As we pack our bags and prepare for the holidays, we often forget to prioritise our skin health! Whether jetting off to a tropical paradise, hiking in the mountains or on a cultural adventure, taking care of skin is essential for looking and feeling our best throughout the holidays. The good news? With the right products and habits, it is easy to maintain glowing, healthy skin no matter how much adventure we pack into the holidays.
Active holidays are a perfect combination of adventure and excitement, from hiking up mountains to surfing the waves. However, these exciting activities expose our skin to different climates, harsh elements and environmental stressors, which can take a toll on its health. The good news is that with the right skincare routine and products, it’s possible to keep skin glowing and healthy throughout our adventures. Whether climbing, swimming or exploring cobbled pathways, there are simple ways to protect and nourish skin while enjoying the holidays to the hilt.
Remember the golden rule for skincare—never try on something new or experimental when travelling; we do not know how our skin will react to a new product in a new environment, and we certainly don’t want to go through the holidays with an irritated, inflamed face. That said, healthy skin on the go doesn’t require a complicated regimen; it requires consistency.A smart, minimal skincare kit tailored to our needs and the climate can make a huge difference.
From choosing the right products to keep skin glowing during the winter months and adapting our skincare routine to suit different environments, it’s easy to ensure skin stays in top shape, no matter how active our holiday gets. With McKinsey estimating that by 2027, the beauty industry will record $580 billion of retail sales, finding the right one for active holidays is simple if we know what we’re looking for. Let’s take a closer look at this comprehensive skincare guide for active travel, pack light and glow wherever our passport takes us.
Common Skincare Issues Faced When Travelling
Travelling often exposes our skin to challenges due to different climates, environments, and changing routines. A common issue is dryness, especially when flying. The air inside airplanes is dry, which can lead to dehydration and make the skin appear dull and flaky. A long-haul flight can strip the skin of moisture, leaving it in need of immediate hydration once we land. Another issue travellers face is sun exposure when exploring new destinations. A common scenario is where we forget to reapply sunscreen throughout the day, leading to sunburn. This damage can result in premature aging or more serious skin concerns.
Changing environments can also lead to breakouts or irritation. For instance, a change in humidity or exposure to pollutants in a new city can trigger acne or redness, particularly for those with sensitive skin. For example, someone visiting a tropical destination may experience excess oil production, leading to clogged pores and acne, while a visit to a dry, cold region might leave the skin feeling tight and irritated. “We often see melasma, photo-pigmentation, dehydrated skin, and uneven texture in people who travel frequently and participate in outdoor activities” Dr Sagar Gujjar of Skinwood Luxury Aesthetics Centre tells Travel + Leisure.
10 Skincare Tips For Active Travellers
1. Pack A Smart Skincare Kit
When travelling, the key to skincare is simplicity. Keep the skincare kit light but ensure it has the essentials: cleanser, moisturiser, broad-spectrum sunscreen and perhaps a hydrating serum or mist. You don’t need to over-pack—just make sure the products are versatile enough to handle skincare needs on the go. For an all-in-one solution, consider brands which offer travel-sized kits designed for different skin types. For example, Foxtale On-The-Glow Travel Kit, Kama Ayurveda and Forest Essentials has a cleanser, sunscreen, and serum, all packed in a convenient pouch—perfect for keeping our skincare routine simple while on the move.
2. Sun Protection—Non-Negotiable
Sunscreen is our skin’s best friend, especially on an active holiday. Whether hiking, running on the beach, or exploring a new city, sun exposure can lead to premature aging, sunburn, and long-term skin damage. Pack a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher and apply it generously to exposed skin, including face, neck, and hands. Reapply sunscreen every two hours, especially if swimming or sweating, to ensure continuous protection against harmful UV rays. Clinique Broad Spectrum 50 and Banana Boat Sport SPF 30 provides excellent protection from harmful UV rays without leaving a greasy residue—ideal for an active schedule.
