How to Prevent Breakouts While Traveling

 

Vacations are meant for glowing and restoration, not for breakouts. Between airplane air, time zone changes, new environments, and disrupted routines, your skin’s health can get thrown off track quickly.

At Pure Skin Wellness Spa, we believe beauty and wellness go hand in hand—and that your skin deserves as much care on the road as it does at home. Here are our best esthetician-backed tips to keep your skin calm, clear, and radiant while you travel.

1. Don’t Skip the Cleanse—Even When You’re Tired

Travel often means late nights, early mornings, or jet lag. But skipping your cleanse (especially at night) is one of the fastest ways to trigger breakouts. Dirt, sunscreen, sweat, and oil build up during the day—even more when you’re out and about exploring new places.

Pure Tip:
Pack a gentle, travel-sized cleanser that balances without stripping. Our go-to recommendation? The Stone Crop Gel Wash is soothing and effective, and will keep your barrier happy.

2. Keep it Light and Layered

Humidity, sweat, sunscreen, and makeup quickly clog pores in hot climates. If your usual skincare routine involves thick creams or heavy oils, consider switching to lightweight hydration layers while you travel.

What to use instead:

• A water-based serum with hyaluronic acid
• A gel moisturizer
• A mineral SPF that doesn’t clog pores

3. Wipe Your Skin Down (the Right Way)

If you’re moving through airports, sightseeing, or even hiking, consider carrying gentle, fragrance-free Clean Skin Wipes for mid-day refreshes. This helps remove sweat and environmental grime before it sinks into your pores. Follow this mid-day refresh up with a spritz of the Epicutis Hydrobiome Spray to soothe any irritation and protect your skin’s barrier while you’re on the go.

Pure Tip:
Use wipes as a temporary solution—not a replacement for your evening cleanse. Always follow up with proper washing when you can.

4. Don’t Touch—It’s Not Worth It

From public transportation to TSA bins to your own suitcase handles, your hands pick up a lot of bacteria during travel. The more you touch your face, the more you're transferring grime that can lead to breakouts.

Pro Move:
Pack a travel-sized hand sanitizer and tissues to use instead of fingers for any mid-flight face-touching.

5. Stay Hydrated (In the Air and On the Ground)

Airplane cabin air is notoriously dry, and dehydration will leave your skin tight, flaky, and prone to breakouts due to an overproduction of oil.

Pre-flight and in-flight hydration tips:

• Drink a full glass of water for every hour you’re in the air.
• Avoid excess caffeine and alcohol, which dehydrate skin.
• Use the Stone Crop Mist to replenish moisture mid flight.
• Apply a barrier-repairing moisturizer before boarding.

6. Let Your Skin Breathe

Consider giving your skin a break from makeup while flying or on especially long travel days. It’s not only better for your pores, but helps reduce transference of bacteria from brushes, fingers, and shared spaces.

Need a Travel Tune-Up? PURE Has You Covered.

Whether you're prepping for a big trip or your skin needs some post-vacation TLC, the PURE team is here to help with personalized facials, barrier-repair treatments, and expert advice to keep your glow going long after the wheels touch down.

Want a customized travel skincare kit?
Ask us at your next appointment—we’ll help you build a TSA-friendly routine that’s just right for your skin and your destination.

XOXO, Pure Skin Wellness Spa
Wellness in every layer. Beauty rooted in balance.