Southeast Asia boasts some of the best vacation spots in the world. Whether you want to immerse yourself in the nightlife of Bangkok, shop in the posh boutiques of Singapore, learn ofthe rich history of Cambodia, or just lounge on a beach in Bali, there’s something for everyone. This rich, diverse part of the world is on everyone’s bucket list, and for good reason.
But the heat and humidity of Southeast Asia means that your skincare needs are different. Travel itself can be harsh on the skin, from the disruption of your body clock and sleep rhythms, to the dehydration caused by long flights.
With all that in mind, we’ve put together the best travel-friendly skincare products to bring on a dream holiday in Southeast Asia. You shouldn’t leave home without them!
Table of Contents
- Sheet Masks
- Water-Resistant Sunblock
- Oil-Blotting Sheets
- Hydrating Toner
- Moisturizers
- Overnight Mask
- Facial Wash
- Lip Balm
- Insect Repellent
- Bon Voyage!
Sheet Masks
First on our list of top products you shouldn’t travel to Southeast Asia without (though this list is not necessarily in order!) are sheet masks.
Sheet masks are a great way to recover from the skincare damage due to air travel and to re-hydrate after a long day of sightseeing. These mask packs are luggage-friendly and easy to use, so you don’t have to invest a lot of time in your skin restoration.
These hyaluronic masks from Ebanel Skincare have everything you need in a convenient 15-pack, perfect for travel. These masks can be left on for 20-40 minutes, and provide instant hydration and face brightening for all skin types.
Ebanel Korean Collagen Facial Face Mask Sheets contain peptides, collagen essence, hyaluronic acid, and stem cell plant extracts, so they hydrate, brighten, restore, and replenish the skin, adding firmness and fighting sun damage, without oils, alcohol, parabens, or sulfates.
On hot days, you can even put them in the fridge before use for extra cooling effect. Be bold and use one during your flight to prevent airplane dehydration!
They are made in the US by a Korean company, and they’re also cruelty-free.
Water-Resistant Sunblock
Remember, the sun can damage your skin, even on cloudy days, so sunblock is a given.
In humid climates you need water resistance in your sunscreen, even if you aren’t in the water. Sweat and environmental humidity can melt regular sunscreen right off
Neutrogena’s Ultra-Sheer broad-spectrum sunscreen is perfect for a vacation in the tropics.
It has an amazing 100+ SPF protection from UVA and UVB rays. It’s also fast-absorbing, and leaves a non-greasy, dry, matte finish. You can even wear this under makeup.
This sun screen won’t clog pores, and can even be used all over your body. This product’s PABA-free formula is recommended by dermatologists, and provides up to 80 minutes of sun protection in the water.
And this small, 3-ounce container is even TSA-friendly.
Another sunblock to consider is the Coppertone Sport SPF50, which is not only water-resistant but sweat-resistant too. It’s also perfect for the high humidity of the area that is bound to make you perspire. Don’t forget to take it with you on your hikes so you can reapply it.
RELATED: Best Sunscreens for Acne-Prone Skin
Oil-Blotting Sheets
Hot, humid weather is likely to make your skin oily and shiny, whether you’re on a walking tour or relaxing in a lounge chair.
Oil-blotting sheets are a great way to keep your sebum under control no matter where you are.
These natural charcoal oil-absorbing tissues from PleasingCare are compact, easy to take anywhere, and keep you in control of excess facial oil.
They can be used on all skin types, and can be used over makeup to keep your look fresh and shine-free.
The Natural Bamboo Charcoal Oil Absorbing Tissues are compact and can go anywhere. They’re a great way to control facial oil without clogging pores or triggering acne. They can even be used to clean eyeglasses and sunglasses in a pinch!
Hydrating Toner
It may seem counterintuitive, but a misting toner is another great way to refresh your face in hot and humid weather.
This facial mist from Mario Badescu contains cooling aloe, cucumber, peppermint, and green tea. It nourishes, hydrates, and energizes skin. It also won’t disrupt makeup.
In hot weather, this cooling mist will refresh and hydrate you, without clogging pores or producing even more oil. The boost of antioxidants helps to prevent and repair sun damage and nourish the skin.
Moisturizers
A skincare product that’s a must to include, not just in your list of top products you shouldn’t travel to Southeast Asia without, but in everyday routine is the moisturizer.
However, sometimes sun cream can feel very heavy, like it clogs your pores when applied to your face, even more so on top of moisturizer.
RELATED: Cream to powder foundation
So why not get a moisturizer already containing SPF?
There are tons on the market, but the Garnier SkinActive Clearly Brighter is perfect for going on holiday, as it’s travel-sized.
Not only that, but it has SPF30, is non-greasy and contains both vitamin C for brightening and vitamin E for ultimate moisturization.
You can also eliminate the need for packing foundation by getting a tinted moisturizer, like the Goddess Garden Tinted Moisturizer. Lightweight, non-greasy, and also containing SPF30, this powerful moisturizer is vegan-friendly and certified cruelty-free.
Check out more tinted moisturizers in our Best Tinted Moisturizers post!
RELATED: Tinted Moisturizer vs BB Cream
Overnight Mask
In a different environment, your skin sometimes requires an extra boost of hydration. An overnight mask can give your skin that extra boost it might need.
They aren’t like clay masks, which need to be removed after a specific time period, as you leave them on all night. Sleeping induces the skin’s natural repair process, so using an anti-aging mask will only benefit and complement this process.
The L’Oreal Revitalift Triple Power Intensive Overnight Mask is a creamy mask that penetrates quickly into the skin and helps improve firmness and elasticity.
Facial Wash
Naturally, every morning, you need to wash away the dead skin and mask residue from the previous night.
Using a gentle face wash made for sensitive skin such as the Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Daily Cleanser, will help you get your day started.
Using a sensitive skin cleanser will protect your skin from anything the different environment may throw at you, as it’s hypoallergenic. This gentle facial cleanser will remove any excess dirt, makeup and oil which can build up, especially in your T-zone when in high humid areas.
Lip Balm
Taking an SPF lip balm with you on vacation cannot be stressed enough. Your skin should be protected against UVA/UVB rays. So should your lips (which have the most sensitive skin in all your body).
The Burts Bees Moisturizing Lip Balm will be your best friend to prevent painful chapped and dry lips from too much sun. This 100% natural lip balm is water resistant for up to 40 mins.
RELATED: Best Lip Moisturizers
Insect Repellent
Bug Spray!
How often do we forget to take this vital little thing along with us and suffer the consequences? Not only does bug spray prevent those irritating bites, it’ll also protect you against any potential diseases.
Take the Cutter All Family Insect Repellent for effective relief. The formula is gentle and non-greasy for the whole family.
Bon Voyage!
And there are our top products you shouldn’t travel to Southeast Asia without!
The trick to great skincare for a trip to Southeast Asia is to protect and hydrate your skin from the stresses of travel and sun exposure. You should also pick products that manage the oiliness triggered by hot, humid climates and holiday adventures.
These little, luggage-friendly lifesavers will keep you looking and feeling your best, and give you a natural, refreshed glow in every selfie, no matter where you are.
Bags packed? Remembered everything? Don’t forget your hat! Bon Voyage!
Check out more on the Ellis James Designs blog:
Where are you off to on your next holiday?
