5 Travel Skincare Tips to Keep Skin Alert, Hydrated, and Clear
As relaxing as travel can be, it also throws you a lot of curveballs. From flight delays to unpredictable weather, there are so many variables that can determine how well the trip goes.
The same can be said for travel’s impact on your skin: There are a lot of variables that affect your skin in this new environment—and that potential stress from travel is just the beginning.
Take for example, the accidental sunburn, or the unexpected pimple. In terms of the latter, you might rarely get any breakouts in your regular life, but find that breakouts happen frequently when you travel. Sometimes, this is the cortisol in your body increasing with added stress, which can lead to clogged pores. Other times, it’s the dry air in the airplane, or even the air quality and humidity levels of the destination.
For sunburn and breakouts and everything in between, it’s imperative to have a good travel grooming plan at the ready. Here are our top skincare tips for traveling—as universal as they come, to help you adjust to this massive shift in environment.
1. SPF, All Day, Even in Winter
Regardless of where you go, you are going to be outside, constantly—even if you aren’t spending time at the beach. One of the biggest mistakes people make when traveling is to mistake a cloudy day or winter season as an excuse to skip SPF. But it’s at these sneaky moments—especially on the ski slopes, at high altitudes—you need SPF. The easiest way to get proper protection every day is to pick a daytime moisturizer with SPF 30 or above. Whether it’s a cloudy day on the beach or a long road trip with windows up, UV rays can make their way through these filters and into your skin, leading to things like wrinkles, fine lines, discoloration, rough texture, dryness, sunburn, and sometimes even skin cancer. So, play it safe every day, and keep up the practice back home, too.
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Daily SPF + Moisturizer
$22.00
2. Hydrate Skin and Body
Never forget this, even when you aren’t traveling: You’ve got to stay hydrated, inside and out. Your bodily functions—including your skin’s barrier defenses and overall radiance—maintain top form when you nourish it with H2O and moisturizer. However, when it comes to moisturizers for those long flights, any cold-weather destinations, or overnights in AC’ed rooms: Swap a standard daytime one for a heavier-duty, hydration-boosting moisturizer that targets dry or sensitive skin, because you’ll need the extra defense against dermal dehydration.
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Hydro Boost Gel Moisturizer
$29.00
Lastly, you can pack a hydrating sheet mask (whether you're fully shaved or have a beard) for a big moisture infusion as soon as you’re settled into your hotel or Airbnb (or after you return home). This is a surefire way to restore any moisture lost, while plumping skin full of firming, brightening, balancing ingredients.
3. Don’t Abandon Your Pimple Prevention Plan
Besides staying hydrated and as stress-free as possible, the other way to prevent blemishes is, of course, to deploy a reliable, gentle cleanser. While you still want to cleanse first thing in the morning and at the start of your bedtime regimen, it is important to use this cleanser any time your skin feels stressed, or excessively oily or sweaty. Make sure it’s a hydrating, skin-harmonizing cleanser at that, and not an abrasive, drying one. And, if you need a cleanse on the go (like at 30,000 feet) but don’t trust the water source (if you’ve got one at all), you can use toning and exfoliating wipes, which seep into the pores to dissolve buildup without disrupting your skin’s natural pH levels. (You can also use them after cleansing, for a three-pronged cleanse-exfoliate-tone approach prior to moisturizing.)
4. But Have a Blemish Backup Plan, Just In Case
Breakouts happen, especially when you’re stressed. Yes, you can do everything possible to mitigate them, but some pimples are particularly persistent, especially in unforeseen stressful situations (lost luggage, anyone?). One of the easiest things to toss in your tote is pimple patches, which carry pore-clearing ingredients like salicylic acid inside their tiny little microneedles (which don’t hurt at all, by the way; it’s like applying a tiny bandaid). Leave a patch on freshly cleansed skin for a few hours (though ideally you’ll wear it overnight), and let the ingredients seep into the clogged pore to dissolve and relieve the damage. You’ll prevent yourself from having to burst that bad boy, and from enduring a dark acne mark for the next few months.
