As someone who has struggled with ‘problem skin’ my entire life, traveling has only added more complexity to my routine. As with both eating and exercise, I’ve had to find a skincare road routine that works for me. Over the years, I’ve found things that did and didn’t work. I’m not the kind of person who wants to have an extensive routine. Maybe I’d have better skin if I put on 5 different serums, creams, and oils, I’m not sure. I do know, though, that in general, I want a Goldie Locks routine: it doesn’t take forever or requires a lot of steps, and my skin isn’t too unhappy. Marriott hotels have decent moisturizers and shampoos/conditioners in a pinch, but I don’t love their products for my face. As such, there are certain products I like to bring with me on the road. I’ve also tried to prioritize skincare to keep it as happy as it can be all the time – not just on the road.

Find A Good Facial Cleanser

I have had such a hard time finding a cleanser for my face, so I’ve outlined below some of the ones that have really worked best for my skin. Cleansers, in my experience, are very personal. What works for me, may or may not work for you. The ones I list below are tried and true by both me and friends, as well as hundreds of others.

To give some background, I have combination skin and lots of pigmentation on my face. I get both small and large, cystic acne (yay) so I need something that will tackle both. I’m also super sensitive to random scents and ingredients. If something is too intense on acne fighting, my skin becomes a dry, inflamed, flaky mess. If it’s too gentle, it doesn’t touch my acne. Maskne has been a real problem during the pandemic. As such, my favorite cleaner products are listed below:

Origins Clear Improvement Charcoal Mask

I love a good charcoal mask. Something about them just feels cleansing. This one, in particular, leaves my skin feeling super smooth the next day and taut – but in a good way. If you get a travel bottle, you can bring some with you on your carry-on, and get your spa night on. It’s easy to apply and easy to wash off with warm water. It’s really helpful at reducing breakouts when I have a bunch of small pimples brooding under the surface.

Other Skincare Tips

There are a few other things over the years that I’ve found are critical components to keeping my skin healthy and happy.

Avoid Dairy & Sugar…and Booze

I know, it’s all the fun stuff, but all of these substances can wreak havoc on our skin. I don’t even have a lactose problem, but if I eat a lot of dairy, it not only messes up my skin but also my digestive tract.

Everyone knows sugar. Our good friend. Our celebratory substance from 3 to 103. It’s delicious, but too much sugar can cause breakouts. There’s definitely space for it in your diet, however, it may be something you want to think more about while you’re traveling. I try to keep my sugar and dairy to a minimum to keep my GI tract running smoothly and not get too bogged down with things that I know keep me, personally, running slower.

Alcohol is an easy one to understand avoidance. It just doesn’t have any redeeming qualities, other than temporary relaxation (for some), followed by increased anxiety, worse sleep, and long-lasting poor decision-making skills. For me, I found that drinking on the road made me feel like garbage, so I’ve essentially stopped. It’s totally up to you how you want to structure your own road routine. Consider removing or limiting your booze on the road. Your brain, living, and stomach will thank you in meetings the next day.

Hydrate!

If there’s one thing I’ll keep drilling into you, it’s this: drink. more. water. It’s really as simple as that. Most of us likely don’t drink enough water as it is, but when you’re traveling, you’re being exposed to significantly higher rates of dehydration. I bring a Hydroflask with me everywhere I go. It’s a double-wall stainless steel travel mug, and it is awesome. So awesome, in fact, that I have 3, and bought my partner one for our first Christmas together. Everyone that has a Hydroflask does nothing but sing its praises, myself included.

It keeps hot things hot and cold things cold for a very long time. It’s super durable – mine has fallen down flights of stairs and been banged around airplanes, cars, and mountains while hiking. Mine have gotten dents here or there – war wounds, I say – and they’re all still just as good as the day I bought them. It’s not the cheapest travel bottle, but it will last you a really long time. If you grab one of these, a lot of airports now have communal – hands-free – water fountains in which you can refill reusable bottles. It helps me feel environmentally friendly while also ensuring that I prioritize getting enough water.

Overall,

The products you use on your skin can have a huge impact on how it looks. What goes on – and in – your body really affects it. When traveling, your body is already dealing with more stress, so acne is probable anyways. Do yourself a favor, pack a few of the things I listed above, eat less dairy and sugar, and drink less alcohol and more water. If you can do those things, your skin will thank you, both on and off the road.