How to Change Your Skin Care in Dry Climates

Looking for shelter from the cold? Pack your bags and head out for a desert-style vacation under the sun! But before heading out to this dry climate, check our skin care packaging guide. From the skincare replacements you'll need to make to the products you'll want to add to your holiday routine, we'll share the full breakdown below.

The most important thing to know about dry climates is that there is very little or no moisture in the air. These low humidity levels can make skin dry, dead skin cells accumulate (this can make your skin look dull) and wrinkles become more visible. What else? When the skin is dehydrated, the sebaceous glands can sometimes overcompensate for what your skin perceives as a lack of moisture. This means that your skin may be producing extra oil, which can make your skin look slippery and oily. When this excess oil mixes with dead skin cells and other impurities on the surface of the skin, it can cause clogged pores and even breakouts. That's why the first thing you should focus on in your holiday skincare is hydration.

SUBSTITUTES FOR SKIN CARE

While your usual skin care routine may be sufficient in your hometown, when you travel to dry climates, you'll want to make a few formula swaps.

cleanser

Some cleansers can be harsh and strip the skin of its natural moisturizing oils, so we recommend switching to a moisturizing face wash. Try Cream Foam Vichy Pureté Thermale. This moisturizing and cleansing foaming cream helps to effectively remove impurities, make-up and dirt from the surface of the skin without leaving a feeling of tightness and dryness.

Humidifier

After cleansing your skin, you need to make sure you moisturize it. L'Oréal Paris' Hydra Genius Daily Liquid Care Normal/Dry Skin meets all requirements. Formulated with hyaluronic acid and aloe vera hydrating water, this lightweight, water-based moisturizer delivers powerful hydration.

Sunscreen

Sunscreen is a non-negotiable skin care routine, but perhaps even more so in hot, dry climates like the desert, where there's a lot of direct sunlight and little shade. Look for a broad spectrum sunscreen that provides a refreshing sensation. La Roche-Posay Anthelios 30 Cooling Water-Lotion Sunscreen. Formulated with advanced UVA/UVB technology and antioxidant protection, this lightweight, refreshing sunscreen is fragrance and paraben free. Upon contact with the skin, it transforms into a water-like lotion, providing a cooling effect.

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ADDITIONS TO WORK

The basics are enough to survive, but to truly look your best in dry climates, you need to add a few products to your daily skincare routine.

facial mist

Facial sprays are the cherry on top of your hydrating skincare routine. Using one of these can keep your skin hydrated on the go, whether you're on a plane, hiking in a canyon, or lounging by the pool. The one we love Mineralizing thermal water Vichy. Available in travel packs, this thermal water from French volcanoes is rich in 15 rare minerals. Not only does it soothe and hydrate the skin, but it can also help strengthen the skin against external aggressors. Spray your skin as often as you like while traveling and long after you get home!

Lip balm

While many of us already use lip balm in our daily lives, it's even more important when traveling in dry climates. Kiehl's #1 Lip Balm temporarily helps soothe dry lips on the plane and throughout the trip. If your lips seem too dry, make an impromptu lip scrub using some sugar and honey in your hotel room.

Masks

Traveling with a mask in tow is one of the tricks of beauty editors. Look for a mask that helps soothe and soothe the skin like SkinCeuticals Phytocorrective Mask. This mask is cooling on contact—great for after a plane ride or a day trip into the desert—and helps soothe sensitive skin and restore radiance to the skin.

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