How To Revive Your Skin After A Long Day Of Traveling

Often, when we need a break from the stressors of everyday life, the answer to our problems is to go on a little getaway. Taking a vacation to explore new, exciting parts of the world can shake us out of our routine and give us a sense of peace. And although travel can put our minds at ease, it can have the opposite effect on our skin, leading to more acne and texture issues than at home. 

The skin is a delicate organ system, and keeping it balanced is a challenge for many of us while at home, let alone on the move to a foreign landscape. If you're concerned about how your trip will affect your skin health, we have some pre-trip tips that can reduce travel stress and rejuvenate your complexion after a long day. We want you to break out of your comfort zone, not to break out on your skin.

If your ego is somewhat fragile, we do not recommend looking in the mirror after a long flight or car ride. If you do, you'll probably notice your skin has digressed in every category. Hydration? Forget it. Firmness? Kaput. And don't even ask about the bags that would have inevitably formed under your eyes. Sitting in place for long periods without fresh air is a recipe for puffiness, inflammation, and magnified wrinkles.

Dermatologist Rina Allawh, MD, told Tatler Asia, "With cold, dry air on the aircraft, our skin becomes increasingly dry and thirsty for hydration." And if you are on a long road trip, the same can happen if the car air recirculates due to high air-conditioning. Because of this, we highly recommend you pack a hydrating facial mask or moisturizer suited to your skin type.

Overly dry skin can not only cause your skin to look dull and deepen fine lines, but it can also lead to an overproduction of acne-causing skin oils as your body tries to course correct. To ensure these oils don't get trapped under dry skin cells and result in a breakout, try exfoliating with a gentle chemical wash or facial before you set off.

Spending your vacation across the world can be so fulfilling and freeing, but getting there is usually the worst part. A small sacrifice for a load of benefits, but a sacrifice nonetheless. This is especially true if you travel across multiple time zones. Losing sleep and throwing off your circadian rhythm can do a number on your skin.

The effects of jet lag usually only last up to two days, but until you catch up on sleep, your skin might suffer. In an interview with Real Simple, triple board-certified Dermatopathologist Gretchen Frieling, MD, shared, "When you get less sleep, you affect your skin's pH levels, which lowers the moisture level and depletes your natural glow."

To get your skin back in shape, you must first and foremost make an effort to get your sleep schedule back on track and beat the jet lag. In addition, you'll want to assist your skin in returning to its optimal pH levels by repairing its protective barrier. To do so, avoid soap-containing cleansers, which are often too alkaline. Furthermore, apply products that will aid in healing your skin's surface, like ceramides and hyaluronic acid. After a few days into your trip, your skin should return to normal.