Don’t get me wrong. I absolutely love traveling. But what I don’t love is the havoc it often wreaks on my skin. I’ve been struggling with a damaged barrier, sensitivity, and breakouts lately, so you can imagine a week and a half of straight traveling didn’t exactly do it any favors. When I got home from two different trips recently, my skin needed a little extra TLC. I decided to invoke my inner aesthetician and give myself a few at-home skincare treatments that turned things around. Whether you need a good moisturizer, cleanser, or face mask to help your skin reset after traveling, keep reading. I’m sharing a few of my favorites for this ahead.
Tower 28
SOS Daily Skin Barrier Redness Recovery Moisturizer
If you struggle with skin that’s barrier-damaged, sensitive, or prone to breakouts, this is definitely a moisturizer you shouldn’t sleep on. I’ve always struggled to find the right moisturizer for my skin because it deals with all of the above-mentioned things (super fun). This one is the perfect (intentionally) basic moisturizer that contains a blend of four types of hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and allantoin to really rehydrate the skin without clogging your pores. It’s the perfect moisturizer for someone with skin like mine, and it works so well to rehydrate my skin after traveling.
Dieux
Auracle Peptide & Antioxidant Eye Gel
Long travel days and lots of outdoor activities always equal serious under-eye bags for me. This hydrating gel-cream from Dieux presses the delete button on those almost instantly. To really lock in that extra hydration, I’ll pair this with the brand’s reusable eye patches ($25).
SOFIE PAVITT FACE
Mandelic Clearing Serum
I never run out of good things to say about this gentle exfoliating serum from esteemed NYC aesthetician Sofie Pavitt. Pavitt subscribes to the belief that if you’re struggling with breakouts, a gentle daily exfoliant is the ticket rather than using harsher actives. I’ve found this to be the case for me, and this serum literally tackles a few concerns at once—fine lines, dryness, and acne. I love it and use it every other day, alternating with my gentle retinoid serum.
Sofie Pavitt Face
Clean Clean Cleanser
This is one of the best foaming cleansers I’ve used because it’s ultra gentle, hydrates the skin, and even calms inflammation with allantoin and panthenol. It’s great to use after traveling if you’re dealing with any fresh breakouts.
I know this serum is pricey, but I wouldn’t include it on this list if it weren’t totally and completely worth it. I used this serum both while traveling and after, and it’s honestly one of the best serums I’ve used for irritated, acne-prone skin. It contains only eight (EWG-verified) ingredients with a high concentration of the brand’s patented TSC molecule that calms inflammation and delivers intense hydration to the skin. It’s tough to find serums when you have super-sensitive skin, but I can say this one worked wonders for mine even in the short two or so weeks that I’ve been using it. The brand’s Cleansing Oil ($85) is equally as good, which removes makeup, dirt, and impurities in a flash before I go in with my second cleanser.
Medik8
Crystal Retinal 1 Serum
I’m a huge fan of this retinoid from Medik8. I can’t even tell you how frustrating it has been trying to find a retinoid that works for my super-sensitive skin. This one causes no irritation but is still super effective. I’ve only been using it consistently for two and a half weeks, but I’m already starting to notice positive results. My skin is clearer, and the texture of it is smoothing out quite a bit. I also love that the brand has different strengths for different skin types. I’m starting off slow with the level one serum but will see if I can work my way up.
Kibon
Radiance Sheet Mask With Lipobuty Technology
As soon as I got home from my trip, I immediately went for one of these radiance-boosting sheet masks from Kibon because my skin was looking a bit dull. The unique delivery system allows for maximum absorption into the skin, and it really helps calm any inflammation, redness, and active breakouts. You also just have the most incredible glow after using one.
Soft Services
Carea Cream Moisturizing + Softening Body Lotion
I have a not-so-secret obsession with Soft Services. If you like being enveloped in a cloud of soothing, creamy hydration on a daily basis, then you should definitely try this body cream from the brand. Like I said above, my skin gets so dehydrated after traveling due to dry air on planes. This lotion not only hydrates your skin with a hefty dose of urea, squalane, and colloidal oatmeal, but also gently exfoliates. Don’t worry; if you have sensitive skin like I do, this one will most likely be a winner for you, too.
Soft Services
Theraplush Overnight Repair Treatment
I tend to wash my hands a lot more when abroad since I’m in an unfamiliar place, but that also means my hands get dry AF.
Epicutis
Lipid Recovery Mask
Clearly, sheet masks are my go-to skincare recovery items after traveling. Like I mentioned above, I’m really loving Epicutis right now and its irritation- and acne-soothing products. These sheet masks are an ultra-concentrated version of the brand’s lipid serum. Like the serum, these leave my skin so soft, hydrated, and calm. I was immediately impressed after using just one sheet mask.
Evian
Natural Mineral Water Facial Spray
I always keep a bottle of Evian’s facial spray handy on trips and after to spritz my face throughout the day. I like to use this with my hyaluronic acid–rich products to help lock water-based hydration into my skin.
Trust me; I’m aware that this device is not going to be a realistic buy for most people, but if you do have the budget for this, I can’t say enough good things about it. You do have to be consistent and use it every day to really see those results, but if you can make the commitment, you’ll notice a reduction in fine lines, redness, dark spots, and acne. I’ve been using mine for about three months now and have noticed a dramatic improvement in the quality of my skin.
Clarins
Double Serum Eye Firming & Hydrating Anti-Aging Concentrate
When I need something that provides heavy-duty hydration around the eye area, I break out the big guns. This eye serum from Clarins is the ticket. It’s super buttery, hydrating, smoothing, and firming. While it might provide a hefty dose of moisture, it never feels greasy, is super lightweight, and doesn’t cause mascara to run.
Maria Nila
Head & Hair Heal Beauty Bag
This is more for scalp and hair TLC post-traveling, but IMO, that’s equally important. This new collection from one of my favorite haircare brands Maria Nila soothes your scalp and adds so much extra hydration to your strands. It also helps strengthen your hair, boosting natural hair growth.