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Don’t let travel dull your glow. Discover my tested hacks for healthy, hydrated skin and hair on the go, without packing your entire vanity cabinet.
Once or twice a year, the days of your leave draw closer, and you know it is time to plan for a trip. For some, it is a road trip with friends. For others, it is more complex and involves taking planes. Either way, when living life to the fullest, as you should, it is easy to see your skincare and haircare sidelined.
From recycled aeroplane air, changing climates, unfamiliar water and living out of a suitcase, your skin can quickly become dehydrated while your hair loses its shine. The good news is that maintaining healthy skin and hair while travelling doesn’t require packing your entire bathroom cabinet. After years of testing beauty routines on road trips, flights and work travels, I’ve found that a few thoughtful swaps make all the difference. Here’s what actually works.
Read also: Tried & Tested: My period care routine for comfort and self-care
Skin hydration starts before you board
Camping, skydiving, mountain climbing, and aquatic sports, sign me up, because I am always ready for an adventure trip. However, the biggest mistake most people — including me — make is waiting until we feel dehydrated to drink water. But by then, your skin has already begun to show it.
A trick I learned is to start increasing your water intake a day before travelling, especially if you’re flying. Hydrated skin is naturally more resilient against the drying effects of cabin air, heat and changing weather.
For an extra boost, reach for foods rich in water content before your journey. Fruits such as watermelon, cucumber and oranges are perfect. They’re an easy way to support hydration from the inside out.
Don’t skip aftercare after shaving
Shaving before the trip is definitely some advice you should take. I know it might be tempting to put it off and do it in the hotel, but really think about it: do you want to explore the options of having folliculitis — inflammation of the hair follicles, which appears as small, pimple-like bumps? No, you don’t. And if you’re familiar with folliculitis, I have a recommendation for that too.
EsteBare Hair Removal Cream
EstēBare’s promotional campaign via @estebare on Instagram Shaving sticks have never really been my thing, and lots of creams have itchy side effects. However, I was recently introduced to EsteBare products, and the experience has been life-changing.
The EsteBare hair removal cream eliminates even the toughest of hair strands in a few minutes. It’s easy to use thanks to its pump bottle design. It doesn’t burn or itch and calms the skin. This is because it is enriched with Neem powder & Tulsi extract. It is also ideal for the underarms and the bikini line.
EsteBare Soothing Aftercare Gel
EstēBare’s product flat-lay on a table via @estebare on Instagram The best part about the EsteBare kit is that it comes with an aftercare gel. It is not uncommon to have small bumps after shaving, even if you used sticks, wax, or cream. However, EsteBare gets ahead of this and provides a soothing gel for hydration and relief. Made with aloe vera and chamomile, it counters redness and leaves skin refreshed. It is also calming on the skin, non-sticky, and has a scent that instantly transports you to a tropical island.
Keep your skincare routine simple
Let’s be honest, you are definitely going to have late nights and nonexistent mornings. Travelling is not the time to experiment with active ingredients or a seven-step routine. Skin is already adjusting to new environments, and introducing unfamiliar products can lead to irritation or unexpected breakouts. However, if you do not already have products you can attest to, here is my holy grail.
Pack the ultimate Uncover trio: first, the Aloe Invisible Sunscreen
Uncover Aloe Invisible Sunscreen via Uncover.ng Are you spending the day sightseeing, sitting by a hotel pool, or simply walking between meetings? Well, the answer is irrelevant, because UV exposure doesn’t take a holiday. Apply sunscreen every morning and reapply every two hours if you’re outdoors. Even inside an aeroplane, UVA rays can penetrate windows during daytime flights.
A lightweight SPF that layers well under makeup makes reapplication much easier, and lucky for you, Uncover has an aloe invisible sunscreen. This lightweight SPF 50 broad-spectrum sunscreen leaves zero white cast, ideal for dark skin and everyday sun protection. It is an oil-free, hydrating sunscreen for oily skin that blends easily, feels weightless, and keeps your skin moisturised all day.
Uncover Argan Hydrating Moisturiser
Uncover Argan Hydrating Moisturiser via Uncover.ng While the Uncover sunscreen t can stand alone, I would definitely recommend you use it with the Uncover Green Tea Revitalising Cleanser and their Argan Hydrating Moisturiser.
These products are all travel-size friendly; however, the star factor of the Argan Hydrating Moisturiser is that it is a non-greasy product powered by 3% Squalane and 2% Niacinamide to deliver long-lasting hydration without clogging your pores. Concern about one’s pores is a top priority during holidays because factors like low cabin humidity on aeroplanes can dry out your skin, prompting your sebaceous glands to overproduce oil to compensate.
