The Ultimate Skincare Travel Guide: Expert Tips for Any Destination
- klosik
- 3 days ago
- 9 min read
IN THIS BLOG POST:
Ahh, the sweet sound of vacation sounds really nice right about now. Any fellow Kansas City travelers here? I know I am thinking about my next planned vacay! We all know that packing up your toiletries can seem like a lot, especially if you have a whole routine at home full of large products. Flying on an airplane, changing climates, time changes, stress, diet, and sun exposure are some things to consider when packing for your travel skincare routine and I am going to lay out the perfect guide for packing your bags and preparing for travel. Wheels up! Let's get into it.
Pre-Travel Skin Prep: Visit Your Kansas City Med Spa Before You Go
No matter what destination you are headed to, you can't go wrong with popping into your favorite medical spa in Kansas City. We recommend coming in to see us to ensure you are feeling your best for travel. We pride ourselves on being able to have a treatment for any concern. We will avoid any harsh treatment before travel (something like lasers or peels), and focus more on all things hydration.
Our most popular service before traveling is a HydraFacial. A HydraFacial focuses on cleaning out the skin and infusing everything back into it. This is going to leave you relaxed, refreshed, and super glowy. You can also plan your neurotoxin treatments, like dysport or daxxify, at least 2 weeks before you head out. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, scheduling injectables at least two weeks before major events allows optimal results and time for any minor side effects to resolve.
A few days before your treatment you can get into the right state of mind by treating yourself to a head spa, massage, spray tan, or maybe it's getting rid of some inflammation by partaking in contrast therapy. While you are visiting us, it's a great time to ask your provider about travel sized goodies and what alterations to make to your routine. Just don't forget to mention where your travel plans are taking place!
The Perfect Skincare Routine For: Sunshine + Beaches + Heat + Humidity
I have to touch on this one first because it is my personal favorite type of travel. Whenever I am headed to somewhere like Cancun, I always prepare to make sure my skin is ready for it. I pack more sunscreen than anyone would ever think I need, including my Colorescience Brush On Sunscreen. This is my holy grail for anytime I am going to be in and out of water, sweating, or in need of quick reapplication. I pack this in my beach bag and every two hours I will do a quick brush over my face, neck, scalp and ears! The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends reapplying sunscreen every two hours, or immediately after swimming or sweating, to maintain optimal protection. I'll use sprays or lotions for my chest to toe coverage.
Additionally, I start every morning with a good cleanse, vitamin C, light weight moisturizer, and my Colorescience Flex Sunscreen. I hate to say it, but I tend to leave behind extra steps/serums when I am at the beach and just enjoy a simple routine.
After a day in the sun, I will head back to my room and rinse off for dinner. At that point, I will use my cleanser, toss on my moisturizer (I usually take my SkinBetter Trio, or Obagi Hydrate Light), and add on a little makeup for the evening, which still happens to be my Colorescience Flex.
Once I get back to the room after a night of dinner and fun, I will cleanse again, apply my SkinBetter AlphaRet (this product does not make me sensitive and keeps me on my routine, but this is optional to leave behind if you aren't great about reapplying sunscreen), eye cream, and some moisturizer.
Another great travel tip is to bring your Omnilux Mask with you and unwind on your balcony as you calm inflammation, kill bacteria, and stay on your skin game. Research published in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology shows that LED light therapy can help reduce inflammation and support skin recovery after sun exposure.
Once you return from your trip, it is probably best to schedule a facial at Horizon Med Spa for a good deep clean. You could expect a couple break outs from the change in diet, weather, and sunscreen application. But this just comes with the territory.
Beach Travel Skincare Essentials Checklist
Packing for tropical destinations requires strategic product selection. Your beach skincare bag should include:
a gentle cleanser suitable for multiple daily uses
antioxidant serum (like vitamin C) for morning application
lightweight oil-free moisturizer
broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen
brush-on powder sunscreen for reapplication,
after-sun soothing moisturizer
optional retinol for evening use (only if you're diligent about sun protection)
The Perfect Skincare Routine For: Cold + Dry Winter Climates
Whether it's a trip to the slopes, or a cruise to Alaska, we have to shift our skincare routine when we are headed into a colder weather trip. Prep for your travel with a super hydrating facial and getting stocked on your favorite thick moisturizer. Some of my favorites are Obagi Hydrate Luxe, Skinbetter Trio Luxe, or Epicutis Hyvia Creme!
In the mornings you will want to use a cream cleanser or gentle cleanser, and definitely vitamin C. I love adding in the Epicutis Lipid Serum for barrier support, eye cream, a heavier moisturizer, and of course, sunscreen. The American Academy of Dermatology emphasizes that cold weather and low humidity can strip moisture from skin, making barrier protection essential during winter travel. When out adventuring or hitting the slopes it's just as important to apply sunscreen as the sun is strong, and reflects off the snow.
In the evenings you can use an oil cleanser followed by your regular cleanser to double cleanse everything off, and continue with your retinoid, lipid serum, and moisturizer. Keeping the routine small and simple but super moisturizing. If you have extra room in your bags you can toss in your omnilux mask to help your products penetrate better and calm down any cold weather irritation.
Why Cold Weather Damages Your Skin
Understanding the science behind cold weather skin damage can help you prevent it. Low humidity levels combined with cold temperatures compromise your skin's natural moisture barrier. Indoor heating further exacerbates dehydration. When traveling to cold climates, your skin loses moisture faster than it can replenish it naturally, which is why switching to richer, more occlusive moisturizers becomes crucial for maintaining healthy skin.
