5 Tips for Preventing Skin Breakouts While Traveling
Traveling, however pleasant and exciting, can be really stressful for your skin because of dry air on the plane, a change of climate, a lack of sleep, jet lag, new cuisine, etc. All this stress can result in skin breakouts that are known as vacation acne or airplane acne. Here are a few tips for preventing blemishes and keeping your skin clear while traveling.Exfoliate Before You Travel
Before you travel, cleanse your skin to remove dead skin cells that may clog your pores and lead to breakouts. Mechanical exfoliation isn’t the best idea because scrubs, event the gentlest ones, may irritate or scratch your skin. A low-concentration AHA/BHA acid peel treatment will gently exfoliate your skin without damaging or dehydrating it, making you better prepared for the trip. If you haven’t exfoliated before the trip, you can do it on your first vacation day. Just don’t forget to moisturize and apply sunscreen afterwards because exfoliation leaves your skin more vulnerable to UV radiation.
Check this out: How to Exfoliate Sensitive Skin
Stay Hydrated
Cabin air on a plane is usually much drier than normal (according to the World Health Organization, humidity in airplane cabins is usually less than 20%, whereas normal humidity in a house is between 30% and 50%). It strips your skin of moisture, making it produce more sebum (skin oil) to prevent further dehydration and protect itself. This oil builds up and mixes with dead skin cells, clogging your pores and causing blackheads and pimples. To stay hydrated during a flight, drink plenty of water, avoid coffee and alcohol, and pamper yourself with a hydrating sheet mask.
Check this out: How to Pick the Right Moisturizer for Your Skin Type
Don’t Neglect Your Skincare Routine
We realize that it may be hard to stick to your skincare regimen while traveling, but you shouldn’t neglect the essential skincare routine steps if you want your skin to stay healthy and clear during your vacation. Cleansing, toning, moisturizing and sun protection are a must! To reduce the stress your skin has to endure during traveling, pack travel size versions of your favorite skincare products. And please, make sure that your skincare and makeup products are non-comedogenic, i.e. don’t clog pores.
Check this out: 7 Basic Steps of a Proper Skincare Routine
Keep Bacteria at Bay
New types of bacteria that your skin isn’t familiar with are a common cause of vacation acne. To prevent your skin from breaking out, you should keep your hands off your face, wear light makeup, and keep a pack of blotting sheets or antibacterial wipes handy. If you get a single pimple, use an anti-acne patch or a spot treatment to reduce redness, swelling and inflammation. Such treatments usually contain ingredients that specifically target blemishes, such as salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, zinc, tea tree oil, etc.
Check this out: 4 Natural Products to Get Rid of Acne Scars
Be Careful with Local Cuisine
Local dishes that your stomach isn’t used to can cause acne breakouts, especially when they’re greasy, sugary or spicy. Of course, we can’t ask you to stay away from them at all costs because getting acquainted with local cuisine is one of the most fun things about traveling. However, we do recommend that you be careful; don’t overindulge on exotic street food, always have antihistamines and OTC digestive medications on hand, and make sure there are cultured dairy products and fresh veggies in your vacation diet.
Check this out: How to Make a Healthy Breakfast
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