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5. Keep Eye Baggage in Check
Puffiness and dark circles are par for the course when you’re dehydrated, stressed, or tired. By targeting the skin around the eyes with specific ingredients (like firming peptides, and deeply hydrating hyaluronic acid), you can ensure that you keep this area looking alert. Or, perhaps you are perfectly rested but the stress of travel is still showing on your face. A simple, nourishing eye serum with the aforementioned ingredients should give you the lift you need, regardless of the situation. Apply it along with your moisturizer, first thing in the morning. Repeat before bed for extra nourishment while you sleep.
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Limited Edition Jet Set Travel Kit
good for:
NEW! Limited Edition Jet Set Travel Kit with Dopp Kit.
With our new Jet Set Travel Kit, you can ditch the hotel samples for an on-the-go routine built with your skin in mind. These five simple steps cover all the bases– from cleansing your face to hydrating your lips– and they're all you need to pack before you hit the road. And, yes, it’s TSA-approved.
Includes Steps:
- 01 Daily SPF + Moisturizer
- 02 Dark Circle Eye Rescue
- 03 Clay Cleanser Sample, 15ml
- 04 Hydro Boost Gel Sample, 15ml
- 05 Matte Lip Balm
"I am a 55 years old and I have started to show my age on my face. After a long day in an aircraft cabin, this is exactly what my skin needs. It doesn’t take much time to complete and the results are worth it." – Jerri P
Limited Edition Jet Set Travel Kit
good for:
NEW! Limited Edition Jet Set Travel Kit with Dopp Kit.
With our new Jet Set Travel Kit, you can ditch the hotel samples for an on-the-go routine built with your skin in mind. These five simple steps cover all the bases– from cleansing your face to hydrating your lips– and they're all you need to pack before you hit the road. And, yes, it’s TSA-approved.
Includes Steps:
- 01 Daily SPF + Moisturizer
- 02 Dark Circle Eye Rescue
- 03 Clay Cleanser Sample, 15ml
- 04 Hydro Boost Gel Sample, 15ml
- 05 Matte Lip Balm
"I am a 55 years old and I have started to show my age on my face. After a long day in an aircraft cabin, this is exactly what my skin needs. It doesn’t take much time to complete and the results are worth it." – Jerri P
Purifying Clay Cleanser
good for:
The Purifying Clay Cleanser dares to answer the question: “what if you combined a detoxifying clay mask with a hydrating face wash?”
Our 2x Ask Men Grooming award-winning cleanser uses Cactus Extract and a Tri-Clay blend to remove excess oil and cleanse skin deeply from the grime of the day, never leaving skin feeling dry or tight. Powerful ingredients, yet gentle enough for daily use.
“The best face wash I have found for my oily, sensitive, acne-prone skin! With continued use, I've even seen a drastic reduction of oily shine on my face after long days in the office! Thank you, Cardon!” - Steve C.
Purifying Clay Cleanser
good for:
The Purifying Clay Cleanser dares to answer the question: “what if you combined a detoxifying clay mask with a hydrating face wash?”
Our 2x Ask Men Grooming award-winning cleanser uses Cactus Extract and a Tri-Clay blend to remove excess oil and cleanse skin deeply from the grime of the day, never leaving skin feeling dry or tight. Powerful ingredients, yet gentle enough for daily use.
“The best face wash I have found for my oily, sensitive, acne-prone skin! With continued use, I've even seen a drastic reduction of oily shine on my face after long days in the office! Thank you, Cardon!” - Steve C.
seller
Dark Circle Eye Rescue
good for:
The Dark Circle Eye Rescue cream hydrates and brightens the skin around the eyes to reduce the appearance of dark circles and wrinkles.
The stainless steel rollerball makes it easy to apply, while also working to de-puff eyes. Acclaimed best eye cream for dark circles by Gear Patrol!
Dark Circle Eye Rescue
good for:
The Dark Circle Eye Rescue cream hydrates and brightens the skin around the eyes to reduce the appearance of dark circles and wrinkles.
The stainless steel rollerball makes it easy to apply, while also working to de-puff eyes. Acclaimed best eye cream for dark circles by Gear Patrol!
