The Best Summer Skincare for Travel
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When I think about summer, Ella Fitzgerald’s words always come to mind: “Summertime and the living is easy.” There’s something magical about hitting the road or catching a flight when the days are long and the sun is shining.
While I absolutely love the carefree vibe of summer adventures, I’ve learned that my skin doesn’t always feel the same way. Over the years, I’ve picked up a few tricks to keep my skin happy and healthy, no matter where my travels take me.
That’s why I’ve put together this guide, sharing my own tried-and-true summer travel skincare tips. With this, you can focus on making memories, not worrying about your skin!
Summer Travel Skincare
1. Stay On SPF Alert
When it comes to summer, sunscreen becomes my constant companion. Of course, I don’t skip SPF during winter months, but it’s almost instinctive to reach for it before heading out in the sun during summer.
One rule I always follow: apply sunscreen every day, not just when I’m outdoors. Even when I’m inside, I make it a part of my morning routine. I’ve learned it’s best to apply SPF about 15 minutes before going outside, so my skin has time to absorb it properly.
After trying countless brands, Sun Bum has become my go-to sunscreen. It’s expert-recommended, and honestly, it’s my favorite too!
2. Follow a Skincare Routine with Extra Care
One thing I swear by is spritzing my face with cool water throughout the day. It’s such a refreshing pick-me-up, especially when it’s hot out. I also like to add a Vitamin C serum to my lineup. My favorite is the Derma E Vitamin C serum. It’s vegan, cruelty-free, and gives my skin that healthy, hydrated glow I need on the go.
A couple of other tricks I’ve picked up: a quick fruit massage (think slices of cucumber or watermelon) can really revive tired skin, and adding a little mint to my bathwater feels amazing after a long day. These little rituals help keep my skin feeling fresh and nourished, no matter where my travels take me.
3. Use Light Makeup – Avoid too many layers of makeup
For me, summer is all about feeling free. Heading outside, soaking up the sun, and watching how the world comes alive after winter. When I’m out exploring, I definitely want my skin to feel as light and fresh as possible, which is why I always go for the ‘no makeup’ look.
One of my biggest travel skincare lessons has been to skip heavy makeup, especially during the hottest months. I’ve learned the hard way that piling on foundation, concealer, blush, bronzer, and powders just leads to cakey skin and clogged pores when you’re on the move.
Instead, I stick to a simple routine: a good moisturizer, SPF, a touch of primer, and maybe a bit of lightweight powder if I want to even out my skin tone. This way, my skin can breathe, and I avoid all those makeup mishaps that summer heat can bring.
4. Show little extra care for your eyes
One of the summer skincare tips that travelers tend to forget is to take care of their eyes. The skin around your eyes is the thinnest on your entire face. As you know the effect of stress comes as dark circles around your eyes. The wrinkles start showing first as the result of ageing. Your eyes need some extra care from the heat as well.
Big sunglasses that protect you from UV rays are the best. Two slices of cucumber, washing them from the cold water at the end of the day, or these hydrogel eye patches would work. You will feel a sense of relief even after a night’s use.
5. Keep a lip balm handy
Most people talk about chapped lips in winter, but I’ve found that my lips actually get just as dry, if not drier, during the summer. The heat and sun seem to zap all the moisture from my lips, and since lips can’t really hold onto hydration by themselves, I have to be proactive about keeping them soft and smooth.
I always keep a light lip balm in my bag (and reapply it throughout the day), and I make exfoliating my lips part of my weekly routine. At night, I like to use a richer lip mask to lock in moisture while I sleep. These simple steps help me keep my lips healthy and my smile ready for all those summer adventures.
6. Prepare yourself for some care from tanning
Whenever I head to the beach, I’ll admit I do love getting those natural tan lines as a little memento from my trip. But I’ve learned that enjoying the sun safely is way more important than soaking up every possible ray.
Overexposing my skin in the past has taught me that risks like sunburn, rashes, and even infections just aren’t worth it. Now, I never hit the sand without my trusty sunblock. I also make it a point to pack a big hat and wear light cover-ups, especially over the most sensitive areas of my skin. Sometimes I even take breaks in the shade to give my skin a rest.
For me, the key is striking a balance: I still get to enjoy the warmth and fun of the beach, but I do it in a way that keeps my skin healthy and happy.