The Perfect Skincare Routine For: Dry + Hot Desert Climates
Let's combine the last two travel scenarios with this one. Headed to Arizona? New Mexico? Or maybe even a summer trip to Colorado? We are talking dry heat and changes in altitude (when applicable). In this instance you will want to focus on hydrating the skin, but also using helpful tips like the brush on sunscreen.
I would keep your routine simple, a good foaming cleanser, vitamin C, a moisturizer tailored to your skin's needs (are you naturally dry or oily), and sunscreen during the day. In the evening you can follow a simple but effective routine of cleansing (double cleansing is great for getting all of the gunk off), retinoids, and a moisturizer like hydrate luxe for the evening time.
Once you get back from your trip, using something like an AlphaRet Peel Pad or a gentle scrub may help revive any signs of dull skin that can arise from being in a dry climate.
Desert Climate Skincare Tips
Desert environments present unique skincare challenges with their combination of intense sun, low humidity, and sometimes high altitude. The dry air pulls moisture from your skin continuously, while increased UV exposure at higher elevations accelerates sun damage. Combat these effects by drinking extra water, using a humidifier in your hotel room if available, and applying a hydrating facial mist throughout the day between sunscreen applications.
Post-Travel Skin Recovery: When to Book Your Med Spa Appointment
Traveling can greatly affect our skin, and it's important to keep in mind that it's temporary too. You can use LED light masks, under eye masks, face scrubs, pimple patches, and other tools as a safety net to help you navigate but packing a simple but effective skincare routine is going to help the most in the long run.
If you're local to Kansas City and need help prepping for a vacation our team at Horizon Medical Spa can help you with anything you need. We offer facials to clean your skin, spray tans to help feel your best before you leave, injectables to enhance your best features, weight management to help that dress fit, and even hormone replacement therapy so you can avoid hot flashes and crashing out on your family in a hotel room.
We have two locations in the Kansas City area to help you: our Shawnee, Kansas location and our Kansas City Country Club Plaza location.
Best Treatments for Post-Vacation Skin Reset
After returning from travel, your skin often needs professional attention to recover from environmental stressors. Consider booking a HydraFacial within a week of returning to deeply cleanse and rehydrate. For sun damage concerns, IPL photofacial treatments can address hyperpigmentation and uneven tone. If you notice increased dryness or texture issues, microneedling can help restore your skin's barrier function and boost collagen production.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Skincare and Travel
Should I change my entire skincare routine when traveling to a different climate?
You don't need to completely overhaul your routine, but strategic adjustments are important. Focus on adapting your moisturizer weight (lighter for humid climates, heavier for dry climates) and increasing SPF vigilance. Keep your core products like cleanser and any active treatments (retinol, vitamin C) consistent when possible, as your skin benefits from routine stability.
How far in advance should I get a facial before traveling?
We recommend scheduling your pre-travel facial at least 5-7 days before departure, ideally a week. This timing allows your skin to fully recover from the treatment while still providing optimal results during your trip. Avoid any aggressive treatments like chemical peels or laser treatments within two weeks of travel to prevent complications.
Can I bring my full-size skincare products on the plane?
TSA regulations limit liquids in carry-on luggage to 3.4 ounces (100ml) per container, all fitting in a single quart-sized bag. For longer trips, either purchase travel-size versions, transfer products into TSA-approved containers, or pack full-size products in your checked luggage. Many medical-grade skincare lines, including those we carry at Horizon Med Spa, offer convenient travel sizes.
What's the most important skincare step I shouldn't skip while traveling?
Sunscreen is non-negotiable, regardless of your destination. Even cold, cloudy climates expose your skin to harmful UV rays, especially with snow reflection. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that up to 80% of UV rays can penetrate clouds, and snow can reflect up to 80% of UV radiation, intensifying exposure.
How does airplane travel specifically affect my skin?
Cabin air humidity levels drop to 10-20%, compared to the typical 40-70% in most indoor environments, according to the World Health Organization. This extreme dryness dehydrates your skin rapidly. Combat this by drinking plenty of water, applying a hydrating serum before your flight, using a rich moisturizer during the flight, and avoiding alcohol and excessive caffeine which further dehydrate you.
When should I schedule a post-vacation facial at Horizon Med Spa?
Book your post-travel facial within one to two weeks after returning home. This gives your skin a few days to adjust back to your normal environment while addressing any travel-related concerns like breakouts, dehydration, or sun damage before they become more serious issues. If you notice significant sun damage or skin sensitivity, contact us sooner for a consultation.
About Horizon Med Spa and Wellness
Horizon Med Spa and Wellness is Kansas City's premier destination for comprehensive aesthetic and wellness services. With two convenient locations in Shawnee, Kansas and the Kansas City Country Club Plaza, we combine cutting-edge medical treatments with personalized care to help you look and feel your best from the inside out.
Led by founder Kim Losik and our team of experienced providers, we specialize in hormone replacement therapy, medical weight loss, aesthetic treatments, and comprehensive wellness services.
At Horizon Med Spa and Wellness, we believe that true confidence comes from feeling your best at every level. Whether you're seeking treatment for a specific condition or looking to optimize your overall health and wellness, our team is dedicated to creating personalized treatment plans that deliver real, measurable results. Schedule your complimentary consultation today and discover why Kansas City trusts Horizon Med Spa and Wellness for their aesthetic and wellness needs.
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