LAUNCHED
Cardon Dopp Kit
Made for those always on the move, our new Cardon Dopp Kit is the perfect toiletry bag to take your skincare with you wherever you go. It's sleek, portable, and extremely spacious design allows you to pack a ton while staying compact.
The Dopp Kit one main pouch and one zippered front pocket to store smaller essentials, like your razor, tooth brush or nail clippers.
Cardon Dopp Kit
Made for those always on the move, our new Cardon Dopp Kit is the perfect toiletry bag to take your skincare with you wherever you go. It's sleek, portable, and extremely spacious design allows you to pack a ton while staying compact.
The Dopp Kit one main pouch and one zippered front pocket to store smaller essentials, like your razor, tooth brush or nail clippers.
Daily SPF + Moisturizer
good for:
We’re playing favorites—this is the #1 most important step in your skincare routine. Stave off sun damage for healthy, youthful skin for years to come with our Daily SPF + Moisturizer, acclaimed best lightweight moisturizer with SPF by GQ!
Its fast-absorbing, lightweight formula uses Cactus and Chia Seed Extract to provide all-day hydration, plus Broad Spectrum SPF 30 to protect against UVA and UVB rays with ZERO residue or white cast.
“After trying several different brands, I finally found a product I like. It's lightweight, not sticky, and has a very subtle, fresh scent. Will definitely order again. I highly recommend this product.” - Sara T.
Daily SPF + Moisturizer
good for:
We’re playing favorites—this is the #1 most important step in your skincare routine. Stave off sun damage for healthy, youthful skin for years to come with our Daily SPF + Moisturizer, acclaimed best lightweight moisturizer with SPF by GQ!
Its fast-absorbing, lightweight formula uses Cactus and Chia Seed Extract to provide all-day hydration, plus Broad Spectrum SPF 30 to protect against UVA and UVB rays with ZERO residue or white cast.
“After trying several different brands, I finally found a product I like. It's lightweight, not sticky, and has a very subtle, fresh scent. Will definitely order again. I highly recommend this product.” - Sara T.
Hydro Boost Gel Moisturizer
good for:
Like a night cap for your skin, our Hydro Boost Gel Moisturizer is the ideal way to finish your evening.
This 3-in-1 gel moisturizer uses Cactus Extract and Rosehip Oil to put in the work while you snooze—hydrating, soothing, and repairing your skin all night long.
“This easily became part of my nightly routine. I've started to notice my face looking healthier and smoother. As a 32 y/o, you start to notice wrinkles creeping in, this helps me keep them at bay.” - Andrew S.
Hydro Boost Gel Moisturizer
good for:
Like a night cap for your skin, our Hydro Boost Gel Moisturizer is the ideal way to finish your evening.
This 3-in-1 gel moisturizer uses Cactus Extract and Rosehip Oil to put in the work while you snooze—hydrating, soothing, and repairing your skin all night long.
“This easily became part of my nightly routine. I've started to notice my face looking healthier and smoother. As a 32 y/o, you start to notice wrinkles creeping in, this helps me keep them at bay.” - Andrew S.
Deluxe Travel-Size Clay Cleanser + Hydro Boost Gel
From your gym bag to your carry-on, no packed bag is complete without these two travel-sized essentials.
Our cleanser and moisturizer are the backbone of your skincare routine, so you can reset and restore your skin both day and night, no matter where you go.
Includes Steps:
- 01 Clay Cleanser Sample, 15ml
- 02 Hydro Boost Gel Sample, 15ml
Deluxe Travel-Size Clay Cleanser + Hydro Boost Gel
From your gym bag to your carry-on, no packed bag is complete without these two travel-sized essentials.
Our cleanser and moisturizer are the backbone of your skincare routine, so you can reset and restore your skin both day and night, no matter where you go.
Includes Steps:
- 01 Clay Cleanser Sample, 15ml
- 02 Hydro Boost Gel Sample, 15ml
GIFT
Bamboo Charcoal Sheet Mask + Beard Oil
good for:
Often imitated, never duplicated, this innovative sheet mask is the first of its kind and an Ask Men Grooming award winner in the Best Sheet Mask category!
