Lookin' good, traveller: a skincare how-to

Travel is harsh on the skin, of that there is no doubt. When I was in Italy, I had the worst skin I'd ever seen - and I really do mean, ever. It was red, dry, angry, and looked absolutely dreadful. I've never been so glad for my bangs, which covered up my whole forehead quite nicely and hid the angry red bits of my skin.

Especially if you're a girl, it's tempting to want to take all your skincare with you when you go travelling. Unfortunately, airport authorities aren't particularly keen on us taking every single one of our creams and serums with us in hand carry, and to be honest carrying 11 products around while travelling does seem a little... Shall I say it? Cray cray.

So for all the girls in the house who still wanna keep pristine skin even while you're subjecting it to the stresses of travel, here's how to do just that.

#1 Multitasking

Get products that really work their weight! Don't bring a moisturiser and a sunscreen when you could get a two-in-one, saving valuable space in that tiny bag of 100ml bottles. This goes for any and all of your products - if you can get products that do more, bring those instead.

I started using Soap and Glory's Feel Good Factor SPF25 because it provides a decent amount of sun protection and it's a moisturising cream. I've since grown to like this so much that I use it on an every day basis even when I'm not travelling - the lightweight formula is great on your face!



Remember - the key here is to cut as many things out from your routine as possible without skimping on the steps that are important.

#2 Bare essentials

You don't really need two night creams, three day creams, toners, a serum and a whole host of preventive treatments. Clinique got it right with their three-step system; cleansing, toning, and moisturising. Of course, everyone is different and you might be able to cut out a step or need to add one more there - but you get the idea.

Can you afford to skip out on that ultra-luxurious La Mer cream for a week or two while you're on holiday? Do it. If you absolutely must bring it along and think it's something you can't do without, put it into a little 15ml jar so it doesn't take up so much space in your bag.

Your everyday skincare routine at home should have already kept your skin pretty clear, so all you need to do while travelling is to keep it looking that way.

#3 Emergency kit

So you've taken out more than half of your every day skincare routine. Good on you! Give yourself a little pat on the back. You are now allowed to bring with you exactly one item for last-minute emergencies, like when you have big red blotchy splotches on your forehead or have one angry zit on your cheek. Or when you have dry skin and none of your regular moisturisers will do the job.



Everyone's skin is different, so what goes into your emergency kit will be different for everyone. My skin is combination-oily, so I tend to get pimples. When this happens, the first thing I reach for is either Oxy10 or tea tree oil; depending on my mood, I'll reach for either one when I'm packing.

People with dry skin may want to bring packets of hydrating face masks, and others may choose to add that one miracle product that cures absolutely everything. Whatever it is, make sure it's small so it fits in your little transparent travel-approved bag.