vacation + skincare
Summer vacations are my absolute favorite because they usually include going to a beautiful sandy beach. I love sticking my toes in the sand and watching my kids dig to the center of the earth. Aww yes, vacations mean lazy days, yummy ice cream and no schedule! Well, no schedule isn't entirely true for our family. Usually, if we are visiting a new destination I like to explore as much as possible within our time there; making me the official “itinerary maker”. Planning out our week, our top places to visit and what activities we’ll be enjoying is my jam. I then like to coordinate what exactly we’ll need for those excursions to be well-prepared. I never leave the hotel without SPF.
While I try to be as planned as possible, I am certainly not perfect, like that time I forgot to pack my husband swim trucks while visiting the black sand beaches of Hawaii, whoops. So are you an overpacker or underpacker? I tend to be an underpacker because I like to travel light but, one thing I’m consistent with is packing my skincare. To be honest, it has taken me several times to get it just right but, finally I found a system that works for me and my family. In the past I have overpacked toiletries and skincare products and have not used 50% of it. So here are my tips on packing exactly what you need and actually following through with what you pack because as I mentioned - vacations can be a time to be lazy.
First ask yourself this: What is your skin going through right now?
Think about what your current skin condition is just before traveling? Have you been experiencing breakouts, then make sure to bring a spot treatment. Have you been excessively dry due to the heat? Then be sure to pack a heavy moisturizer. You should always be treating your skin for the current climate and be practicing prevention. Take 1 to 2 weeks just before a vacation to be extra. That means seeing your skin therapist for a deep pore treatment and extractions or even a superficial chemical peel. Days leading up to your vacation apply an appropriate facial mask at home a few times. Just before leaving for a beach vacation I will apply a deeply hydrating hyaluronic acid sheet mask or a multivitamin peptide mask another day in preparation for the salty beach and dehydrating weather. In the past I have packed these masks thinking I would use them but, guess what, they came home with me and I never used them because my regular routine was disrupted. So prepping your skin beforehand to simply do the minimum is what I have found to work best. If you can pause your serums during your travels that is also acceptable. Otherwise, only bring the single most important one, such as a hyaluronic acid serum to stay hydrated.
Pack only the necessaries.
What products do you use on a daily basis? Reduce your regimen and only bring those. If you exfoliate 2 to 3 times a week, then make sure you lightly exfoliate just prior to going on vacation and then immediately upon return. You’ll absolutely need to cleanse daily so bring the one you love the most. Perhaps a gentle glycolic cleanser which will both cleanse and exfoliate. TIP: don't try anything new just before a trip - stick to what your skin is familiar with right now.
You’ll absolutely need your moisturizer: you should be using a morning and evening moisturizer anyway so bring both. I switch my moisturizers to meet my skin's needs for the climate. If I'm going on a beach vacation then I’ll bring a lightweight hydrating moisturizer with SPF. If I’m going on a winter ski vacation then I bring a thicker, heavier moisturizer and add SPF on top. Plan for the destination. I swear by tinted SPF so if you can get by without bringing your full makeup bag then I highly suggest this as well. TIP: bring an eye product! Okay this is a big one because on vacation you might be indulging in foods or drinks that could cause puffiness, you might be up later or earlier depending on your itinerary. I have found that a nice depuffing, cooling eye product is always handy to pack. I especially love disposable eye gels.
Now more on SPF: again if your vacation includes long days in the sun and adventuring outdoors then you'll be reapplying SPF often. I highly recommend packing a large bottle of SPF in your checked luggage, one that is good for your face and body and for the whole family. You’ll be able to throw the large bottle into your beach bag or backpack. If you're just fanny-packing then bring 2 to 3 travel sizes. Many brands offer a travel size, stick or even trial and sample sizes so purchasing several of these come in handy to stash one in each of your bags. Depending on where you purchase your skincare products you may even be able to ask your skin therapist for free samples, SCORE! Speaking of travel sizes, that goes for your cleanser and moisturizers as well - if you can find them smaller then it's a lighter way to pack.
A few extra items that I personally always pack are:
1. my tweezers - sometimes a rogue hair comes out of nowhere and having my tweezers on hand has saved me many times. I also get all my waxing and hair removal services done just before a trip so I don't have to worry about packing a razor.
2. only my makeup essentials, whatever I can't live without. Obviously this depends on your destination but, if we are taking a beach vacation I suggest keeping your look more natural. I can't live without my brow box, mascara and a small concealer but otherwise I leave the rest at home. TIP: Don't forget lip balms, am with SPF and a bedtime one.
3. Lastly, these are outside of toiletries but, still fall into protecting your skin - invest in some wide brim hats and UPF rash guards or clothing. The last thing you want to bring home from your vacation is a sunburn.
Book a spa treatment on vacation
Another great way to not only spoil yourself on vacation but, if your skin absolutely needs the extra attention then booking a spa treatment in a new destination is a nice treat. I love exploring new day spas to help rejuvenate myself. Oftentimes, you will find summer specials or discounts to help with the cost too. If you are traveling to Phoenix, be sure to visit Moon Valley Facial Lounge for a summer refresher facial to nourish and brighten your skin. Enjoy your vacation wherever you go and I hope these tips help you on your journey.
