Traveling with Acne Prone Skin

If you have sensitive or acne prone skin and find yourself breaking out during your travels than this post is for you. Traveling can be a very stressful part for anyone. The stress can cause acne-prone skin to flare up. This can be frustrating as a breakout is the last thing you want to deal with during an already stressful day.

I know what it’s like to suddenly break out by the time you’ve reached the destination. Sensitive skin can become more inflamed, and you can experience more breakouts during travel. The stress, new environment and dirty surfaces can have an impact on your acne prone skin.

When I talk about having a travel skincare routine, I mean doing skincare while you are at the airport. It may seem like having a skin care routine while traveling can be a burden. Creating a travel skin routine doesn’t have to cause more stress. Traveling is already stressful enough. However, taking care of your skin doesn’t have to be.

Before reading this blog post, make sure that you have read my full disclosures. These are my opinions. I am not a registered Dermatologist or healthcare professional. This post is meant to be informative of everything I have learned through my own experience.

Challenges With Sensitive Skin

There are many factors that can arise when trying to figure out what causes skin breakouts when traveling. It took me a couple of years to see what was causing my breakouts. I first had to figure out what type of skin I have. I do have combination skin so it took awhile to create my travel skin care routine. I found the airplane air, dirty surfaces and even my neck pillow was causing my skin to breakout.

The new environment can have an impact on the skin. The airports and airplanes can harbor bacteria and dirt left by others. It is important to refrain from touching your face as much as possible. Bringing sanitary wipes can help keep your hands clean. Short layovers and connections can make it hard to wash your face. The small airplane bathrooms can also pose a challenge.

Products to Get You Started

Below is a list of products that I have personally tried when finding what works best for my skin type. I have a specific bag for my quick skincare routine during layovers.

Cleansers - It is important to note oil-based and water-based face cleansers.

1. CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser: This product help's retain moisture. This cleanser can also help irritated skin.

2. Cetaphil Gentle Cleaner: This product is a gentle, non-irritating formula for normal to dry skin. This cleaner can be used with or without water.

3. Albolene Moisturizing Cleanser: This product is a facial cleanser and cleansing balm. It has simple ingredients and is fragrance free. There is not water needed to use.

4. Micellar Cleansing Water: This is a gentle cleanser that removes dirt, oil and makeup without the need to rinse. This product is suitable for all skin types.

Toners & Mists:

1. CeraVe Hydrating Toner: Hydrating and gentle formula. This toner helps to rebalance the skin's pH.

2. 28 SOS Daily Rescue Facial Spray: A gentle formula for all skin types. This mist helps to improve skin tone.

3. Murad Clarifying Toner: Balances skin oils to prevent breakouts. It has a refreshing feeling but might be too drying for some.

Spot Treatment

1. Pimple patches

2. Neutrogena On the Spot Acne Treatment: This cream is lightweight and absorbs quickly. It can help new pimples from forming.

3. CeraVe Acne Control Gel: This gel is lightweight and is hydrating. This gel has can help strengthen the skin barrier.

   
   

Moisturizers

1. CeraVe Daily Moisturizer: This product is ideal for normal to dry skin. It has three ceramides to help the skin keep moisture. It also helps restores the skin's protective barrier.

2. E.L.F Holy Hydration! Face Cream: This cream uses peptides and hyaluronic acid. This product can help even out skin one and is non-greasy.

3. Cetaphil Oil-free Hydrating Lotion: Provides 24-hour moisture. This lotion can be the better option for those with combination skin.

4. Cetaphil Deep Hydration: This product is good for those with oily skin. It also can help improve quality of sensitive skin.

Other Products

1. Small liquid containers: Use 3oz containers for carry-ons.

2. Sanitizer wipes/liquid: Necessary to disinfect high tough surfaces such as airport chairs plane trays, seats, and windows.

3. Cotton Balls: To apply toner or cleansers.

4. Microfiber towels: Gentler on the skin than paper towels.

Create A Simple Travel Skincare Routine

You do not need a ten step or even five step skincare. This skincare should be quick and easy so you can be on your way boarding your next flight. My skincare on the go has three to four products.

Your skincare should start before arriving at the airport.

I stop any heavy exfoliators a week before my travel day. Exfoliating opens up the pores. This can make it easier for dirt to get into your pores. I try to give my pores enough time to heal and close before flying. The new environment with allergens and dirt can cause a breeding ground of bacteria that can cause me to breakout. In my at home skin care routine, I use niacinamide acid and snail mucus. These two products help with many skin problems and helps restore the skin's protective barrier. I make sure I use these products daily leading up to my travel day. Drinking water is also a great way to keep the skin hydrated. I drink water before and throughout the airport and on the airplane.

Before leaving for the airport, I will do my skin care routine a few hours before I leave. This helps the products absorb into my skin for better effectiveness. I will use my gentle facial cleanser, followed by my toner, hyaluronic acid and lastly my moisturizer. The skin care items that go on my carry on is usually the Cetaphil gentle cleanser, Albone cleanser, and my daily moisturizer. I also make sure to have my spot treatment, sanitizer wipes, and microfiber towels. If I have a long layover, I will bring my CeraVe renewing cleanser.

These are the only products I take on the plane with me. During my layover, I do not use any water to cleanse my face. I use the Albone cleansing balm first to remove any dirt and oil from my face. I can wipe away this balm with a microfiber towel. Next, I will use the Cetaphil gentle cleanser. You can also use this product without water. Just cleanse your face and wipe away the cleanser with a microfiber towel. Depending on how dry my face is, I will use my moisturizer. However, the cleansing balm and gentle cleanser does a good job and rehydrating my skin. If I have any acne forming, I will use my spot treatment gel or pimple patches. This routine takes me less than 10 minutes. I have found that this combination of skin care products helps me tremendously to manage my breakouts and inflamed skin.

Remember, it is trial and error to find the right routine that works best for your skin. It took me a long time to find what was right for me. It is important to know your skin type and to research products that are beneficial for specific skin types. Travel days are already stressful but your on-the-go skincare routine doesn't have to be. Remember, do not let any breakout get you down. You are going on vacation! Enjoy it!