3. Hydration—Inside Out
One of the easiest ways to keep our skin healthy is to stay hydrated. Hot, dry climates, air conditioning, and long flights can all lead to dehydration, which makes skin look dull and tired. Drink plenty of water throughout the day and supplement with hydrating skincare products like serums and moisturisers that lock in moisture. Consider an antioxidant packed product such as Reparative Moisture Emulsion or HA 5 Rejuvenating Hydrator, which provide skin with immediate and continuous hydration, while also supporting its natural ability to replenish hyaluronic acid. Hydrating products like Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel or The Body Shop’s Vitamin E Hydrating Toner are great additions to the skincare arsenal. For a quick refresh, carry a hydrating mist such as Avène Thermal Spring Water Spray.
4. Adapt Skincare Routine To The Climate
Different climates demand different skincare routines. If you’re heading to a humid, tropical location, opt for lightweight products that won’t clog your pores. On the other hand, colder environments can leave your skin feeling dry and irritated, requiring richer creams and balms. In tropical climates, look for gel-based moisturizers like Clinique Moisture Surge 72-Hour Auto-Replenishing Hydrator, which hydrates without feeling heavy. For dry mountain holidays, CeraVe Moisturizing Cream or Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream provide deep hydration without stripping the skin’s natural oils. Don’t forget a nourishing lip balm—Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask is a great choice for hydration at night.
5. Pack Multi-Tasking Products
While it may be tempting to stick to your full skincare routine while on holiday, simplicity is key when traveling. Save space in the suitcase and streamline the skincare routine by packing multi-tasking products that offer multiple benefits. Look for skincare products that combine sunscreen with moisturiser, primer with SPF, or serum with antioxidants to simplify the skincare while on vacation. Multi-tasking travel-size products like Estée Lauder DayWear and Estée Lauder Revitalising Supreme+ are perfect for travellers who want to look and feel their best with minimal effort.
6. Bonus Lifestyle Habits for Holiday Glow
Skin doesn’t just depend on what you apply—it’s also about what you do. Active holidays can be exhausting, and lack of sleep, irregular meals, and travel stress can all take a toll on your skin. To maintain that holiday glow, try to get enough sleep, drink water, and manage stress levels. On top of hydration, consider wearing accessories like hats and sunglasses for added sun protection. They help protect against UV rays and prevent skin damage caused by sun exposure. PS Avoid long periods of exposure to air-conditioned spaces or dry cabin air to keep skin from drying out.
7. Protect Skin With Thoughtful Preparation
Planning ahead is essential to protecting skin during an active holiday. Be mindful of the destination’s climate, pack travel-friendly products, and maintain a consistent routine. Most importantly, listen to your skin—it will tell you when it needs more hydration or sun protection. Stick to a skincare routine that fits your holiday activities, and our skin will thank us for it. Incorporating these simple skincare habits will ensure that the active holidays remain a fun, stress-free time—without worrying about skin. Whether trekking through mountains or lounging at the beach, skin will be glowing and healthy, ready to face whatever adventure comes next.
8. Limit Sugar, Fried Foods And Alcohol
Avoid holiday breakouts and bloating by keeping sugar, fried foods, and alcohol to a minimum. Sugar face is a real thing and holiday desserts and pies can lead to blemishes. Also, if prone to flushing, think twice about holiday cocktails, which can leave us red faced. Instead, drink a club soda with citrus and seek out foods rich in omega 3’s such as salmon, walnuts, and flax seeds.Boost the antioxidant intake with plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables.
9. Beauty Sleep
The restorative powers of sleep are essential to a clear and glowing complexion. To keep the body replenished and regenerated, try to maintain bedtime routines while traveling. Changing time zones? Get the circadian rhythm back on track by getting natural light during the day and minimizing exposure to blue light, bright lamps, computer, television and cell phone screens. Invest in a high quality eye-mask to boost melatonin levels. Melatonin promotes healthy sleep and also acts as an antioxidant, anti-aging molecule and a chemotoxicity reducing agent.
10. Skincare Begins In The Flight
If it’s a long haul flight, remove all the makeup. Liquid foundations, when mixed with the still air in the cabin and the lack of humidity, leave pores clogged. After cleansing with an oil cleanser like MAC Cosmetics Hyper Real Fresh Canvas Cleansing Oil and a wipe, slather on your favourite face cream. Why? The stale air circulating sucks out all the moisture in our facial skin. If you’re sitting by the window, you’ll need sunscreen. UVA rays manage to seep in easily and can lead to sun damage. Dry eyes are another major concern; carry eye drops to prevent burning or stinging eyes.
