Travel can be kind to your mind but tough on your skin. New climates, extra sun, and long flights can all damage your skin’s look and feel.

When it comes to skincare for travel, we recommend using ingredients that naturally hydrate, like squalane, and help protect your skin barrier, like vitamin B12. Maintaining your skincare regimen with the right formulations can keep your skin looking and feeling healthy, long after your trip ends.

With travel comes new environments and changing temperatures that can create a lot of stress for your skin.

Irritated skin, dehydration, breakouts, and clogged pores are just some of the short-term effects you might experience while travelling. Factors like low relative humidity, hot and cold temperatures, and sun exposure are often to blame. Let’s take a closer look.

Relative Humidity

Research shows that low relative humidity can decrease skin hydration. Airplanes are a prime example of a low humidity environment.

During a flight, the air outside gets cold while the air inside the plane stays at a comfortable temperature, causing the relative humidity to fall. That’s why your skin can sometimes feel dry or flaky after a flight.

Hot and Cold Temperatures

Cold temperatures can make it harder for your skin barrier to recover. Cold weather also causes your skin’s water content to decrease while forcing the existing water out of the epidermis. The result: dry, dehydrated skin.

In contrast, warm, humid weather typically improves hydration by helping the skin hold more water.

Sun Exposure

UV radiation is one of the most common skin stressors during travel. It absorbs UV photons and generates free radicals that cause oxidative stress.

As a result, sun exposure can damage your skin. This leads to various challenges over time, including decreased collagen production, and reduced elasticity.

Prepare for your next trip with gentle, lightweight skincare products that keep skin hydrated without feeling heavy. Here are 6 products to moisturize and strengthen your skin barrier mid (and post) travel.

1. Soothing & Barrier Support Serum

This multi-active serum provides an immediate 86% boost in skin hydration*, making it a great choice for the dry environment of an airplane. It also strengthens the skin barrier to help maintain a smooth, healthy look and feel while also reducing the look of redness. Discover our pink serum.

2. Natural Moisturizing Factors + Beta Glucan

A lightweight gel moisturizer, perfect for warm days when cream-based moisturizers feel too heavy. Beta Glucan works to retain moisture and support other ingredients in the formula to hydrate the skin and strengthen its barrier. Find out more about Natural Moisturizing Factors + Beta Glucan.

3. Natural Moisturizing Factors + PhytoCeramides

This nourishing cream seals in moisture and targets dryness with a triple-action approach. It’s optimal for boosting hydration mid-flight or retaining moisture. The plant-derived phytoceramides also help to give your skin a fresher, more plump look. Learn more.

4. Squalane + Amino Acids Lip Balm

This multi-use moisturizing balm leverages squalane to soften and hydrate the lips, elbows, and cuticles. It’s also formulated with a unique blend of amino acids to retain and lock in moisture, which is ideal during long flights. Get yours here.

5. Balancing & Clarifying Serum

If you’re prone to blemishes, redness, or excess oil while travelling, this serum can help. It provides all-day hydration while strengthening the skin barrier and reducing signs of skin congestion, such as excess shine, without drying or stripping the skin. Add Balancing & Clarifying Serum to your packing list.

6. Additional Travel-Sized Products

Formulations that offer multiple benefits allow you to pack less. Finding them in airline-approved sizes is a bonus. Pack light with a few of our other favourite products under 100ml:

• Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA (30ml): Hydrates, protects, and improves barrier function.
• Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner (100ml): Smooths, brightens, and reduces fine lines.
• Multi-Peptide Eye Serum (15ml): Targets puffiness, dark circles, and signs of aging.

Make sure to check carry-on size limits for liquids before getting to the airport.

Caring for your skin before a flight can help you retain moisture and strengthen your skin barrier.

First, gently cleanse your skin to remove makeup and excess dirt. Our Squalane Cleanser provides extra hydration to prepare your skin for the moisture it might lose mid-flight.

Next, use your choice of serum and moisturizer from the list of products above. This will help protect your skin barrier and seal in hydration before take-off.

Lastly, apply an SPF to help avoid sun damage. Studies show UV radiation levels are higher at the altitude of most flights. Protecting your skin can help prevent UVA exposure through airplane windows.

Your skincare should keep working while you’re on vacation. To help avoid skin stress, travel with skincare products that are:

• Lightweight and gentle: Some harsh ingredients can increase irritation and risk of sun damage.


• Hydrating: High-quality moisturizing ingredients can counteract dryness caused by airplanes and cold weather.


• Protective: Choose formulations that support your skin barrier.


• Familiar: Your skin is already adapting to a new environment. Introducing new ingredients can make it more difficult for your skin to do so.


• Carry-on sized: Keep your travel skincare favourites close by. That way you can hydrate, soothe, and support your skin when it needs it most.

Explore our top skincare for travel here. Then read our layering guide to find the best regimen for your skin type and travel itinerary.

Most of all, have a great trip. We’re jealous.