Not exactly travel related, but I get a lot of compliments on my skin - my routine is not complicated and uses mostly inexpensive products. The first 6 items are my current go-tos. The others are alternatives or extras that are nice to have but not necessary. I've compiled this list based upon my personal trial and error and based on info I've received from my dermatologist and my favorite Instagram beauty accounts - @mrs.derm, @ellengendlermd and @jillian.gottlieb
Step 1 in my morning routine. I've tried several Vitamin C serums and this is the one I've liked the best so far!
Lucent-C Vitamin C Serum 15% - prequel
Step 2 morning and Step 3 at night (and as needed). I love how thick this moisturizer is and it's completely non-irritating to my sometimes sensitive skin. This huge tub is less than $15 and lasts forever! Expensive moisturizers are NOT worth it!
Vanicream Moisturizing Cream with Pump, Fragrance Free - 16oz
Step 3 in my morning routine (and don't forget to reapply!). This is the most important step - anything else you use will be pointless if you aren't protecting yourself from UV rays. THIS IS NOT THE SAME AS WHAT YOU SEE IN TARGET! This formulation is...
La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVmune 400 Fluid for Face SPF50
Step 1 in my nighttime routine. Expensive cleansers are not necessary. Find one that works for you! I like this one because it lathers nicely and really feels like it's removing the dirt while not drying or irritating my skin!
Glycerin Cleanser For The Face & Body - Gleanser
Step 2 in my nighttime routine. This is what's going to make the most difference in your skin! I started with 0.025% nightly for 6 months and have recently bumped up to 0.05%. Will let my skin adjust to this for several months before eventually going to 0.1%.
Tretinoin Cream .025% (Retin-A) for Acne
I use this as needed - on my lips most mornings and nights, around my eyes if they're particularly dry. This can also be great to apply as a barrier for any places you don't want your Tretinoin. I also love this because it's great for the whole famil...
Aquaphor Healing Ointment Advanced Therapy
This is a luxury item, but I will use it occasionally (after Tretoinin and before my moisturizer). I particularly like it in the winter or when my skin feels dry or irritated.
Midnight Recovery Concentrate Moisturizing Face Oil Serum
Sunscreen is great, but if you're really serious about your skin you need to keep it out of the sun. I like this hat because It's easily adjustable and can get squashed up in my bag but come out unscathed!
Womens Foldable Flap Cover UPF 52+ UV Sun Hat Black
This is a creamier version of the same spf I use in the morning. I like this one to keep my bag for reapplying throughout the day.
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Ultra UVmune 400 SPF50+
I love this app! It combines your location information with the current UV Index to remind you when it's time to reapply your spf!
UVIMate - Sun Safety Coach and Global UV Index Application
This is a great alternative to the Prequel Vitamin C.
Vichy LiftActiv Vitamin C Brightening Serum
An alternative to the Vanicream. This one is a little less thick, so can be nicer in the warmer months or if you don't like the Vanicream texture.
CeraVe Moisturizing Face & Body Cream for Normal to Dry Skin – 1.89 fl oz
I have gotten VERY few pimples since I started using Tretinoin, but when I do this is the spot treatment I use.
Drying Lotion - On-The-Spot Solution for Blemishes
I almost never have pimples anymore, but I am a terrible picker - I like these because they keep me from picking at my face!
Hero Cosmetics Mighty Patch™ Original - 36 ct
Not exactly skin care, but I love this to keep my scalp from burning (especially if I've got a part in my hairstyle). Also works nicely as a dry shampoo!
Poof 100% Mineral Part Powder SPF 35
My second choice facial cleanser. Doesn't lather quite as satisfyingly as the Prequel but gets the job done without drying or irritation.
La Roche Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Face Wash with Ceramide for Normal to Dry Sensitive Skin
Not for your face, but if you can find this spray-on aquaphor, stockpile it! This is amazing for that dry winter skin!
Aquaphor Healing Ointment Moisturizing Body Spray for Dry Skin - 3.7oz