How to Maintain Your Winter Skincare Routine While Traveling for the Holidays – (and some packing tips!) 

Traveling during the holidays is always an adventure—the good, the chaotic, and the sometimes sticky (more on that in a moment). As someone who is absolutely committed to keeping their skin hydrated and happy during the colder months, I’ve had my fair share of skincare mishaps on the road. From leaking products in my suitcase to trying to explain a bottle of toner to a perplexed customs officer, I’ve learned a lot about maintaining a winter skincare routine while traveling.

Here are my tips, along with some personal anecdotes to make you laugh and (hopefully) prepare you for your holiday travels or your next trip!

Pack Smart (and Leak-Proof!)

Let me start with a cautionary tale: once, I packed my favorite moisturizer in its original jar without securing the lid properly. By the time I unpacked, my clothes were “moisturized”, and I was left with an empty jar and a suitcase that smelled faintly of lavender for weeks. Lesson learned! Now, I decant all my liquids and creams into travel-sized, leak-proof containers. To be extra safe, I seal each container in a small plastic bag or secure them all in a plastic cosmetic bag.

Pro Tip: Invest in reusable silicone travel bottles or jars. They’re lightweight, eco-friendly, and much less likely to spill than standard packaging.

Keep Your Routine Minimal

When space is limited, you don’t need to pack every serum and mask you own. Focus on the essentials for your winter skincare routine:

• A gentle cleanser (For me, the Vivoderm Cream Cleanser, of course!)
• A hydrating toner or essence
• A rich moisturizer
• Sunscreen (yes, even in winter!)
• A travel-friendly sheet mask for an extra boost of hydration after a long flight

During one particularly hectic trip, I skipped packing toner and regretted it almost immediately. My skin was dry and flaky by day two. Now, I use a travel-sized hydrating mist that doubles as a toner and fits snugly into my carry-on. I always use my toner-spritzer on the plane to combat the dry cabin air and when at my destination for extra skin freshening

Beware of Airplane Air

If you’ve ever emerged from a flight feeling like a raisin, you know what I’m talking about. Airplane cabins are notorious for low humidity levels, which can wreak havoc on your skin. Before boarding, I apply a layer of moisturizer, and during the flight, I use a hydrating mist when I go to the restroom (you don’t want to annoy your seatmates). I also avoid wearing makeup on travel days—foundation and dry cabin air are not a good mix.

One time, I thought I could sneak in a sheet mask mid-flight. Let’s just say my seatmate wasn’t prepared for the horror-movie vibes. Now, I save those for the hotel. If you have a row all to yourself – go for it!

Don’t Forget Your Lips and Hands

Winter air is particularly brutal on lips and hands, so I always pack a nourishing lip balm and a small tube of hand cream. These items are travel-friendly and can save you from painful chapping. I’ve even used natural lip balm on the go for emergency dry patches on my face and to remove mascara smudges. Multitasking for the win!

 Navigating Customs with Skincare Products

Here’s where things can get tricky. On one trip, I was pulled aside because my carry-on was “loaded with a suspicious liquid in a 4 oz bottle.” Ugh. In my defense, it was just skincare! Thankfully, I actually had an extra empty travel tube with me, and I sat there in customs filling my travel bottles in front of them, to prevent trashing my favorite lotion. To avoid this hassle, make sure all your liquids are under 3.4 ounces (100 ml) and fit into a clear, quart-sized bag. If you’re checking your bag, you’ll have more flexibility, but double-check international regulations if you’re traveling abroad. Some countries have strict rules about bringing in botanical-based products.

Hydrate Inside and Out

Staying hydrated isn’t just about what you put on your skin. Travel can throw off your usual routines, so I make an effort to drink plenty of water, especially on flights. I also try to eat water-rich foods like oranges, salads and cucumbers to keep my hydration levels up.

Adapt to Your Destination’s Climate

Whether you’re heading to a snowy cabin or a warmer winter escape, adjust your routine accordingly. For colder destinations, focus on heavy moisturizers and oils. For milder climates, you can stick to lighter products but don’t skimp on hydration.

During a recent trip to Colorado, I underestimated how dry the mountain air would be. The Daily Moisturizer is usually perfect for my normal skin, but there, my skin felt tight and uncomfortable. Now I include the Vivoderm Intense Moisturizer into my high-altitude routine. Always research the climate and humidity of your destination and pack accordingly.

Final Thoughts

Traveling during the holidays doesn’t mean sacrificing your skincare routine. With a little preparation and the right products, you can keep your skin happy and hydrated, no matter where the season takes you. And if you do have a mishap—like spilling toner all over your toiletries—just remember to laugh it off. After all, the holidays are about making memories, and sometimes, the funniest ones happen when things don’t go as planned.