Do’s and Don’ts When Traveling—The Ultimate Jetsetters Skincare Guide Blog
Whether you’re off to Cabo, the Amalfi Coast, or just visiting your in-laws in Milwaukee (we won’t judge), travel can wreak havoc on your skin. Dry airplane air? Check. Disrupted sleep? Check. Hotel soap that smells like despair? Unfortunately, yes. But don’t worry, this jetsetter’s skincare guide will keep your glow intact from wheels up to wheels down.
Why Skincare is Important When Traveling
To some, worrying about skincare while traveling may seem trivial, but it’s actually more important than one might think. Most people are unaware of the intense conditions their skin endures while traveling and how it may impact them in both the short and long term. Just think: you’re being exposed to more sun, pollution, and bacteria from the car, to the airport, plane, and new location. Airplanes are essentially skin dehydration chambers; changes in water quality, climate, and altitude can cause your skin to break out or dry out, and jet lag disrupts your cortisol levels, leading to inflammation. To maintain your soft, glowing skin, you must have a plan.
We’ll show you what to do.
Do This or Regret It
First things first: hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. Your skin is basically begging for moisture the second you step into that dry airplane cabin. Think of a travel-sized hyaluronic acid serum or a facial mist as your skin’s emotional support water bottle. Lock that hydration in with a rich moisturizer—yes, even if you normally use a lighter one. Flying sucks the life out of your skin, so this is not the time to play it minimal. And don’t forget SPF! Just because you’re 30,000 feet above sea level doesn’t mean you’re safe from UV rays. Plane windows may appear innocent, but they do let UV rays in, so apply SPF before boarding and reapply if you’re on a long-haul flight.
Stick with your usual skincare routine as closely as possible to avoid angry skin rebellion mid-vacation. That means packing minis or decanting your tried-and-true products instead of relying on whatever the hotel provides in tiny bottles. Oh, and bring lip balm and under-eye cream. Your lips and eyes are the first to show dehydration, and nothing screams “I just got off a flight” like dry, chapped lips and creased concealer.
Steer CLEAR of This
Travel is not the time to experiment. No new retinols, no toners you’ve never tried, nothing new. We are not risking a breakout or irritation in a new climate, thousands of miles from your usual bathroom mirror. That also means skipping hotel skincare, even if it smells nice. Also, don’t fall into the trap of skipping your skincare routine just because you’re exhausted after a day of sightseeing. We get it—12,000 steps, one too many spritzes of prosecco, and suddenly removing makeup feels like climbing a mountain. But trust: you’ll regret it when you wake up with clogged pores and zero glow.
While it’s tempting to use exfoliants or harsh scrubs after travel to “fix” everything, please don’t. Your skin is already stressed from the changes in air, water, and sleep, and you don’t want to strip it of its natural balance even more. Take a beat, hydrate, and ease back into your active ingredients when you’re home. Also, avoid wearing heavy makeup on the plane. Your skin wants to breathe while you’re flying, not suffocate under layers of foundation. If you need to look your best for your arrival, opt for a tinted moisturizer and some concealer—keep it light and skin-friendly. And this may go without saying, but don’t touch your face with hands that are grimy from the airport or plane. Wipe down your phone, wash your hands, and carry sanitizer, because nothing ruins vacation vibes faster than a breakout caused by airplane bacteria.
Conclusion & Consultation
Traveling doesn’t have to come at the cost of your skin. A few simple swaps and thoughtful preparation can keep your complexion glowing, no matter the time zone. If you need help creating the perfect travel-ready skincare routine, we’ve got you covered. We’ll help you curate the ultimate skincare travel routine and connect you with prep treatments, such as facelifts, and post-travel care, like microneedling. Contact us at 248-254-3246 or use our consultation request form to get started.
Why Work with Revive Medical Spa in Detroit
At Revive Medical Spa, we know how to keep your glow going, even when you’re crossing time zones. Our team can recommend the perfect pre-trip treatments, post-vacation refreshers, and TSA-approved products to help your skin thrive from Detroit to Dubai. Let us build your custom skincare itinerary, so the only thing that’s stressed is your suitcase zipper.
For over seven years, Revive Medical Spa has been a trusted destination for advanced cosmetic treatments and radiant results in the Detroit area. We offer more than just aesthetic services; we’ve created a calming, boutique-style atmosphere where self-care feels luxurious and personalized.
Founded in Farmington Hills and led by Ardis Schmitt, RN, BSN—an Allergan-Certified Expert Master Injector—our team combines extensive training with a passion for helping patients feel confident in their skin. We prioritize safety, innovation, and individualized care, staying at the forefront of the latest aesthetic advancements so you can enjoy results that look as natural as they feel empowering.