Why Sunscreen Is Necessary During The Holidays
It’s easy to assume that sunscreen is only necessary during the summer months, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. Winter sun can harm skin, especially when it reflects off snow or ice during the holidays. In fact, up to 80% of UV rays can still reach our skin on cloudy days. Prolonged exposure to UV radiation, even in colder weather, can cause skin damage, premature ageing, and increase the risk of skin cancer. That’s why sunscreen should remain a key part of our daily skincare routine, regardless of the temperature or the presence of sunshine.
For travels in winter, choose a lightweight, hydrating sunscreen that provides broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays. Look for formulas that protect but also moisturise, with ingredients like hyaluronic acid or glycerin to keep skin hydrated during the colder months. A sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher is ideal, and it should be reapplied every two hours, especially if you’re spending time outdoors. Don’t let the winter chill fool you—shielding skin from harmful UV rays year-round is a must for maintaining healthy, glowing skin.
Neutrogena’s Hydro Boost Water Gel Lotion SPF50 combines broad-spectrum sun protection with its signature hyaluronic acid-infused formula, to deliver intense hydration while shielding our skin from UV rays. Clinique Pep-Start™ Daily UV Protector Broad Spectrum SPF 50 has a 100 percent mineral formula that protects skin against UVA and UVB rays with a powerhouse SPF 50. And Shiseido’s sunscreen is a water-resistant gel with special WetForce technology for non-greasy wear. The soothing gel consistency also works on calming irritated and inflamed skin.
10 frequently asked questions about skincare during active holidays
Why is skincare important during active holidays?
Active holidays expose your skin to various environmental factors such as sun, wind, and different climates, which can lead to dryness, sunburn, or irritation. Proper skincare helps protect and maintain healthy skin.How can I prevent sunburn while outdoors?
Always apply broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30, and reapply every 2 hours. Consider wearing hats, sunglasses, and UV-protective clothing for added protection.What skincare products should I pack for the mountains or the beach?
A basic skincare kit should include a gentle cleanser, hydrating moisturizer, sunscreen and a lip balm with SPF. Is cold, dry mountain air part of the itinerary? Pack heavy-duty moisturisers that can seal in the moisture. If it’s the beach a sunscreen is non-negotiable.How can I keep my skin hydrated during outdoor activities?
Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated from the inside. Use a lightweight, hydrating moisturizer to lock in moisture and protect your skin from drying out due to sun and wind exposure.Should I use different skincare products for hot vs. cold climates?
Yes. In hot climates, opt for lightweight, oil-free products to avoid clogging pores. In cold climates, use richer, more emollient moisturizers to prevent skin from becoming dry or chapped.How can I protect my skin after a day of outdoor activities?
After a long day in the sun or wind, cleanse your skin to remove dirt and sweat, then apply a nourishing moisturizer to replenish lost hydration and soothe the skin.Is it necessary to wear sunscreen even on cloudy days?
Yes, UV rays can penetrate through clouds, so it’s essential to wear sunscreen every day, even if it looks overcast.What’s the best way to keep skin hydrated during long flights?
Drink ample amounts of water, keep your skin moisturised, and don’t forget to nourish skin with a face serum throughout the trip.What are the best skincare ingredients for active holiday skin protection?
Look for skincare products containing antioxidants like vitamin C, calming ingredients like aloe vera, and moisturizing agents like hyaluronic acid to protect and repair your skin.- What are essential skincare products for long trips?
When traveling for long hours, ensure to take a broad-spectrum sunscreen, face cleaners, moisturiser, and face serum along to keep skin nourished and hydrate
Jasmeen Dugal is Associate Editor at FashionABC, contributing her insights on fashion, technology, and sustainability. She brings with herself more than two decades of editorial experience, working for national newspapers and luxury magazines in India.
Jasmeen Dugal has worked with exchange4media as a senior writer contributing articles on the country’s advertising and marketing movements, and then with Condenast India as Net Editor where she helmed Vogue India’s official website in terms of design, layout and daily content. Besides this, she is also an entrepreneur running her own luxury portal, Explosivefashion, which highlights the latest in luxury fashion and hospitality.
