I once made the mistake of visiting my dermatologist shortly after spending 10 hours on a plane. I mentioned this to him as he wondered aloud why my skin was throwing its own inflamed version of a temper tantrum. “Ah,” he said. “So that’s why you’re breaking out.”
Air travel can instigate a breakout for a few reasons. A major one is “the stress of flying,” according to Kenneth Howe, M.D., a dermatologist at Wexler Dermatology in New York City. When something stressful occurs, like an unexpectedly long security line or three-hour delay, your body responds by producing more cortisol, which can trigger oil production. That excess oil can clog pores, leading to a breakout.
Another factor is the dry air in the plane cabin, which can sap skin of moisture and cause both dehydration and irritation. “When skin is easily irritated, it is more likely to get inflamed and [lead to] more acne,” explains Jeremy Fenton, M.D., a dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology in New York City. By the time you hit baggage claim, a breakout is already in the works.
Unless you have the space to pack a drugstore’s worth of products, your best bet is an acne spot treatment. They’re often small—well under the TSA-approved size allowance—and powerful, meaning they begin working immediately. We’ve gathered the most travel-friendly products (think slim tubes and liquid-less patches) to make clear skin a breeze.
This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date.
For all skin types
Patchology Breakout Box 3-in-1 Acne Treatment Kit
Not all zits are created equal, which is why this set offers three types of patches to target the most common types. Salicylic acid dots target the pore-clogging gunk in your average pimple, clay and charcoal stickers remove blackheads, and hydrocolloid patches make quick work of whiteheads. Bonus: The thin, nearly weightless sheets won’t add bulk to your luggage.
For dry skin
Philosophy Clear Days Ahead Fast-Acting Acne Spot Treatment
This smart treatment takes a two-pronged approach by first targeting dead skin cells with salicylic acid, and then zapping acne-causing bacteria with antimicrobial ingredients. “Salicylic acid works in part by exfoliating off the very top layer of the skin to keep the pores clear,” explains Fenton. Though the formula is potent, it counteracts any dryness and redness that may occur with nourishing squalane oil, so you can apply it without worrying about flaking or inflammation.
For oily or combination skin
Proactiv Emergency Blemish Relief
Benzoyl peroxide is well-known for its ability to take down the bacteria that leads to and exacerbates breakouts, but it comes with a similarly well-known drawback. “Benzoyl peroxide tends to have a drying effect, which explains why it is better tolerated in oilier skin types versus dry or sensitive skin types,” Howe says. In this particular formula, benzoyl peroxide is in a micro-crystal form, meaning it can get deep in the affected pore to clear things out. And it’s paired with allantoin, a soothing herbal extract that can help offset any dryness.
For acne-prone skin
Clinique Acne Solutions clinical clearing gel
Technically, this isn’t a true spot treatment. Though you could certainly use it as one by dabbing it on individual zits, the salicylic acid–packed formula is meant to be used all over the face. That can go a long way—if you already know you’re prone to acne, there’s not much point in chasing new pimples as they appear. Instead, taking preventative measures can be worth the extra effort. “[Salicylic acid] prevents pores from clogging up in the first place and prevents the cascade of events that leads to larger and more inflamed cysts,” explains Fenton.
For skin prone to acne scars
Mighty Patch Original from Hero Cosmetics
Though hydrocolloid patches are often credited with “sucking out” the gunk from whiteheads—thus deflating them—they’re just as useful once the zit has popped. Hydrocolloid is known for its wound-healing properties, since it creates a clean, moist environment ideal for skin recovery. Another advantage: Because it prevents any picking after the fact, it allows a zit to heal undisturbed, thus minimizing scarring.
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