Cleansing Balm
This makeup melting cleansing balm truly lives up to its name. It easily removes any and all makeup and sunscreen, leaving your skin prepped for the rest of your routine. I got a mini size as a trial from e.l.f., but you should have no problem traveling with the regular size (it's a solid). The mini can also be purchased as a part of travel sets.

Treatments

Sunday Riley A+ High Dose Retinoid Serum
This retinoid serum packs a powerful punch. It's not recommended for anyone new to retinol- your skin needs to adjust to lower doses first. Since my skin is no longer irritated or purging from this product I decided to bring it along. This was the only active I included in my travel routine.

I did, however, wish I'd brought an acne spot treatment or some pimple patches- these ones from the Creme Shop are the best I've tried so far. They'll definitely be in my bag next time!

Serums

CosRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence
This product is iconic for a reason! It helped soothe my skin after all the sun and saltwater it could take. It helped cool my sunburn and lock in that vital, healing moisture. The best part? The bottle is 3.98 fluid ounces, making it TSA carry-on friendly! This serum has a permanent spot in my travel bag.

Isle of Paradise Self Tanning Drops
I will love and recommend these drops until the day I die. So many of us love the healthy glow a tan gives, but sun damage is no joke. These babies are the perfect, simple solution! No foam, no applicator, no rinsing required. Pro tip: Mix them with the CosRX essence for a smooth, easy to blend application.

Moisturizer

First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Hydra-Firm Sleeping Cream
Wow, that's a mouthful. This is my go-to moisturizer. No matter what I try, I always come back to this one! It's thick, deeply hydrating, super clean, and doesn't leave me greasy. A little goes a long way, so the small tub is perfect for travel. I also got my partner hooked on this stuff. This is our third tub! The formula and name recently changed, but the "new" cream is just as great.

Sol de Janerio Brazilian Bum Bum Cream
No matter how humid, my legs will always be dry. Add a little saltwater and sunburn in there and I'll definitely be needing a solid body moisturizer. This mini is great for throwing in your bag! Not only does it deeply moisturize, it smells good enough to double as a body mist. I got this mini as a sample and I like to top it off from my full sized tub before a trip.

Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask
Another absolute ICON, this is the only lip product I consistently swear by. I've been using it religiously since 2019. No matter how chapped your lips are, this mask will fix it! I like to slather it on before bed and use it as a balm throughout the day- I've also been known to layer some on top of a lippie as a super hydrating gloss. This stuff is truly the most versatile lip product you could pack!

Sunscreen

Supergoop Play! Everyday Sunscreen SPF 50 PA++++
If you're looking for a great chemical sunscreen by an American company, this is one of my favorite options. It leave no white cast, sinks in nicely, and smells nice and fresh. It is a bit greasy, but I think this helps it stay put and be more water resistant. I only use this on my face since it's a bit pricey.

CosRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream SPF50+ PA+++
If you haven't started exploring the incredible world of Asian sunscreens, let this be a sign. This product is an absolute holy grail for both myself and a huge chunk of the skincare community. It smells great, is super moisturizing, leaves no white cast, and sinks in like it was never there. It's the most cosmetically elegant sunscreen I've tried!

Hawaiian Tropic Mineral Sunscreen Milk SPF50
Mineral sunscreen is tricky to find. It's supposed to form a physical barrier between your skin and the sun, but it's tough to find one that can do this without a visible white cast. This product does a pretty good job! It smells really nice (if you can't tell, I love sunscreens that don't smell like sunscreen) and is 3.4 fluid ounces, making it TSA carry-on compliant. It's also reef safe, which was necessary for our trip to Mexico! It sinks in nicely but starts to pill if you rub it in too much. Let it soak in and you'll be good to go!

Step 3: Stick to Your Routine!

There's no point in building a routine that you're not going to use. your skin will be soooo much happier if you offer it consistency! This is especially important when you're in a different climate than normal. Here are some tips to help you keep everything balanced.

Don't switch up your products.

If you've been using one moisturizer, now probably isn't the time to pack one you've never tried. It's best to keep your routine as similar to normal as possible. Travel is already tough on your skin- don't make it tougher than it needs to be!

Keep it simple.

There's a time and place for an elaborate, pampering routine- your trip probably isn't it. Cut out any unnecessary or particularly harsh steps (like chemical peels) to keep your skin calm. Not to mention, using too many actives when your skin is stressed is more detrimental than not using them at all. Your skin will be just fine if you miss a treatment or two!

That's Your Routine!

Building the perfect travel skincare routine doesn't have to be intimidating. You probably already have everything you need!

It you're struggling to find travel sizes or can't be bothered, check out these adorable TSA-approved skincare containers. There's a container for everything- cleansers, toners, moisturizers, you name it. It also comes with a little spatula and funnel to help you repackage your products. How perfect is that?

I hope my recommendations were useful! Let me know in the comments below if you've tried any of these products or if you're planning for a trip. I'd love to hear what your travel skincare routine consists of!

xoxo,

Lindsay