Dehydrated, Dull Skin After Travel? These Ayurvedic Hacks Will Save Your Glow

Last Updated:July 28, 2025, 15:07 IST

Being constantly on the move often wreaks havoc on your skin. Follow these expert-backed Ayurvedic rituals that can help you restore your skin’s natural glow.

Whether you’re backpacking through the mountains, hopping time zones on a work trip, or jetting off for a much-needed beach vacation, travel brings with it a unique set of challenges, especially for your skin. Long flights, sudden weather changes, irregular sleep patterns, and a disrupted routine can easily lead to dryness, dullness, puffiness, or even unexpected breakouts. Add to that the stress of planning, packing, and unfamiliar diets, and it’s no surprise that your skin starts acting up just when you want to look your best.

That’s where ancient wisdom meets modern skincare. Pooja Nagdev, cosmetologist and founder of Inatur, shares a few Ayurvedic-inspired rituals that can help keep your skin balanced, hydrated, and resilient, no matter how chaotic your itinerary gets.

1. Start with a Barrier Boost: Before your journey begins, protect your skin by strengthening its barrier. “Prepping your skin with a barrier-repairing oil or moisturizer rich in squalane, almond oil, or ceramides helps reduce water loss and combats the dryness from cold weather or cabin air,” shares Nagdev.

2. Hydrate Inside-Out: Water alone won’t cut it. Nagdev recommends going deeper: “Add fennel seeds or turmeric to lukewarm water before or during your travels. It’s anti-inflammatory and helps your gut, which is directly connected to your skin.”

3. Keep a Facial Mist Handy: Dry air is a skin saboteur. “Carry a rose water or thermal spring mist. It keeps the skin calm, hydrated, and pH-balanced during long flights or extreme weather conditions,” she says.

4. Stick to the Basics: Travel isn’t the time to experiment. Nagdev advises, “Avoid actives like retinol or AHAs. Use a gentle cleanser, a basic hydrating cream, and sunscreen. Let your skin rest, not react.”

5. Support Your Gut for Better Skin: Digestive disturbances can show up as puffiness or breakouts. Nagdev’s tip? “Cumin-coriander-fennel tea reduces bloating and inflammation — helping both your gut and your skin.”

6. Moisturise the Nose & Eyes Too: Air travel can cause nasal dryness and tired eyes. “Apply ghee or petroleum jelly inside the nostrils before flying,” Nagdev suggests. She also recommends rose water or eye drops to refresh the eyes, along with limiting screen time and getting quality sleep.

7. Prioritise Recovery: “Use hydrating sheet masks or soothing moisturizers with niacinamide or panthenol to repair your barrier overnight,” she says. Rest is your skin’s best reset.

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Delhi, India, India

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