The Skin Care Routine for Tropical Locations

When you go on a tropical vacation, ideally, you should be having the time of your life. But that might be slightly hindered if you find yourself sweltering in the heat and humidity—or worse, if you end up sunburned. If you’re traveling somewhere hot-hot-hot this summer, it’s crucial to toss a few key skin care products and accessories in your suitcase to help ensure you keep your skin looking and feeling its best while you’re away from home. Come prepared for the weather conditions by following these tropical travel skin care tips.

TROPICAL SKIN CARE TIP #1: STEP UP YOUR SPF GAME

This might sound obvious to you, but this is an uber-important tip. If you’re hitting the sand and surf during a tropical vacation, it’s time to make applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen your top skin care priority. When you spend time in the sun without wearing protection, this can lead to damage, which can show up as visible signs of aging like dark spots and wrinkles down the road. And of course, you could also burn! A broad-spectrum sunscreen can help protect against both UVA rays (the ones that cause damage) and UVB rays (the ones that burn).

The Food & Drug Administration (FDA) recommends using a sunscreen with an SPF value of 15 or higher every day. Sunscreen should be the last step in your skin care routine. You can opt for a separate moisturizer and sunscreen or use a moisturizer formulated with broad-spectrum sunscreen, like the L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Bright Reveal Brightening Day Lotion SPF 30. This could be particularly useful if you want to save space in your suitcase (after all, you probably have quite a few pairs of sandals to pack, right?). Whether you’re spending the day at the beach or you’re going sightseeing, remember to reapply every two hours.

TROPICAL SKIN CARE TIP #2: COVER UP WITH CLOTHING

Sunscreen isn’t your only defense against the sun’s UV rays. When possible, wear long clothing to help shield skin from the sun. Going surfing? You can wear a rash guard in the water to cover your arms and chest.

TROPICAL SKIN CARE TIP #3: WEAR APPROPRIATE ACCESSORIES

Consider this your excuse to stock up on a cute new pair of sunnies and a hat before your vacation starts! The FDA recommends wearing sunglasses and a broad-brimmed hat when you’re out in the sun. The hat will help protect some commonly overlooked areas like your ears and scalp, so it's a must in our books.

TROPICAL SKIN CARE TIP #4: CLEANSE TO HELP COMBAT HUMIDITY

By the end of a humid day in the heat, your skin will need a thorough cleansing. The L’Oréal Paris Micellar Cleansing Water Complete Cleanser - Normal to Oily Skin helps to remove traces of dirt, oil, and makeup. Just don’t forget to pack cotton rounds! Pour some of the micellar water out onto a cotton pad and wipe it across your face. Since there’s no rinsing required, you can pack the bottle in your tote in case you need to cleanse on the go.

TROPICAL SKIN CARE TIP #5: USE AN OIL-FREE MOISTURIZER

Humid temps can leave your skin looking overly shiny. So, at the end of a long day, reach for an oil-free moisturizer after cleansing. The L’Oréal Paris Hydra Genius Daily Liquid Care for Normal/Oily Skin fits the bill—it’s oil-free, non-greasy, and formulated with hyaluronic acid and aloe vera water to help provide long-lasting hydration.

TROPICAL SKIN CARE TIP #6: MAKE IT MATTE

Who wants to look slick with sweat when they’re on vacation? Before applying your makeup, smooth a mattifying primer on your face. Try the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Matte Lock Makeup Primer. Wear it alone or follow up with a matte foundation, like the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Matte Foundation.

TROPICAL SKIN CARE TIP #7: FAKE A GOLDEN GLOW

You know how we told you it was absolutely necessary to wear sunscreen every day? Well, that doesn’t mean you have to come back from your trip without any color. Just use a self-tanner! The L’Oréal Paris Sublime Bronze™ Self-Tanning Towelettes for Body are individually wrapped, so you can easily stash them in your suitcase and apply in your hotel room. Make sure to exfoliate and moisturize first for a more even application!

TROPICAL SKIN CARE TIP #8: KEEP YOUR FINGERS OFF YOUR FACE

It might be tempting to wipe away sweat with your hands, but it’s best not to, as you don’t want to transfer bacteria from your hands to your complexion. Instead, carry a pack of blotting papers so that you can sop up any excess grease while you’re on the go.

TROPICAL SKIN CARE TIP #9: PICK TRAVEL-FRIENDLY PRODUCTS

When you’re packing for a trip, oftentimes it’s most convenient to look for travel sizes of your favorite skin care products. If you can’t find those, put all your must-haves into small reusable containers. It's also wise to place a small piece of plastic wrap under the lid of each container so that you're protected against suitcase spillage.

Next up, focus on your vacay hair necessities! Check out our article, Beauty Off Duty: The Best Hair Care Products to Pack for Your Next Vacation, for everything you need to know.