Holiday travel often means long flights, different climates, and disrupted routines—factors that can leave your skin dry, irritated, or breaking out. Whether you’re flying across the country or driving to see family, a few simple steps can help keep your skin healthy and glowing all season long.
Below are dermatologist-approved tips to protect your skin during holiday travel.
Protect Your Skin From Airplane Dryness –
Airplane cabins have very low humidity (often below 20%), which can cause dryness, tightness, and eczema or rosacea flares.
What to do:
- Moisturize before the flight using a rich cream (ceramides, hyaluronic acid, or squalene).
- Reapply moisturizer mid-flight if your skin feels tight.
- Drink water regularly for internal hydration support.
- Avoid using harsh makeup wipes, which can strip the skin barrier.
Prevent Travel-Related Breakouts –
Stress, sweating, climate changes, and extended mask use can trigger acne.
Tips to avoid breakouts:
- Stick to your regular skincare routine—travel isn’t the time to test new products.
- Bring non-comedogenic mini versions of your cleanser and moisturizer.
- Apply a light moisturizer before wearing a mask to reduce friction and irritation.
- Pack a benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid spot treatment if you’re acne-prone.
Don’t Skip Sun Protection (Even in Winter) –
UV rays penetrate both car windows and airplane windows, even in cloudy or cold weather.
What to do:
- Apply a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher before you head out.
- Use a mineral sunscreen stick or powder SPF for easy touch-ups.
- Window seat flyers: UV exposure increases with altitude, so SPF is especially important.
Protect Your Skin From Climate Changes –
Leaving Florida’s humidity and arriving in cold, dry air can dehydrate the skin and trigger irritation.
How to adjust:
- Switch to richer moisturizers (cream > lotion) when traveling to colder climates.
- Add a hydrating serum with glycerin or hyaluronic acid.
- Avoid long, hot showers that strip natural oils from the skin.
- Bring a thick ointment-based lip balm for frequent reapplication.
Maintain Consistency With Your Skincare Routine –
Hotel bathrooms and busy schedules make it easy to skip steps, but consistency helps prevent irritation and breakouts.
Tips:
- Pack travel-sized essentials: gentle cleanser, moisturizer, sunscreen, and prescription creams.
- Use makeup wipes only as a backup, not your main cleansing method.
- Consider reducing retinoid frequency in very dry/cold climates if irritation occurs.
Be Prepared for Common Skin Emergencies –
A few small items can prevent minor issues from turning into bigger problems.
What to bring:
- A small ointment (Aquaphor or Vaseline) for lips or irritated patches
- Hydrocortisone 1% for minor rashes or itching
- Your prescription creams (rosacea, acne, eczema, psoriasis, etc.)
- Gentle hand moisturizer, especially when traveling to cold climates
- Antihistamines if you’re sensitive to new environments or pet dander
Special Considerations for Patients With Skin Conditions –
If you have eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, or chronic dermatitis:
- Moisturize more often, especially in dry climates.
- Use fragrance-free products to minimize flare-ups.
- Keep biologics or injectable medications in your carry-on and follow proper storage guidelines.
- Use thick hand cream after washing as hotel soaps can be drying and irritating.
Final Thoughts
Holiday travel doesn’t have to wreak havoc on your skin. With a few simple adjustments, you can avoid dryness, irritation, and breakouts so you can enjoy your trip looking and feeling your best.
If you develop a persistent rash, worsening eczema or psoriasis, or any skin concern that doesn’t improve once you return home, schedule an appointment with one of our providers at Siperstein Dermatology Group. We’re here to help keep your skin healthy all year long.
