Q: Whenever I travel, my skin breaks out. What can I do to prevent this?

MyChelle Dermaceuticals licensed esthetician Catie Wiggy responds:

Travel can be stressful enough, with long airport lines, lost luggage, a switched-up schedule and cranky kids. The last thing you want to deal with is a new, unsightly blemish. Unfortunately, it’s common. Travel can throw off our normal skin balance due to abrupt changes in temperature and humidity levels. Skin becomes accustomed to an environment, so when you enter a new one, things can go haywire.

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Additionally, when traveling you may come across water with a high mineral content (“hard water”), which doesn’t rinse away detergents and cleansers well. This makes skin more susceptible to irritation.

Be prepared to give your skin a little extra TLC while traveling. To help prevent breakouts during your journey, I recommend exfoliating with MyChelle Tropical Skin Smoother the night before you leave to remove dead skin cells, unclog pores and restore hydration. Follow this step with MyChelle Deep Repair Cream to build moisture and ease any irritation or inflammation.

Being prepared to handle sudden fluctuations in your skin will ensure a clearer, balanced complexion when traveling. Keep your toiletries bag stocked with supplies so you’ll be well-resourced. Here are a few recommended travel essentials (all meet TSA travel requirements, so feel free to carry them on board!):

• Apple Brightening Mist (2.1 oz.) to restore topical hydration and flood the skin with antioxidant support while giving the skin a dewy glow

• Magnolia Fresh Eyes to decrease dark circles and puffiness while traveling

• Daily Defense SPF 17, a cream and sun protection all in one

• Apple Brightening Cleanser (2.1 oz.) to remove surface impurities and brighten skin tone and texture

Catie Wiggy is Innovative Programs Manager for MyChelle Dermaceuticals. She has been working in the skincare industry for over 10 years as a makeup artist and licensed esthetician. She holds several certifications in esthetics and has hands-on experience with chemical peels, microdermabrasions, acne management and anti-aging treatments.