Here’s How to Keep Your Skin Glowing While Traveling, According to a Celebrity Facialist

Vance Soto, founder of VSOTO Skincare and owner of Ole Henriksen Face/Body Spa, is known for transforming skin, bringing results-based techniques that that keep celebs glowing during stressful red carpet season, long shoots, and beyond. At his West Hollywood outpost he offers state-of-the-art treatments for complete skincare in a part of the city known to be obsessed with aesthetics. A jetsetter himself, Soto is just the person to ask for skincare techniques to keep you glowing while traveling.

“Whether you’re jet-setting or road-tripping, the key is to keep it simple, consistent, and kind,” says Soto. “Your skin doesn’t need a 12-step routine—it needs smart hydration, good habits, and consistency.” Here are his tried and true trips.

1. Hydration as Your Holy Grail

“Traveling is a dehydration station. Airplanes, sun, salty breezes—they all zap moisture,” he says. “Drink water and electrolytes like it’s your full-time job, and lock it in with hydrating products.”

Hydration packets mixed into water are great to have both on the plane and once you arrive at your destination to lock in moisture. (Our personal favorites are the sugar-free Nuun tablets.) As for hydrating via creams that are great for travel, Soto suggests the VSOTO Calming Cloud Creme. “It’s like a tall glass of water for your face,” he says. “Whether it’s a tropical location or a ski trip, this creme will save your skin!”

Courtesy of VSOTO

2. Don’t Skip SPF (Ever, Seriously)

UV rays during the spring and summer aren’t playing around. “Even a cloudy beach day can sneak up with damage,” he says. “Reapply every 2 hours, especially if you’re swimming or sweating. Find an SPF you like and lather away! SPF is for all climates. Your skin will thank you not only now, but many years from now too.” (Take it from a girl who just got back from the tropics and got toasted due to not reapplying mid-surf session. Bring a waterproof stick along and tuck it in your rash guard and reapply as often as you can.)

Courtesy of Supergoop

3. Skip Treatments That Require Downtime

“Avoid anything aggressive like peels or microneedling within two weeks of traveling. Your skin doesn’t need extra drama while adjusting to new climates,” says Soto. Instead, opt for a gentle, nourishing, and hydrating facial a few days before, or wait until after your trip. Bonus points if you sneak in a lymphatic facial massage or small tools like rollers and gua sha to de-puff and get the blood flowing.

“We actually perform this modality in all our facial treatments at our spa,” he says. “Whether at ours or your favorite local spa, your esthetician should be able to give some tips and tricks to stimulate lymphatic drainage and help relieve any travel stress showing on your face.”

Courtesy of OSEA

4. Wipe Away the Day

“After a day in sunscreen, sweat, and city grime (or margarita salt), you need a thorough cleanse,” he says. “After a long day, whether it be travel, beach, or a big city, I love doing a gentle double cleanse. It’s easy to not follow your regular routine when traveling. Adjust it as needed, and add little extras like face wipes, sheet masks, or even aloe vera gel to help in a pinch.”

Courtesy of OLEHENRIKSEN

5. Reboot Post-Trip

It’s normal for skin to feel a little “meh” after adventures. Airplanes, lack of sleep, and lots of sun will do that to a person. Soto suggests detoxing with a gentle exfoliant (nothing too aggressive), and then flooding the skin with nourishment. The VSOTO Super Peptide Backuchiol Face Oil he suggests offers a bounce-back glow. “It’s packed with antioxidants and feels like a mini spa moment before bed,” he says.

Courtesy of VSOTO

6. Book a Treatment Upon Return

Aside from the Ole Henriksen spa, a few of note in the West Hollywood area include Sunset favorites like EDITION Hotel, which uses Malibu-based Osea’s ocean-based skincare or the Pendry, where you can get the Restore facial treatment, which focuses on nourishing and rejuvenating the skin through gentle enzymes.

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