A Globetrotter’s Guide to Skincare

Expert Tips for Radiant Travel Skincare

In a world where adventure meets allure and runways stretch across continents, keeping your skin fabulous as you hop from city to city isn’t just a preference; it’s a haute necessity. Retreat Magazine is excited to have a tête-à-tête with the extraordinary Dr. Kate, the ingenious mind behind Youth Lab Australia. Renowned for her prowess in medical aesthetics and skincare, she’s about to spill the travel skincare tea, darling!

Youth Lab Australia is not your ordinary clinic; it’s where medical aesthetics meets impeccable results. Dr Kate, their trailblazing founder and director, is all set to dish out her secrets, making you the jet-set sensation you deserve to be. From pre-flight prep that’ll turn heads to in-flight skincare rituals that scream chic, and post-trip recovery that keeps you paparazzi-ready, Dr Kate’s got you covered.

What is your essential pre-trip skincare practice to ensure a fresh and radiant complexion before setting off on an adventure?

Whether people prefer holidaying in the colder or warmer weather we all want our skin to have a fresh glow. To achieve this my essential skincare ingredient to use pre-trip is retinol or vitamin A. As retinol increases the rate at which your skin cells renew and regenerate – meaning you are gently exfoliating your dead and damaged cells. This leads to a more smoother, radiant and even skin tone. As vitamin A is something that can be a little more harsh on your skin, doing it before your holiday will mean that your skin has done all the hard work before you go away. This way you can sit back and relax while your skin glows (with sunscreen on of course!)

What are your go-to in-flight skincare rituals to keep the skin refreshed and hydrated during long journeys?

Hydration, hydration and hydration! Due to the extremely low humidity levels in aeroplanes, it can mean that your skin can become incredibly dehydrated – especially when on long-haul flights. My saving grace when I travel is bringing makeup wipes with me. This not only helps to remove any build-up of pollutants or oil from my skin but it also helps me feel refreshed while I travel. I always bring with me some type of hyaluronic mask. Not only does putting a luxurious mask on my skin while I’m flying give the illusion I am in a day spa, but hydration masks provide a concentrated dose of hydration to the skin, keeping it fresh and radiant in a dry environment. Towards the end of the flight, I will wash the mask off and apply a thick hydrating moisturiser.

What are your recommendations for travellers to effectively shield their skin from UV damage while exploring new destinations?

Protecting your skin against UV is paramount on holiday as there is no point in preparing your pre-holiday skin to ensure it looks radiant – to then reverse the damage by getting burnt. I will never leave the house without SPF50+. I am not particular about which sunscreen you use as long as it is 50+! Further to this I will always wear a hat, wide-brimmed is better as it gives you more shade but a cap is also great. I do try to cover up with my clothing too however, we all want to wear our summer holiday outfits. Just make sure whatever skin is exposed to the sun, is lathered with SPF50+.

How should skincare routines be adjusted when travelling to diverse destinations with different weather conditions?

Your skin needs do change in response to different weather conditions, therefore changing your skincare accordingly is important. In colder drier climates focusing on hydration and richer moisturising agents will help combat any dryness. In hot and sunny climates it is important to focus on your SPF and lighter serums and vitamin C. Lightweight skincare will help reduce any congestion as your pores tend to produce sweat in the heat. Using vitamin C in a sunny climate helps protect against sun damage. This is due to the pigment-inhibiting action that vitamin C has on the skin. When I am in Fiji for example I will always use a hyaluronic acid, followed by a vitamin C serum and sunscreen.

What are the key skincare products that should always have a place in a travel beauty kit, and why?

It has taken many trips using most of my luggage allowance on skincare products to find my gold-standard travel products. Now when I travel – depending on where I am going, I will always take; a gentle cleanser (usually cream-based as it is nourishing to the skin), a vitamin C serum for the morning, a retinol serum for the evening as well as a hyaluronic based moisturiser that I can use morning and night for added hydration. An addition I have recently added to my holiday beauty collection is a skin mist. I find this gives my skin a refreshing hit of hydration throughout the day and helps illuminate my complexion.

How do you address common skincare concerns from travellers, such as puffy eyes and dull skin due to jet lag and time zone changes?

Puffy under eyes and dull skin is something our clients are particularly concerned about when it comes to jet lag. Lack of sleep and the stress of travelling to different time zones can cause inflammation and fluid retention. My first tip will sound very cliche and I know we have heard this all but drinking enough water is key! When your body is dehydrated it holds onto whatever fluid you do have in your body – causing puffiness. In the case that you do have puffy under eyes, using a cold compress on the area will help (even if you pour some cold water onto a tissue and press it into the under eyes).

Are there specific skincare products or ingredients that travellers should avoid using or use more frequently during a trip?

When travelling to different climates it is essential to be more gentle with your skincare routine, the change in conditions can impact your skin. I would avoid using any harsh exfoliating products such as salicylic acid or glycolic acid, I would also consider taking a break from your retinol. These products can be too harsh on the skin and exacerbate dryness or potentially cause breakouts. This can be because you are exposing your skin to different temperatures and humidity levels.

What tips can you offer for travellers who love makeup to ensure that their makeup looks flawless while keeping their skin healthy while on the road?

To ensure that your makeup looks flawless on holiday it is all about your skin preparation. If you are on holiday you don’t want your makeup to feel thick on top of your skin. The best tip I have is to prepare your skin first with a good cleanse. I usually cleanse twice with a creamy hydrating cleanser before putting my skincare on to ensure there are no residual oils on my skin. I always make sure that I use a hydrating serum along with a thicker moisturiser. This provides my skin with a very smooth texture that my make-up can glide on top of. Hydrating my skin before putting makeup on will mean that the makeup will not block the pores and will also mean your skin will glow underneath.

