Are you about to escape the Australian winter and embark on a European summer holiday?
Traveling is an exciting time, but it can cause havoc on our skin due to all of the environmental changes, humidity, sun exposure, air conditioning and air pressure. Additional stressors during travel that can affect skin health, include poor sleep patterns, stress, alcohol consumption, late nights and changes in diet.
Holidays are a time to relax, explore and unwind from the usual daily grind. However, you do not want to take a holiday from your skincare routine, especially if you have sensitive skin.
By taking care of our skin while traveling, we can ensure that it stays healthy, protected, and looking its best. It is important for several reasons:
- Increasing your water intake helps to keep the skin healthy and hydrated.
- Traveling exposes our skin to different environments with varying levels of pollution, UV radiation, and climate conditions. Protecting the skin from these factors can prevent damage, premature aging, and potential skin concerns.
- Trying new products can potentially irritate and sensitise the skin. By following your usual skincare routine, you will minimise the chances of any adverse reactions.
- Proper skincare can improve the comfort and overall well-being of the skin. By keeping it clean, moisturised, and protected, we can avoid discomfort, dryness, itchiness, and other skin-related issues.
- Maintaining healthy and radiant skin can boost our self-confidence and make us feel good about ourselves, both during and after travel.
Here are a few AMPERNA®-approved travel skincare tips to consider while on holidays.
Do’s
- First, sanitise your tray table, tv screen and controls using a disinfectant wipe as soon as you are seated on the plane.
- Airplanes have low humidity levels and reduced air pressure circulating in the cabins. This can leave the skin feeling dry, dull, and more sensitive, as well as exacerbate existing skin issues. With clean hands apply a moisturiser before your flight and reapply throughout to keep your skin hydrated. Look for moisturisers that contain hyaluronic acid, or glycerine, which help attract water to the skin.
AMPERNA®'s [Hydrate] Lightweight Soothing Emulsion comes in a handy travel size which is perfect to take in your hand luggage on the flight. - Skip wearing makeup during your flight as makeup can clog pores and dry out your skin, leaving it looking dull and tired. Let your skin breathe as much as possible while traveling on the plane.
- As tempting as it may be, avoid drinking alcohol during the flight and prioritise your water intake. Green Tea is also recommended over caffeine. The combination of alcohol and the hypobaric conditions of an airplane cabin impacts your sleep and can lead to dehydration, which can affect the skin's health and appearance. You will land looking more worse for wear.
- Kiri (AMPERNA® founder and owner) always travels with her LED mask as an extra skin loving step during the flight and whilst on holiday in her accommodation as part of her selfcare regime.
- Air conditioning in hotels tends to cause skin dryness, especially if it is set to a low temperature and runs for extended periods. Dry skin can feel tight, itchy, and may lead to a dull looking complexion. Some people may experience increased sensitivity or irritation due to exposure to cold, dry air from the air conditioning. This can worsen skin conditions such as eczema or rosacea.
Maintain a moderate room temperature setting on the air conditioning unit to avoid excessive cooling and dryness.
A humidifier in the room adds moisture to the air which will combat dryness. - Keep the skin hydrated by drinking plenty of water and applying a moisturiser regularly.
Avoid sitting directly in front of air conditioning vents to minimise direct exposure to the chilly air. - Use sunscreen to protect your skin from UV rays, especially if you will be spending a lot of time outdoors. Re-applying your sunscreen is key. Take periodic breaks from UV exposure and rest in some shade. A facial mist can help hydrate and refresh your skin. Look for mists that contain soothing and hydrating ingredients like aloe vera, pre and probiotics.
AMPERNA®'s [Supacalm] Probiotic + SOS Daily Facial Spray is your new best travel buddy. It is refreshing, calming and cooling on the skin.
* The SOS spray is great to refresh your skin on flights also but it will need to be transferred into a small travel-sized spray bottle. - Keep it simple with your skincare and makeup while travelling. Your skincare routine should be your core products, i.e. gentle cleanser, moisturiser, an antioxidant serum, and an SPF. And keep your makeup light and minimal to avoid clogging your pores.
- Eat as balanced as you can. Yes, you are on holidays, and you should enjoy yourself. Just be mindful to have a balance of indulging verse healthy eating.
Don’ts
- Don't forget your H2O. Dehydration can take a toll on your skin, ensure to drink plenty of water while traveling to keep your skin moisturised and healthy. Avoid excessive alcohol and caffeine intake as they can dehydrate your body.
- Avoid carrying excessive skincare products while traveling. Overpacking can lead to skincare routines becoming difficult to maintain. Stick to the essential products that you know work well for your skin.
- Avoid using new or unfamiliar skincare products while traveling. Your skin may react differently to new formulas, potentially causing irritation or allergies. Stick to the products you know and trust to avoid any adverse reactions.
Alison (AMPERNA®'s Office Administrator) always packs the AMPERNA® Wash and Lotion Duo to use for herself and her whole family while travelling. The duo is perfect to use on children’s skin and takes the risk out of potential irritants that might be in the hotel amenities products. - Don't neglect your Sun Protection. Always apply sunscreen with a high SPF, wear a hat, and try to seek shade when possible. Prolonged sun exposure without protection can lead to sunburn, premature aging, and an increased risk of skin cancer.
- Never sleep with your makeup on, especially when travelling. Leaving makeup on overnight can clog pores, lead to breakouts, and cause irritation.
- Avoid having every night a late night. Stress and inadequate sleep can lead to inflammation and exacerbate existing skin conditions. Rest is imperative when on holidays and should be scheduled into your travelling itinerary.
Furthermore, the change in diet or exposure to foods that you are not used to might cause an upset stomach, allergic reactions, or flare-ups of certain skin conditions.
Overall, enjoy yourself while you are on holidays but do not slacken off or try and get creative with your skincare regime. Do what you know works for your skin and do not over complicate things.
Hopefully these little tips will safeguard your skin to looking its best whilst travelling.
