Your skincare shouldn’t suffer just because you’ve changed time zones. We’ve already shown you how to travel light; now, here’s how to glow hard during your trip.
Now that we already know how to pack a travel capsule wardrobe, it’s time to learn how to adapt your beauty routine no matter where you’re jetting off to this summer. Sunscreen, lightweight moisturisers, maybe a mattifying primer, can work when in Lagos, but what happens when you land in London in the dead of winter or step into the dry chill of Johannesburg? Your skin doesn’t travel without the right processes, and neither should your skincare. It’s essential to adapt your beauty routine to suit different climates.
Your skin needs aren’t one-size-fits-all, especially when we’re navigating weather changes, water quality, and even time zone fatigue. From hydrating serums to humidity-proof makeup, here’s how to tweak your routine depending on where in the world you’re glowing from.
Read also: Beauty essentials every black girl needs in her travel bag
Tropical & humid (Think Accra, Bali, or Singapore)
Tropical climates put your skin through a lot — from intense humidity and sweat to constant sun exposure. With all the activities and movement on vacation, chances are your pores are working overtime. The result is oiliness, potential breakouts, and that familiar midday shine that no filter can hide.
Therefore, to stay glowing (not greasy), you need to keep your routine lightweight and breathable. Start with a gel-based cleanser to cut through sweat and grime without stripping your skin. Follow up with a balancing toner and niacinamide serum, which help reduce sebum production and tighten the appearance of pores. Your moisturiser should be oil-free and non-comedogenic, and SPF is non-negotiable. Go for a mattifying or hybrid sunscreen that doesn’t feel heavy but still packs broad-spectrum protection.
Fun fact: In places like Singapore, locals swear by blotting papers and misting sprays to refresh throughout the day. Keep one in your bag for quick touch-ups between brunch and your next hot stop.
Expert tip: Waterproof makeup is your friend, but I believe this is the climate to embrace soft glam or go completely bare-faced. Your skin will breathe, and you’ll spend less time reapplying and more time exploring.
Beauty routine recommendations:
Gel-based cleansers to keep things light
A mattifying SPF with a broad spectrum
Niacinamide serums to help balance oil
A hydrating mist to refresh and keep the skin hydrated
Read also: Beauty experts share tips for glowing skin in humid weather
Cold & dry climate (Think The Swiss Alps ski season or Canada in December)
Not everyone goes to the sunny spots for vacation. Cold and dry destinations are gorgeous to visit with their frosted landscapes and that unbeatable winter wardrobe, but they’re no fun for your skin. It’s giving warm knits, snowy selfies, and skin begging for dear hydration.
Between icy winds, dry indoor heating, and a lack of humidity, your face can quickly go from glowing to ghostly. You might experience flaky patches, tightness, dullness, and in some cases, windburn. It’s the kind of climate where your usual summer skincare routine needs to stay home.
Therefore, to keep your skin supple and protected, switch to richer, more nourishing products. Swap out your gel-based or foaming cleanser for a cream-based or oil cleanser that adds moisture rather than stripping it away. Layer a hydrating serum with hyaluronic acid under a thicker moisturiser or even a facial oil to lock everything in. And don’t forget SPF. Yes, even in the cold, UV rays don’t take a holiday, and snow glare can actually intensify sun exposure.
Fun fact: Your skin loses up to 25% of its moisture in cold, dry weather, especially in the first few minutes of being outside. That “tight” feeling after a winter walk? It’s your face begging for a moisture top-up. Hydration isn’t just a luxury in these climates; it’s survival.
Expert tip: Lip balm is a must-have. Stash it in your coat pocket for reapplication on the go. Cold weather is the perfect excuse to lean into creamy, luminous makeup. Think cream blush, dewy highlighter, and moisturising foundations. They blend better on dry skin and add a dewy finish
Beauty routine recommendations:
Rich moisturiser or facial oil layered over a hydrating serum
Cream cleansers that don’t strip your skin
Lip balm (particularly with SPF)
Sunscreen
Read also: Travel fashion made easy with this stylish holiday capsule wardrobe guide
Desert & dry heat (Think Marrakech or Dubai)
Desert destinations come with intense sun, dry winds, and almost no humidity — all of which cause your skin to lose moisture rapidly. It’s dry, it’s dazzling, and it’s deceptively harsh on your skin. Dehydration, increased sensitivity, and the risk of sun damage are the vibe of the day. Whether you’re riding camels at sunset or posing in the dunes, your skin is soaking up all that heat and begging for hydration.
However, to survive (and slay) in this weather, layering moisture is your best friend. Start with a hydrating toner or essence, then gently pat in a hyaluronic acid serum to lock in moisture. Seal it all in with a nourishing moisturiser or face oil, especially one that includes soothing ingredients like ceramides. Don’t skimp on SPF either; choose a broad-spectrum formula to protect and soothe simultaneously.
Fun fact: In Marrakech and other parts of Morocco, locals have long used argan oil, often called “liquid gold”, to protect their skin and hair from the harsh desert climate. This ancient beauty secret is now a global staple, thanks to its hydrating, soothing, and antioxidant-rich properties. So, channel the desert queens and reach for your oils.
Expert tip: Avoid over-exfoliating in dry heat as your skin barrier is already working overtime. Stick to gentle Alpha Hydroxy Acids(AHAs) once a week, and double up on hydration before and after sun exposure.
Beauty routine recommendations:
Hyaluronic acid before and after your flight
Layered hydration (essence—serum—moisturiser)
Mineral-based SPF (Tinted sunscreen works perfectly)
Hydrating mist to refresh without wiping off your makeup
Lip balm
Hydrating sheet mask
Wet & rainy (Think Nairobi, London in spring, or São Paulo)
The rainy season appeal presents its own challenge. One minute it’s misty and cool, the next it’s sticky and humid. Your skin (and edges) are just fighting to keep up. In cities like Nairobi or London in spring, you’re not only dodging puddles but also dealing with fluctuating humidity levels and all the congestion that follows. If you’re acne-prone or have sensitive skin, this kind of weather can trigger breakouts and irritation fast.
So, to keep your skin fresh and balanced, think of the two Ds — detox and defend. Start with a gentle, non-stripping cleanser, then follow up with an antioxidant serum like Vitamin C to protect against environmental stressors. A lightweight moisturiser and broad-spectrum SPF will do the job without clogging your pores. Most importantly, don’t skip exfoliation. Use a mild AHA twice a week to help prevent congestion, keeping your glow intact.
Fun fact: In São Paulo, locals often prep their skin with antioxidant-rich oils, which hydrate and help combating pollution-related stress. This is especially useful when navigating a traffic-heavy city in humid rain.
Expert tip: If you wear makeup, go for waterproof or smudge-proof formulas, especially for mascara and brows. Rain loves to surprise you mid-walk, and nobody likes raccoon eyes, well, except you’re on a movie set. Also, double cleanse in the evening, especially if you’re walking around a lot or using public transport.
Beauty routine recommendations:
Antioxidant serums (like Vitamin C) to combat environmental stress
Light exfoliation 2–3 times a week
Cleansing balm to remove build-up
Waterproof mascara or brow gel if you’re going for a polished look
Cream-based makeup products
Lip balm
Adapting your beauty routine begins before you land — with in-flight skincare
Aircraft cabins are notoriously dry, and all that recycled air is not cute. Apply hydrating mist mid-flight, skip heavy makeup, apply lip balm and eye cream before take-off, and use a sleeping mask if it’s a long flight. Don’t forget to wear sunscreen.
Adapting your beauty routine to your destination is about doing what your skin needs, where it needs it. So pack smart and glow smarter.
