Skincare for globetrotters
SHOW UP: CLEANSE, MOISTURISE AND SUN-PROOF Build up a travel kit and pack according to climate and destination.
It’s almost the holidays again and that means hitting the road, the airport, or the harbour for a break. But a change in climate, whether the on-board dryness of an aircraft cabin, tropical climes of an island or the approaching South African winter, give your skin a bit of tender loving care too, it deserves a break.
Beauty and skincare senior consultant Candice Cochrane of Edgars Beauty shares some tips and tricks for loving your skin when globetrotting.
What are the essential skincare items for female travellers to maintain their routine without overpacking?
Build up a travel skincare kit, collect sample sizes and travel sizes of your most used products.
Focus on the essentials and consider the essential steps of cleansing, moisturising, sun protection, consider multi-functional products for example a serum that works as a make-up primer, a cleanser that doubles as a makeup remover.
Pack according to the climate and destination, cooler climates focus on hydration, warmer climates lighter moisturisers and always pack your SPF (sun protection factor) regardless of the destination.
How can I adapt my skincare routine for flights to prevent dryness and irritation?
In the days leading up to travel ensure you are staying hydrated and increasing your water intake. Keep your lips hydrated with a lip oil treatment, keep a facial mist on hand to continue to hydrate throughout your days.
Use hydrating ingredients such as Hyaluronic Acid and lock in all that hydrating goodness with a moisturiser and don’t forget your SPF.
Can you recommend a versatile, multi-purpose product suitable for various climates and skin types?
I swear by the Lancôme Genefique Concentrate Serum, enriched with 7 pre & probiotics. You can literally see results in seven days! It Reduces fine lines, firms your face, helps with uneven skin tone and textures and works brilliantly under make-up (I use it as a primer).
What are the best practices for skincare on long-haul flights to stay hydrated and refreshed?
Hydrate your face. Planes have the knack of drying out our skin, ensure you pack your own water bottle and ask the air hostess to fill it up throughout the flight. Choose a product that provides skin-quenching ingredients like Squalene and Ceramides!
Don’t forget the fine skin in your eye area and on your neck. Sunscreen on a plane is a must.
The sun is much stronger at 35 000 feet. Lock in all that moisture with a rich moisturiser.
Are there any specific ingredients or types of products to avoid while flying?
I wouldn’t go for any aesthetic treatments before a long-haul flight as no one wants dry and flaky skin when you are already in a dry environment.
How can I effectively protect my skin from the recycled air and potential germs in aircra ?
Take a break from make-up. Don’t forget your sunscreen, apply a hydrating or anti-aging serum, and use a deep hydrating moisturiser.
How should I modify my skincare routine when traveling from a cold to a tropical climate (and vice versa)?
Use a gentle cleanser twice a day to remove oil, sweat and makeup build up on the surface of your skin. Change your cleanser according to your skin’s response to your new climate. If your skin is oily, use a cleanser with glycolic acid to assist with oil build up!
Introduce antioxidants such as vitamin A, C or E. Moisturise and protect with that SPF again.
What are the key skincare steps to consider when dealing with high humidity levels?
Use lighter layers, use oil-balancing products, keep a face mist on hand to replenish moisture and don’t forget to exfoliate.
Are there any specific skincare strategies to combat dryness in winter destinations?
Moisturise... Replenish moisture and oils lost in the dryer climates. Not only to your face and neck, Don’t forget your hands.
A rich hand treatment is a necessity in a dryer climate. Relax on exfoliants and scrubs – invest in a chemical exfoliant rather than a physical scrub to ensure you are removing dead skin cells.