The moisturiser absorbs fast and doesn’t feel heavy on the face. It is excellent as an oil-free option for oily and acne-prone skin.
Uncover Green Tea Revitalising Cleanser
Uncover Green Tea Revitalising Cleanser via Uncover.ng This moisturiser perfectly balances out the Uncover Green Tea Revitalising Cleanser, which has a herbal that gives a soothing feeling on the skin. It lathers well with water and has an earthy scent that, in some ways, boosts your holiday morale, as even your face reminds you of Mother Nature.
The Green Tea Revitalising Cleanser is a healthy choice for cleansing and refreshing your skin daily. Infused with 0.5% Salicylic Acid, Green Tea, and African Rice Extract, it does more than ease your facial tensions. It also removes impurities and excess oil while keeping skin hydrated and balanced.
Give your body the same attention as your face
It’s easy to focus on facial skincare and neglect the rest of your body. Travelling often means more showers, more sun exposure and more dry indoor air, all of which can strip moisture from your skin. Pay extra attention to often-forgotten areas like your elbows, knees, hands and feet. Applying body lotion or body oil immediately after showering helps lock hydration into damp skin and keeps that holiday glow intact. For my recommendation, these two products are sure to maintain your healthy look.
R&R Shea Butter Body Balm
R&R Luxury Shea Butter Body Balm via R&R Skincare Don’t think I forgot about moisturising your body, and hopefully, you don’t forget to do the same. R&R Shea Butter Body Balm is your number-one body care companion on the go. Made with 100% natural materials, the shea butter is as medicinal and delicate as we remember it. I know you are familiar with Ori.
This advanced balm allows you to rub the butter upwards, and you massage it into your skin. My personal favourite is the Lemongrass-flavoured shea butter body balm, which has an intriguing herbal yet soothing scent. It leaves the skin glowing while hydrating it. Its small size provides a portable solution to staying moisturised and instantly revives dull skin.
WhiffWonders Glowsoak Body Wash
Whiffwonders Glowsoak Body Wash via beautyhutafrica.com You can not rely on hotel soaps and body washes. I am not trying to start a conspiracy, but who knows what is even in those bottles. My advice? Harness the detoxifying essence of the earth with WhiffWonders GlowSoak Body Wash in Activated Charcoal. It comes with a mini bottle that is easy to take on a trip. Still, most importantly, this formula penetrates deep into your pores to draw out toxins, control excess oil, and gently exfoliate the skin for a smoother, more radiant complexion. It has an interesting array of refined scents and takes you on a fragrant journey that lingers long after you leave the shower.
Protect your hair from friction
Hotel pillowcases aren’t always kind to textured or braided hair. Packing a satin bonnet or silk scarf helps reduce friction overnight, preventing dryness, tangles and unnecessary breakage. If luggage space allows, a travel-sized satin pillowcase is an even bigger luxury you’ll thank yourself for later.
Protective styles also make travelling easier, but remember that even braids and twists need moisture. A lightweight leave-in conditioner or hydrating mist keeps hair soft without causing product build-up.
Ruxe Detangling Spray
Ruxé Detangling Spray via ruxehairs.com I know for a lot of people, the default hairstyle is braids. Something about road trips, aeroplanes, and being outside screams, “You do not want a frontal in this heat”. However, braids, especially the trending ones, tangle easily. That’s where Ruxe Detangling Spray comes in. This lightweight mist has become a go-to for me, as it keeps my goddess curls intact, eliminates frizz, and revives the initial shine the braids had. It is also convenient for certain wigs with similar textures.
Eat, as your skin depends on it, because it does
Trying local food is one of the best parts of travelling, but balance is key. Meals rich in fruit, vegetables, healthy fats and protein support your skin barrier and hair health from within. Omega-rich foods like salmon, avocado and nuts can help maintain moisture, while colourful fruits provide antioxidants that protect against environmental stressors.
Enjoy the cocktails and desserts; you are only young once, but remember that excess alcohol and sugar can leave your skin looking dull the next morning.
Always remember
A glowing complexion and healthy hair aren’t about carrying dozens of products as much as they are about consistency. The best travel beauty routine is one that’s simple enough to maintain wherever you are. Prioritise hydration, protect your skin from the sun, moisturise your hair and resist the temptation to overhaul your routine while you’re away.
Jet lag, late nights and packed itineraries are all part of the adventure, but your skin notices the lack of rest. Quality sleep gives your skin time to repair itself and helps reduce puffiness, dullness and under-eye circles. Even a short nap after a long flight can make you look noticeably more refreshed.
After all, the best souvenir you’ll bring home is looking just as radiant at the end of your trip as you did when you left.
Read more: Your definitive guide to keeping hair coils healthy through rainy weather
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