If you’ll be traveling for the holidays this season, arriving to your destination with dry, lackluster skin doesn’t have to be part of your itinerary. Take a look at these common causes of dry skin and other skin problems while traveling and see how to easily remedy them for a glowing, radiant complexion no matter where you’re headed.

Climate Changes

You might notice that your skin is particularly finicky when traveling from one extreme climate to another — like jetting from warm and wet Boca Raton & Fort Lauderdale to arid Las Vegas, for example. This is because your skin has a built-in hydration system called natural moisturizing factor (NMF), which adjusts based on the environment around you.

 

If you spend most of your time in a humid environment, your skin will naturally produce less NMF than someone who lives in a dry climate, because your skin is able to draw in enough moisture from air. However, when you travel from a humid climate to somewhere dry, your skin will not have enough NMF to stay hydrated — that is, until it’s had enough time to adjust and begin producing an adequate amount.

 

So if your skin tends to get dry and flaky when traveling, especially to a completely different climate than what it’s used to, bring along a barrier repair moisturizer to help keep your skin hydrated and protected while it adjusts. You might find that you no longer need a heavy moisturizer after the first few days.

Airplane Air

Recirculated cabin air during your flight can be very drying to your skin, having similar effects as sitting in front of an air conditioner or heater for hours straight. Additionally, surfaces that you might touch or rest your face on, like pillows, headrests, and the tray in front of you, can be chock-full of bacteria.

 

To help keep your skin protected from these common traveling troubles, prep with a barrier repair moisturizer that can act as a shield to not only keep bacteria out but to also keep moisture sealed inside. You can also spritz on a facial mist that contains silver or other antibacterial ingredients to help keep bacteria at bay.

 

Once you land, wash your face and hands as soon as you can to remove any dirt or bacteria, then re-apply a moisturizer to counteract any dryness.

Hotel Skincare Products

Convenient as they may be, hotel face washes, soaps, and moisturizers can wreak havoc on your skin and should be avoided as much as possible. Instead, bring your own products in small travel bottles, remembering that you don’t have to bring your entire bathroom countertop. A cleanser, moisturizer, SPF, and one or two treatment products will do.

 

Another tip is to wash your face after you rinse out shampoo and conditioner, since these products can get on your face and may cause dryness or irritation, especially if you are using the ones provided by the hotel.

Stress and Eating Habits

Let’s face it, holiday travel can be stressful, which can show up on your skin in the form of breakouts, dryness, and even wrinkles. Not to mention the fact that most of us don’t always make as healthy of eating and drinking choices while away as we might at home, which can also negatively affect your skin.

 

To reduce stress while traveling, consider meditating for a few minutes before heading to the airport or out of your hotel room for the day. You can also recharge and relax your mind with a brisk walk outdoors, aromatherapy, or relaxing music.

 

To help curb not-so-healthy eating and drinking choices while away from home, make sure you are drinking plenty of water throughout the day. This will help to counteract the dehydrating effects of alcohol and sweets, which can otherwise make your skin look and feel dry and lackluster.

How to Revive Stressed Skin

If your skin could still use a little pick-me-up after the hustle and bustle of holiday travels, these are some of the best cosmetic treatments to revive, refresh, and brighten your complexion:

• Facials like the HydraFacial are a relaxing way to revitalize stressed skin and treat a range of skin problems, from lines and wrinkles to dark spots and enlarged pores.
• Chemical peels gently peel away the outermost layer of skin, revealing a fresh, bright layer underneath. Peels come in a variety of strengths, so you can customize your experience based on your skin type and specific needs.
• Laser and light treatments are perfect for reviving sun damaged skin, but can also address problems like uneven skin tone and texture, wrinkles, dark spots, acne scars and more.

For more information about the best skin treatment for your needs or to schedule a consultation with one of our skincare experts, call our Boca Raton & Fort Lauderdale office today at 561-234-4026 or fill out our secure online contact form.