Travel is exciting, whether it’s a family vacation, a beach getaway, or a quick weekend trip. But if you are working hard to clear acne, traveling can sometimes lead to unexpected breakouts.
At Face Five Acne Clinic, we often see clients return from vacation with new breakouts. Most of the time, it’s not the travel itself that causes the problem; it’s the disruption of a consistent skincare routine, using unfamiliar products, or exposure to different climates.
The good news is that with a little preparation, you can protect your skin while still enjoying your trip. Here are some important travel skincare tips for acne-prone skin.
What To Do: Stay Consistent With Your Skincare Routine
If you are trying to clear acne, it is very important to continue your recommended skincare routine, even when you are traveling.
Consistency is key when it comes to clearing acne. Your skin relies on active products to keep pores clear and prevent buildup.
Acne-prone skin sheds skin cells up to five times faster than normal skin. When those extra skin cells are not properly removed, they start to accumulate inside the pores and create clogging.
This is why active acne-clearing products are so important. If you stop using them for just a few days while traveling, clogging can begin to build up inside the pores, which may lead to breakouts shortly after.
Before leaving for your trip, make sure you:
- Pack your full skincare routine
- Bring travel-size containers if necessary (or check out our select Travel-Sized Cleansers, Toners, and Moisturizers!)
- Continue using your active products consistently
Even a short break from your routine can slow down your progress.
What To Do: Wear the Right Sunscreen
Sunscreen is extremely important while you are on vacation, especially if you are spending more time outdoors.
Many people think sunscreen is not a big deal for acne-prone skin, but sun exposure can actually stress and damage the skin. When skin becomes irritated from sun exposure, it heals more slowly. This can cause breakouts to take longer to clear and can make acne marks or scars fade more slowly.
Another important thing to remember is that many sunscreens are not acne-safe.
Most chemical sunscreens commonly available at stores can be skin-irritating and pore-clogging for acne-prone skin. One of the biggest mistakes people make while traveling is borrowing sunscreen from a friend at the pool or beach.
Unfortunately, that sunscreen may contain ingredients that trigger breakouts.
Instead:
- Bring your own acne-safe sunscreen
- Apply it regularly when you are outdoors
- Avoid sharing sunscreen with friends or family
Using the right sunscreen helps protect your skin while preventing unnecessary irritation and congestion.
What Not To Do: Rely on Hotel Skincare Products
Many people assume they can simply use the skincare products provided by hotels. While they may look luxurious, most of these products are not suitable for acne-prone skin.
Hotel skincare products are typically formulated for dry or aging skin, which means they are often rich, heavy, and full of moisturizing ingredients that can easily clog pores.
Even a few days of using these products can trigger congestion and lead to breakouts.
To protect your skin while traveling, always bring:
- Your acne-safe skincare products
- Your acne-safe haircare products as well (Check out our Pinterest to see what Haircare products are acne-safe!)
Hair products can also contain pore-clogging ingredients that can lead to breakouts along the hairline, forehead, and back.
Using the products you already know work for your skin is always the safest choice. However, if you don’t know if all your skincare, haircare, or makeup is acne-safe, check out our Pore-Clogging Ingredient Checker!
What To Do: Adjust for the Climate
Another important travel skincare tip is adjusting your routine based on the climate where you are going.
For example, you might be leaving dry winter weather and traveling to a warm, humid beach destination. If your skin has been on a routine designed for dry winter conditions, it may need small adjustments when you arrive somewhere hot and humid.
In warmer climates, where you may be sweating more throughout the day, you might need:
- Lighter products
- Extra sun protection
- Additional cleansing after sweating
If you are unsure how to adjust your skincare routine for a different climate, it’s always best to ask for guidance before you travel.
Enjoy Your Vacation Without the Breakouts
No one wants to deal with breakouts during vacation or return home to a sudden flare-up.
The best way to prevent this is to stay consistent with your routine, bring acne-safe products, and prepare for the climate you are traveling to. Want to discover other ways to stay clear on the go? Check out our Summer Adventure Skincare Tips!
If you are unsure how to adjust your skincare routine for your upcoming trip, feel free to fill out our Skincare Routine Assessment. We’re always happy to help guide you so you can enjoy your vacation without worrying about your skin.
Make sure to share this blog on travel skincare tips for acne-prone skin with someone who needs it! After all, the only thing anyone should be bringing back from vacation is great memories, not breakouts.
Yuki Stauffer, is a licensed Colorado Esthetician, Functional Nutrition Coach, Certified Acne Specialist, Preventive Health Instructor, and Medical Interpreter. Her Acne Solution Program offers personalized skincare, diet, and lifestyle guidance to empower clients in overcoming acne.
With expertise in skincare and a dedication to helping others, Yuki provides customized consultations and Face Five Skincare products, both in-office and online.