Going on vacation? With the proper planning, you can travel abroad without having your usual men’s skincare and nutrition regimen take a hit. We’ve developed this list of eight trusty tips to keep you looking and feeling your best throughout your journey. Happy travels!
1. Know the rules. If you’re going to be flying, make sure your men’s skincare products meet the Transportation Security Administration’s rules for carry-on luggage. Research what you can – and can’t –take and pack accordingly. When in doubt, put your products in your checked baggage. Another option is a men’s travel kit; MenScience Travel Kit contains TSA-approved sizes of 10 of the men’s skincare products you’ll need throughout your trip.
2. Know the climate. If you’re going on vacation somewhere with a dry climate, you’ll need to pack a little more men’s moisturizer than usual. The same holds true for cold climates; dry skin is a common problem during cold weather. Conversely, don’t forget the sunscreen as well as some men’s lip balm when visiting a tropical climate or expecting a lot of sun exposure. So do your research beforehand to avoid running out of products during your vacation.
3. Pack only what you need. If you’re only going to be gone a day or two, you probably won’t need to take a face scrub or face mask with you. Leave those things at home and use the extra space for more important things like the stuff listed in “12 Travel Essentials for Men.” As a rule of thumb, plan to use about 1 ounce of product for each week you’re going to be away. Packing light also reduces the amount of stress and time spent preparing for your trip. With that said…
4. Reduce stress. We all know that stress can have some visible effects on our skin, such as acne breakouts and wrinkles. That’s why you need to do your best to control it – this is a vacation after all. Take a nap whenever possible, hit the hotel gym or just go for a walk. Clear your mind to clear your skin. For more stress help, check out “Stop Stress-Related Acne Breakouts.”
5. Drink water. You’re more than likely not getting enough water. The old “eight glasses a day” rule is obsolete. In fact, you should be drinking closer to 13 glasses a day – more if you’re active. Staying hydrated promotes good skin health, and it keeps you full so that you don’t overeat. For more tips on getting enough water, read “9 Hydration Tips for Men.”
6. Be wary of food of food at airports and rest stops. Airport and rest stop food isn’t exactly the healthiest fare – nor is it the cheapest. A lot of these places mark up food prices, so that $5 combo at your local fast food place is now $8-9 here. Pack your own snacks or opt for a salad – just make sure you get the dressing on the side. Read “Healthy Snack Ideas for Men” for some snacking suggestions.
7. Keep a regular eating schedule. It’s hard to track of your meals when on the road, but making the effort to keep a regular eating schedule can help you avoid binge eating. By keeping your body in a constant state of satiety, you’ll minimize the risk of cravings. For help on developing a healthy eating plan, check out MenScience Boot Camp.
8. Take a shower upon arrival. Let’s be honest: Airplanes, cars and cruise ships can be pretty dirty; dirt and other debris can accumulate on your skin easily in these places. When you get to your hotel, take a shower and use a men’s body wash to remove any impurities from the skin. Also, use a gentle facial cleanser for men to get rid of dirt on your face.