7. Put on light moisturiser
When we hear the name moisturizer, we remember the heavy feeling on our skin during winters that protects us from the dry winters. It is necessary to have a layer of moisturizer in the summers too. You would need one when you can’t comprehend the sudden loss of moisture from your body.
There are many light hydrating moisturizers available in the market that you can opt to have that glow, dewy look maintained in the summers as well. Remember, it will make your skin look supple and healthy wherever you go.
Looking for a great moisturizer? CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion will be a game changer for you!
8. Bath regularly
People choose to take multiple baths during summers and it is considered healthy as well. However, when you are travelling in the sun for an entire day, it becomes a necessity. Some cool showers or an entire cool bath with an essential oil in the water with some cooling herbs can not only make rid of the bacteria on your body but will also serve as a cooling agent for your skin. You will feel the magic of the same when you step out in the sun, the next day.
9. Keep Yourself Hydrated – It Is A Priority
An increase in water intake becomes a habit during summer travels when you are going from one place to another all sweaty and heated up. As much as your internal organs need water to run efficiently, so does the largest organ of your body. Your skin needs a lot of moisture during summer and no matter how many layers you can put to protect the moisture, internal hydration is the most crucial to make you look healthy and fit.
Make sure to drink lots and lots of water while travelling, during summer.
10. Do not skip Exfoliation
I used to think exfoliating was a must-do every single day, especially after reading countless skincare blogs. But summer taught me otherwise. Over-exfoliating, especially when my skin is already sensitive from sun, sweat, and heat, can actually do more harm than good. I’ve learned to be much gentler with my skin during the warmer months.
Still, I don’t skip exfoliating entirely. I focus on areas that are prone to buildup, like my underarms, the backs of my knees, my neck, and my elbows.
A gentle exfoliator, used just a couple of times a week, helps keep those spots clean and smooth without causing irritation. It’s all about striking the right balance for my skin’s needs as I travel.
11. Use Aloe Vera : The Divine Remedy
Every other product that is available in the market has Aloe Vera and for all the good reasons. It is organic, it is herbal and it has remedial properties. The best part of all of it is it doesn’t have any side effects.
The gel of Aloe Vera can not only be used over your entire body but also in your hair scalp as well. It would be working as a cooling agent and would also work as medicine if you come across any skin problems during your travel plans.
12. Keep a spray of facial mist
We all love a little bit of mist anytime while we are travelling in the sun. It is both relaxing and refreshing. Some mild droplets on your face can go a long way under the sun. There are many mist products available in the market that can not only be rejuvenating but also be of your favorite fragrance.
13. Use blotting paper to absorb excess oil from your skin
Keeping my skin looking fresh during sweaty summer days is definitely a challenge. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve caught myself wiping sweat away, only to feel even more oily a few minutes later. But I’ve discovered one handy little tool that’s changed my summer skincare game: blotting paper.
Instead of reaching for tissues, I now keep blotting papers in my bag wherever I go. They’re not only more effective at soaking up excess oil, but they also help prevent bacteria buildup on my skin. Something I really appreciate when I’m traveling. Using blotting paper has become one of my favorite tips for staying shine-free and refreshed on the go.
14. Prep before pool time
Summertime is the pool time as well. Though as much as we are eager to splash into the water, we must be aware of the after-effects of the chlorine in the water and then direct exposure to the sun after that. It can cause dryness to the skin. Since no matter how much moisturizer we put on our body it is going to wash off in the pool.
If you have sensitive skin to chlorine, make sure to have lotion for that and apply a good moisturizer and SPF as soon as you dry yourself up after the fun in the pool.
15. Apply a touch of toner for extra cleanse
Toner has become a staple in my routine, especially during summer. Originally designed to clear out any lingering dirt from clogged pores, I’ve found that a good toner is a real game-changer for oily skin. After a thorough cleanse, I love swiping on a bit of toner to make sure my skin is truly clean and ready to enjoy the fresh summer air. My personal favorite is the CeraVe Hydrating Toner. It’s the only one I reach for these days.
All of these skincare tips and products have helped me maintain healthy, happy skin throughout my summer travels. I’ve learned to give my skin a little extra attention and care when I’m on the go, and it’s made all the difference.
What about you? Do you have any favorite summer skincare tips for travelers? I’d love to hear your go-to routines and products!