One of the first jobs I had as an esthetician was working at a luxury hotel in South Beach, Miami. Every winter season, I noticed the same pattern. Clients visiting from colder climates would come in struggling with their skin—sun damage, breakouts, dehydration. The glowing vacation skin they were hoping for just wasn’t happening.

And while this often shows up when traveling from cold to hot weather, the reality is that travel skincare issues can happen anytime your routine doesn’t adapt. Cold to hot, hot to cold, or even traveling within a similar climate—your skin can still react if it isn’t supported properly.

Below are five of the most common winter travel skincare mistakes and what to do instead.

1. Not Adjusting Your Skincare for Climate Changes

One of the biggest mistakes people make when traveling is keeping the exact same skincare routine no matter where they’re headed. Your skin needs different support depending on climate, humidity, and temperature.

Traveling From Hot to Cold

Cold weather and dry air pull moisture from the skin and can weaken the skin barrier.

What helps:

• Use gentle, hydrating cleansers (cream cleansers or cleansing balms help retain moisture)

• Switch to thicker, more nourishing moisturizers

• Keep your routine minimal and avoid harsh actives

• Don’t skip SPF—even in winter

Traveling From Cold to Hot

Warm climates can increase oil production and sweat, even if your skin is typically dry.

What helps:

• Use gentle gel or foam cleansers if skin feels oilier

• Don’t skip moisturizer—opt for lightweight, oil-free formulas if needed

• Keep products to a minimum and avoid introducing new actives

• Don’t skip SPF

2. Relying on the Travel-Size Skincare Section

The travel section may be convenient, but it’s not always kind to your skin. Many travel-size skincare products are formulated with ingredients that strip the skin barrier—exactly what you don’t want when traveling in winter.

A compromised skin barrier often leads to:

• Breakouts

• Dryness and flaking

• Sensitivity and irritation

Travel days are not the time to experiment. Stick with products your skin already knows and tolerates well.

3. Overpacking Skincare “Just in Case”

It’s tempting to bring extra skincare products when traveling—especially in winter—but overpacking often leads to overuse.

When you’re outside your normal environment, less is more. Layering unfamiliar serums or strong actives can overwhelm already stressed skin.

Winter travel skincare tip:
Keep your routine simple, consistent, and familiar.

4. Treating Travel Breakouts With New Products

Breakouts during travel are common. Changes in climate, routine, sleep, and hydration can all trigger blemishes.

The mistake? Buying a new product mid-trip to “fix” it.

More often than not, introducing something new only prolongs the issue. Stick with your regular routine and let the skin settle—this usually resolves breakouts faster than your skin adjusting to a new product will.

5. Wearing Heavy Makeup on the Plane

Flying already dehydrates the skin due to low cabin humidity. Wearing a full face of heavy makeup on top of dehydrated skin can make dryness, texture, and irritation worse by the time you land.

Heavy makeup can:

• Trap dryness against the skin

• Settle into fine lines

• Feel uncomfortable on long flights

For travel days, prioritize skin comfort over coverage.

As you can see, traveling—especially in winter—doesn’t require more skincare. It requires better choices.

The fewer surprises you throw at your skin, the less it has to fight. Support your skin barrier, keep your routine simple, and let consistency do the work.

Remember, Skin Is Simple Here--wherever here takes you. 

With love, 

Gaby