How can travellers detoxify and cleanse their skin after a trip, especially when exposed to various pollutants and environmental stressors?

After an indulgent holiday, it is expected that our skin will feel a tad lacklustre. My best advice when trying to detoxify the skin is to have a hydrafacial treatment. This assists with deep cleaning the pores while putting hydration and antioxidants back in (the good stuff). It does this by using a light chemical peel to break down any oils or congestion, it then deeply flushes out the pores with an extraction step it then finishes by infusing hyaluronic acid and antioxidants back into the skin. This is a personal favourite of mine as it gives my skin a clean like no other!

For travellers facing unexpected breakouts, what recommendations do you have for tackling these sudden skin issues while on the road?

Unexpected breakouts are not ideal but are not uncommon. As we are potentially indulging in things we wouldn’t usually – sometimes your skin can respond to these changes in a breakout. The most important thing to do is not panic! I always tell clients that if they do have a breakout on holiday try not to change your routine too much as these types of breakouts usually do disappear within a few days. It is important to focus on nourishing your skin with gentle skincare, potentially switching to an oil-free moisturiser, ensuring you are deeply cleansing your skin at the end of every day. If you begin to introduce exfoliating products temporarily they can essentially make the breakout worse. Protecting your skin with SPF50+ is paramount. Not only does the zinc in sunscreen have healing properties, but If your skin gets damaged from the sun whilst it is breaking out, it is more likely to scar.

How do you tailor skincare routines to accommodate specific skin concerns, such as acne or sensitive skin, while travelling?

Tailoring skincare routines to address specific concerns like acne or sensitive skin while travelling is crucial, but simplicity is key. It’s important to not make drastic changes to your skincare products when away from home, as your skin may react negatively to unfamiliar products. Stick to the familiar routine you use at home to maintain consistency. If you have an impaired skin barrier, adjusting to the different climates can be challenging enough for your skin, therefore being gentle and not adding different ingredients to your skincare is the best option.

Can you share any travel skincare tips unique to the Australian climate and its potential effects on the skin?

The Australian sun is particularly harsh. Consider using vitamin C in your everyday routine as it acts as a pigment inhibitor and helps counteract the effects of sun exposure. Vitamin B is also very helpful in maintaining skin health and integrity – the healthier and stronger your skin is, the less likely it is to be damaged by external factors such as sun exposure or heat. Lastly, hydration is incredibly important, the sun can dry our skin out. Replenishing your skin’s hydration with something hyaluronic or glycerin-based will help combat the effects of the Australian sun.

Could you highlight the role of nutrition and hydration in maintaining healthy skin while on the go?

Nutrition and hydration play a pivotal role in maintaining healthy skin, especially when you’re on the go. A well-balanced diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants provides the building blocks for healthy skin, promoting collagen production and cell repair. Staying properly hydrated helps maintain skin elasticity, prevents dryness, and supports the body’s natural detoxification processes. When travelling, it’s essential to carry water and healthy snacks to ensure you’re meeting your nutritional and hydration needs. Of course, on holiday we want to be able to relax and enjoy all the delicious food so don’t be too hard on yourself.

What in-clinic treatments or procedures do you recommend for travellers looking to prep their skin for an upcoming journey and provide an extra boost of radiance?

One highly recommended in-clinic treatment for travellers looking to prepare their skin for an upcoming journey and enhance their radiance is skin needling. This procedure involves the use of fine needles to create controlled micro-injuries in the skin, stimulating collagen production and promoting skin rejuvenation. Skin needling not only plumps the skin and minimizes fine lines but also improves skin texture, making it appear smoother and more radiant. This treatment can be an excellent way to achieve a healthy and glowing complexion before travelling.

Can you share some in-clinic treatments that can help rejuvenate and revitalize the skin after travellers return from their journeys?

For travellers looking to rejuvenate and revitalize their skin after returning from their journeys, a combination of in-clinic treatments can be highly effective. Starting with a Hydrafacial is an excellent choice, as it provides a deep cleanse, exfoliation, and hydration, leaving the skin refreshed and radiant. To target any pigmentation, redness, or lacklustre skin, a BroadBand Light (BBL) laser treatment is a great option. BBL can even out skin texture, reduce discolouration, and enhance skin brightness, helping travellers restore their skin’s vitality and achieve a healthier and more youthful complexion after their travels.

Are there any specific in-clinic pre-travel treatments that effectively address travel-related skin concerns, such as dehydration or dullness?

There are specific in-clinic pre-travel treatments that can effectively address travel-related skin concerns, such as dehydration or dullness. Hydrating peels, particularly those containing ingredients like lactic acid, are an excellent choice. These peels help provide the skin with much-needed hydration and exfoliation, leaving it smoother and more radiant. Additionally, Hydrafacials are a highly effective option for travellers, as they combine deep cleansing, exfoliation, and hydration to combat dehydration and dullness, ensuring that your skin is well-prepared and rejuvenated for your journey.

What post-travel in-clinic treatments or therapies do you offer at Youth Lab to help restore the skin’s natural vibrancy and address any damage or stress caused by travel?

At Youth Lab, we have a great team of highly trained practitioners dedicated to restoring the skin’s natural vibrancy and addressing any damage or stress caused by travel. Our clinic offers a wide range of advanced skin treatments, including laser therapy, skin needling, and chemical peels, which are effective in rejuvenating the skin’s texture and appearance. Additionally, we provide various collagen-stimulating injectable treatments that can further help restore vibrancy and promote a more youthful complexion. Our comprehensive range of therapies and expertise ensures that we have the tools and techniques to assist travellers in revitalizing their skin after their journeys.

Visit youthlab.com.au for more!