Travel-Sized Skincare Tips FROM CELEBRITY ESTHETICIAN AND TRUSTED SKINCARE EXPERT RENÉE ROULEAU
Planning a trip is always so exciting, from doing research on the places you’ll go, to shopping for new clothes. What’s not fun is packing your bag and trying to fit everything in it. This is a whole new level of stress. That, plus being on an airplane and arriving in a new environment can leave our skin not looking its best. Here, celebrity esthetician and skincare expert, Renée Rouleau shares which skincare products are a must-have when going on a trip. Stick to the Basics Now is definitely not the best time to experiment with a new routine. Pack your OG skincare products to keep your skin as balanced and comfortable as possible.
Renée’s top 3 must have’s when traveling are: · Cleanser · Daytime Moisturizer with SPF · Nighttime Moisturizer Even if you’re checking luggage, keep these three products in your carry-on. That way, if your luggage gets lost, you’ll still be able to care for your skin’s most basic needs. Renée’s Pro Travel Tip: To pack liquid skincare products without classifying them as liquids, generously saturate a toning cloth with your favorite alcoholfree toner, eye makeup remover, or other liquid skincare product. Then, store the
cloths in a plastic baggie so you can use them as needed. Choose Your Extra Products Carefully Trying to fit everything in your luggage is hard enough as is. If you do plan on packing more than the essential skincare products, take two things into consideration, which problems you’re trying to avoid (i.e. breakouts, sensitivity, or dryness) and the climate you’ll be traveling to. o Everyone: If there’s only room for one more skincare product, bring an exfoliant. Removing dry, expired skin cells from the face every few days is a great way to “reset” the skin. o If You’re Prone to Breakouts: Consider packing a hydrating face mask to treat breakouts (like the Rapid Response Detox Masque). Renée loves this product because it minimizes breakout activity on the skin while supplying hydration. o If You’re Prone to Sensitivity: Renée recommends packing a soothing serum or face mask to keep the skin comforted throughout the trip. Ingredients to look for are water lily extract, algae extract (specifically red marine algae), allantoin, and green tea extract. o If You’re Prone to Dryness: It’s smart to bring a facial oil and/or a lipid-rich moisturizing mask. Replenishing the skin’s oils will be key to preventing flakiness and crepey-looking skin, especially if you’ll be riding on an airplane or are going somewhere cold.
Where are You Traveling? Depending on the climate of where you’re traveling, the skin can be thrown off balance and have a harsh reaction. Traveling Somewhere Colder and Drier o If You Have Dry Skin: layering rich, oilbased products is essential. Slugging will also be beneficial in this climate. To do this, apply a thin layer of Vaseline or other petrolatum-based product over your moisturizer to create an occlusive seal, just like an oil would. o If You Have Oily or Combo Skin: keeping your skin hydrated in a cold, dry climate can be a little trickier since you don’t want to layer on too many heavy products. To safely do this, make sure you use a cleanser that doesn’t strip the skin. Then, layer the same way you would before a flight: a hydrating toner, hydrating serum, moisturizer for your skin type, and a facial oil. Renée’s Pro Tip: The key is gently patting the oil onto the skin instead of rubbing it in. This will ensure the oil sits on top like a seal to keep everything in, instead of settling into your pores.
Traveling Somewhere Warmer and More Humid o If You Have Dry Skin: The humidity may actually do your skin a favor. One thing to keep in mind if you’re going on a beach vacation is that saltwater can dry out the skin. To combat this, use a waterresistant sunscreen since they use emollients that will help repel water. o If You Have Oily or Combo Skin: You’ll definitely want to focus on oil control to prevent breakouts. One way to do this is to consider switching over to a more acne-focused cleanser. Beyond this, focus on water-based products with a light texture. For nighttime, use either a gel or oil-free lotion moisturizer. For daytime, look for a sunscreen that doubles as a moisturizer to minimize the number of layers on your skin.
About the Author: As an esthetician trained in cosmetic chemistry, Renée Rouleau has spent 30 years researching skin, educating her audience, and building an award-winning line of products. That experience is what led Renée to develop her nine different skin type philosophy, which allows her to address a diverse set of skin issues. Trusted by celebrities, editors, bloggers, and skincare obsessives around the globe, her vast real-world knowledge, and constant research are why she’s been called “the most passionate skin practitioner we know.” Follow Renée and access all of her tips at www.ReneeRouleau.com, Twitter: @ReneeRouleau, Facebook: /ReneeRouleauSkincare, Instagram: @ReneeRouleau and @ReneeRouleauSkincare