The Fix
After your flight, train ride or road trip, your skin will need time to recover, so keep it simple. Use a back-to-basics skincare regime when traveling, especially if you’re going from one climate to another. Stick with a gentle cleanser and a hydrating moisturizer, and leave it at that. If you’re staying at your destination for a while, you can go back to your nightly mask and other fancy skincare techniques after a few days.
“But my skin is already driving me nuts!”
You don’t need to book an emergency appointment with an unfamiliar dermatologist, at least not yet. Try over-the-counter hydrocortisone ointment first. The ointment is slimier than the cream, but since it doesn’t have preservatives, it won’t irritate your skin further. If the itchiness and redness don’t go away after one week, it’s time to book that appointment - you may need a prescription for a more potent product.
One More Thing...
Remember, the skin around your eyes and on your upper cheeks is more thin and sensitive than in other areas. It’s common for this area to get dermatitis when traveling, either from an allergy, sensitivity or another type of irritation.