The Best Travel-Size Skin Care For Your Carry-On Bag, According to Dermatologists, Estheticians & Other Experts

Whether you’re on the go for work, holidays, or just like to have your whole beauty routine in your bag at all times, travel-size skin care, makeup and or beauty products are super convenient. These adorable minis easily fit in your bag, saving you precious luggage space and most importantly, spare you from a time-consuming, sometimes embarrassing search at airport security. (We've all been there.) Since travel is already stressful, both for the emotions and the skin, we've gathered the best skin care tips for travel from expert dermatologists and estheticians and travel-size skin care and beauty products used by our very own Teen Vogue editors.

According to the Transportation Security Administration, to pass through airport security, liquid products in your carry-on bags must be 3.4 ounces or less, per the label on the bottle. And no, it doesn’t matter if you have only or less than 3.4 ounces of liquid in a bottle that is bigger, that once carried more than 3.4 ounces. The liquid has to be in a bottle that is only able to carry 3.4 ounces or less, or else you may have to throw it out. If you've ever had to part ways with a pricey bottle of your favorite product, you know you don't want that.

Another, lesser-known rule to keep in mind is that all of your liquid bottles have to fit in a one quart bag. Without doing a lot of math, you might be realizing that it’s hard to fit your entire beauty routine into that criteria, or even just your carry-on luggage and backpacks.

And while checked luggage is always an option, there’s some other factors to consider when you’re on the go. They might get damaged in transit if the containers are made of glass or another fragile material. Plus, when you can’t keep an eye on them, you might get worried about them spilling all over your clothes and other belongings. You also might feel more comfortable knowing your expensive items are with you. And, if you realize you forgot to put on sunscreen before sitting in a window seat on the plane or need to apply some hand cream after being in the dry atmosphere, you won’t have access to your beauty products. Most importantly, if you have anything you need to have every night or a medicine, you should keep it on hand in case your checked luggage gets lost or delayed.

Scroll on to learn everything you need to know about skin care while on the go and convenient products, so you can travel comfortably (and moisturized) this spring and summer season.

When you travel, your hands and face are exposed to the elements. “A gentle cleanser will help remove dirt, oil, and any environmental pollutants you pick up along the way,” Kristin Gunn BS, CLT, LMA tells Teen Vogue. Paula Brezavscek PA-C recommends micellar water as “a gentle, no-rinse option for removing dirt and oil when you're on the go.” If you can rinse, Amy Spizuoco DO FAOCD suggests CeraVe Hydrating Cleanse since it's “gentle and non-stripping.”

“Traveling, especially by plane, can seriously dehydrate your skin,” Brezavscek says. “Airplane cabins have extremely low humidity levels, which can strip moisture from your skin, leaving it dry, tight, and even irritated.” Gunn adds that this can also lead to breakouts. In order to prevent this, use a moisturizer after cleansing to lock in “hydration and protect your skin from drying out in different environments,” Brezavscek says. “Look for one with ceramides and hyaluronic acid.” Amy Spizuoco DO FAOCD also recommends La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer.

We know SPF is an essential year round. “Whether you’re flying or exploring a new destination, UV exposure is a major concern,” Dr. Spizuoco says. “UV rays can penetrate airplane windows, increasing exposure at high altitudes. Additionally, many travel destinations involve more time outdoors, increasing the risk of sunburn, premature aging, and skin damage. Reapplying SPF every two hours is crucial, especially if sweating or swimming.” We know it sounds like a hassle. Brezavscek suggests a hack, “Use a powder or spray SPF for easy, mess-free touch-ups.” And while some foundations offer some SPF, Gunn says, “Never depend on the SPF in your makeup. You have to wear an actual SPF 30 plus." And don't forget to apply a lip balm with SPF too!

While cleanser, moisturizer and SPF are the absolute essentials, a few extras can also be helpful. Specialized serums can help with specific concerns that arise with travel. “Antioxidant serums like Vitamin C protect against environmental damage,” Dr. Spizuoco says. Gunn also says, “If you’re prone to redness, a soothing serum with niacinamide will help, and an eye serum instead of a cream will not only knock out dryness but usually does wonders for puffiness too.” On the flip side, if you're trying to bring some life back to your skin, Brezavscek suggests hyaluronic acid serum as “a lightweight way to boost hydration and keep skin plump.”

In addition to the bacteria, pollutants and dryness the skin might experience during travel, "breakouts can happen when your routine changes," Brezavscek says. “So having a salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide spot treatment on hand is a smart move.”

Whether you have a few extra minutes in the day or want to ensure that you get your beauty sleep, a face mask can give your skin some extra love. “ Hydrating masks — overnight or sheet masks — help replenish lost moisture,” says Dr. Spizuoco. Brezavscek recommends sheet masks especially since they “are a quick fix for dry, dull skin after a long flight.”

For those looking for ease, getting all the travel-size necessities in one kit that's under a gallon is probably the most convenient way to go. Below, find some of our editor's favorites. Just make sure you have SPF and a lip balm on hand as those are often not included in travel-size skin care sets. Or, get SPF and lippie sets too!