When we travel, the list of things to pack can seem endless. Many of us therefore try to save space in our luggage by leaving some of the skincare products we use in our daily routines behind. But beware: Our skin is particularly stressed when traveling and needs special attention more than ever. Abandon your tried-and-tested skincare routines when traveling, and you may quickly notice dryness, tightness, and irritation—but that doesn't have to be the case.
But what exactly stresses our skin when we travel? And how can we help our skin to enjoy a relaxing and refreshing vacation?
1. Dry Air and Germs on the Plane
Even before we arrive at our destination, our skin is exposed to an avalanche of germs. It also has to contend with the dry, cold air of planes or trains, which generally use artificial air circulation systems to refresh and cool the air. This can sap the skin of moisture. Air travel in particular can have a dehydrating effect, as an airplane’s humidity drops to less than 10 percent. The result: Our skin tightens and simply feels dry, even after short flights. Fine lines and wrinkles become more prominent and the skin looks dull and sallow.
Tip 1: A Moisturizing Booster Before the Trip
Preparing for a long flight? Try to integrate more moisture into your skincare routine a few days in advance. A treatment at a professional beauty salon is particularly effective, but a rich mask at home some hours before a short-haul trip will also replenish the skin’s moisture reserves. And of course, don't forget to drink plenty of fluids – that’s half the battle to prevent moisture loss while trapped in your aircraft cabin.
Skincare tip:
Hydration Hype Treatment (pre travel treatment): It deeply hydrates thirsty skin with sustainably sourced algae to replenish the skin’s moisture channels, preventing trans-epidermal water loss. The mask’s calcium ions increase the skin’s extra-cellular calcium concentration, plumping the skin from the inside out. The treatment leaves the skin smooth and supple, giving a visible, immediate lift with improved density and firmness.
Collagen Face Mask: It contains native collagen fibers, molecules, and peptides, all of which infuse the skin with extra moisture and smooth wrinkles. Hyaluronic acid enhances the skin’s moisture storage in the skin and binds moisture intensively.
Comforting Moisturizer: It strengthens the skin barrier and provides a protective shield for the skin with the help of hyaluronic acids and vitamins C and E.
Tip 2: A Freshness Boost During the Journey
You can also pack an eye mask for in-flight (and between-flight) use—you won't regret it. A mask immediately alleviates the signs of dry, tired skin. We also recommend using a moisturizing spray, which sinks in quickly and refreshes the skin. But don’t forget: Give your face a quick clean beforehand, as bacteria will probably have accumulated.
Skincare tip:
Marine Spray Serum: It provides an instantly plumped, hydrated, and calmed skin with immediate and long-lasting effect, visibly reducing fine lines and wrinkles. It will also help prevent Trans-Epidermal Water Loss (TEWL).
Tip 3: A No Make-Up Flight
Make-up wearers beware! If you just can’t do without make-up on long-haul flights, you run the risk of drying your skin out further in the already parched air. One possible result? Pimples. And your skin will also have no chance to breathe over a long period of time. In addition, many of us use airplanes to sleep, bringing our facial skin into contact with the seat’s fabric. We also touch our faces more often than usual on a long journey. Bacteria can accumulate on the make-up over the course of hours —and this encourages spots to develop. A better idea? Gently cleanse your face before traveling and remove all make-up residue. Your skin will thank you for it.
Skincare tip:
Moisturizing Cleansing Foam: It releases the skin from dirt and dead cells, moisturizing and cleansing it for the subsequent skincare routine; available as 2-Step Cleansing Travel Kit in combination with our Balancing Facial Toner (see next point).
2. Change in Climate
When traveling from a cold to a warm climate, the biggest difference is that your skin is likely to sweat more. This can trigger a breakout in those of us with acne-prone skin: If sweat remains on the skin for too long, the bacteria build-up can lead to skin irritation. In addition, sebaceous glands may become overactive. This is why you should cleanse your skin thoroughly twice a day, even when on vacation, to remove sweat, sunscreen, and impurities from the skin.
Sensitive skin types are particularly affected and can show undesirable reactions when the climate changes. Whether it’s dry heat, tropical humidity, or cool mountain air, every climate affects the skin and can lead to irritation.
Skincare tip:
Balancing Facial Toner: Have tap water or soap thrown your skin’s pH value out of whack? Our toner will rebalance it, while preparing the skin for the penetration of active ingredients of the subsequent skin care routine.
Refining Moisturizer: This light moisturizer minimizes pores and provides a soothed and hydrated skin. It purifies and protects from undesired shine.
3. Unfamiliar water quality
The water quality at your vacation destination is sometimes not comparable to the quality you are used to. In southern regions in particular, the water is heavily chlorinated, which in turn can irritate and dry out the skin. Different pH values and degrees of water hardness can also affect the skin and make it appear dull.
Skincare tip:
Balancing Facial Toner: Have tap water or soap thrown your skin’s pH value out of whack? Our toner will rebalance it, while preparing the skin for the penetration of active ingredients of the subsequent skin care routine.
4. Lack of sleep when traveling
When traveling, you generally don't sleep as well as you do at home. Even a brief lack of shut-eye can disrupt the skin’s repair process as cortisol levels in the body may become elevated. Just two days with little sleep can make it appear pale and less attractive. It is therefore particularly important to provide the skin barrier with strengthening active ingredients, so that even the odd sleepless night can’t harm it.
Skincare tip:
Comforting Moisturizer: It strengthens the skin barrier and provides a protective shield for the skin with the help of hyaluronic acids and vitamins C and E.
5. Skin Care After Your Vacation
Even if you try to stick to the skincare recommendations mentioned above, your skin may become tight and itchy after your vacation. Sun, salt water, mineral sunscreen, alcohol, and airplane travel are all dehydrating. It is therefore particularly important to return to your usual skincare routine as soon as possible after a trip.
Please also treat your skin to an extra dose of moisture, ideally using nourishing face masks 2–3 times a week. If you want to brighten your skin a little after your vacation and banish pigmentation spots, we recommend a skincare product containing vitamin C, which reduces unevenness and ensures a beautifully smooth complexion.
Skincare tip:
Vitamin C Serum: It improves visible signs of aging such as lines, wrinkles, and pigmentation, and helps to firm skin contours.
Vitamin C Brightening Treatment: It combines the powerful brightening, anti-oxidative effects of vitamin C and alpha arbutin and provides the skin with a more even tone with the reduced appearance of dark spots. The addition of collagen promotes collagen synthesis while offering the skin a protective moisture net. Skin tone and overall glow are enhanced while its density is supported.
