3 Skincare Rules I BREAK Every Time I Travel Overseas

Let me start with this: I love skincare. At home, my bathroom counter looks like a mini drugstore. I double cleanse, I layer serums, I rotate moisturizers based on my skin’s mood, and I’m religious about sunscreen.

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But when I travel overseas? Especially with my carry-on-only lifestyle? I get ruthless.

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Skincare purists, look away — here are the three skincare rules I break every time I go abroad, and why I don’t feel bad about it.

I Use Makeup Removing Wipes — and Not Even the Refillable Kind

At home, I use a gentle oil cleanser to melt away makeup. But when I’m flying and living out of a carry-on, oil cleansers are more trouble than they’re worth. TSA rules turn every liquid into a strategic decision, and let’s be honest — one leaked bottle of oil cleanser could take out my whole suitcase.

Instead, I pack individually wrapped Neutrogena makeup remover wipes. They’re not the most barrier-friendly option (my skin definitely prefers oils), but they’re compact, convenient, and don’t count toward my liquid limit. The single-use packaging also keeps them from drying out between uses — unlike a giant pack, which I’d never finish on one trip anyway.

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Are they my skincare holy grail? Nope. But are they my travel MVP? Absolutely.

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I Wash My Face (and Body) with a Bar of Dove Soap

Cue every esthetician I know cringing — but yes, I use a bar of soap to wash my face when I travel.

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Specifically, I bring a Dove Sensitive Skin Beauty Bar. It’s gentle and fragrance-free, and — you guessed it — solid. No TSA worries, no spills, and it multitasks for both face and body. It’s simple, effective, and honestly, kind of nostalgic. My grandmother swore by Dove soap, and while I normally opt for fancier liquid cleansers at home, Dove gets the job done when I’m traveling light.

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(Pro tip: I pack mine in a soap case with a drainage tray in the bottom — it keeps the bar from turning into a soggy mess.)

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I Use One Moisturizer for Everything

Face. Neck. Hands. Body. Daytime. Nighttime. I don’t bring a lineup — I bring a single small jar of Cerave Moisturizing Cream and call it a day.

At home, I tailor my moisturizer to the time of day, how my skin is behaving, and whether I will be wearing makeup over it. But on the road? I need something that plays well in any climate, is rich enough for dry hotel air, and gentle enough for sensitive skin. Cerave’s Moisturizing Cream is my all-around workhorse.

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I decant it into a small silicone travel jar and it goes with me everywhere!

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Could I bring separate moisturizers for morning and night? Sure. But I’d rather save that space for local snacks and souvenirs. Traveling light — especially overseas — means making compromises. And for me, skincare is one area where I simplify. I don’t worry too much about a few days of minimalist routines. My skin might not look glassy by the end of the trip, but it’s healthy, happy, and hydrated — and I didn’t have to check a bag to get there.

Sometimes, the best skincare routine is the one that fits in your carry-on!