Half mask, half beard treatment, the Bamboo Charcoal Sheet Mask + Beard Oil gives each section of skin (and beard) just what it needs: A detoxifying, hydrating charcoal-infused mask for your skin and a nourishing beard oil blend for the ultimate beard care. Plus, the mask is designed with expandable nose slits to fit any face size and shape.
“I really enjoyed this face mask from Cardon. The beard oil applies easily and the half mask for your cheeks, nose, and forehead fits well and stays in place. My skin looks and feels great after removing the mask. Well done, Cardon!” - Tyler S.
Bamboo Charcoal Sheet Mask + Beard Oil
good for:
Often imitated, never duplicated, this innovative sheet mask is the first of its kind and an Ask Men Grooming award winner in the Best Sheet Mask category!
Half mask, half beard treatment, the Bamboo Charcoal Sheet Mask + Beard Oil gives each section of skin (and beard) just what it needs: A detoxifying, hydrating charcoal-infused mask for your skin and a nourishing beard oil blend for the ultimate beard care. Plus, the mask is designed with expandable nose slits to fit any face size and shape.
“I really enjoyed this face mask from Cardon. The beard oil applies easily and the half mask for your cheeks, nose, and forehead fits well and stays in place. My skin looks and feels great after removing the mask. Well done, Cardon!” - Tyler S.
Cactus Soothing Face Mask
good for:
Everyone deserves some self-care time—may we recommend Cactus Soothing Face Mask and chill?
This immediate hydration boost is supercharged with healing ingredients like Cactus Extract and Cica to soothe redness and irritation while reducing fine lines. Perfect for a post-shave treatment or whenever you need a moment for you.
“Stress and late nights working have left my skin looking a bit rough, but this mask was perfect for some at-home spa relaxation. My skin definitely looks a lot more moisturized and refreshed.” - Melody C.
Cactus Soothing Face Mask
good for:
Everyone deserves some self-care time—may we recommend Cactus Soothing Face Mask and chill?
This immediate hydration boost is supercharged with healing ingredients like Cactus Extract and Cica to soothe redness and irritation while reducing fine lines. Perfect for a post-shave treatment or whenever you need a moment for you.
“Stress and late nights working have left my skin looking a bit rough, but this mask was perfect for some at-home spa relaxation. My skin definitely looks a lot more moisturized and refreshed.” - Melody C.
.png?v=1671640176423&options=w_600)
Prickly Pimple Patch
good for:
2021 Esquire Grooming Award Winner
Zit happens, so we made the Prickly Pimple Patch, your one-step solution for pesky breakouts. Soft dissolving microneedles go where no pimple cream has gone before—delivering acne-fighting ingredients like Salicylic Acid and Cica directly to the site of the inflammation and target acne dark spots. Works on ingrown hairs too!
“I applied the patch to a few raised bumps that appear to be clogged pores. Overnight one was significantly reduced while the other seems to have disappeared. Easy process and highly effective.” - Todd S.
Prickly Pimple Patch
good for:
2021 Esquire Grooming Award Winner
Zit happens, so we made the Prickly Pimple Patch, your one-step solution for pesky breakouts. Soft dissolving microneedles go where no pimple cream has gone before—delivering acne-fighting ingredients like Salicylic Acid and Cica directly to the site of the inflammation and target acne dark spots. Works on ingrown hairs too!
“I applied the patch to a few raised bumps that appear to be clogged pores. Overnight one was significantly reduced while the other seems to have disappeared. Easy process and highly effective.” - Todd S.
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Ingredient Highlights
Skincare Benefits Of Cactus
Cactus extract is one of skincare’s most powerful natural ingredients with anti-aging, hydrating, skin-firming, and irritation-soothing benefits. Cactus is known for its soothing and healing properties (think aloe, but better). Learn more about how you improve your skin by rubbing cactus on your face 🌵
Cardon Products Are
Easy to Use
We never create two products when we can achieve the same results with one. Cardon products are designed to be easy to use every day.
Backed By Korean Innovation
Korean R&D is two decades ahead of the rest of the world. Cardon products use the highest quality, most effective ingredients out there.
Non-Toxic
Finally, an ingredient label you can feel good about. Every ingredient in Cardon products is good for your skin, and easy on the mind.
