When it comes to travel, there are many ways to reduce our impact on the planet. Whether it's alternative means of transport to air travel, BYOB to reduce your plastic waste, or even what (or how much) we pack. So we’ve narrowed down five evergreen tips that work for your skin as you travel, to limit our harm to the planet.

1. Less is more 

When you’re travelling across countries or continents, the last thing you want to be weighed down by is your luggage.  

According to the UN's civil aviation body, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), each passenger on an economy-class return flight from London to New York emits an estimated 0.67 tonnes of CO2. That’s the equivalent of driving 23,000 miles in the average car. And the heavier your luggage, the more fuel the plane needs to burn to keep it in the air.  
Even if it’s skincare, you can benefit from a pared down routine that saves on time and baggage space. 

 
 2. Multi-tasking skincare to the rescue  

One way to achieve a minimal skincare regime is by finding multi-purpose, more effective skincare products. Especially as you travel, many external factors can distress your skin—the change in humidity, temperature, pollutants and more.  
So look for a serum that is rich in antioxidants to combat sun damage, supports healthy ageing and hydrates parched skin all in one, such as our Camu Brightening Serum. Made from potent ingredients such as Amazonian Camu Camu berry, the serum tackles multiple issues at the same time. This means you have fewer things to carry, and can reduce waste. 

3. Say no to single-use 

With oceans and landfills overflowing with plastics, we need choose differently. Despite the convenience of sachet samples, sheet masks, and wipes, they are single-use plastic items - the plastic straw equivalent in the beauty industry.  
 
Even if sachets come in cardboard packaging to appear more ‘eco-friendly’, this sadly is a form of greenwashing as they all contain a layer of single use plastic inside to prevent product leakages. Instead, look for product packaging that is biodegradable or recyclable and always make sure you take your empties home with you to place in the correct recycling bin. 
 

4. Reuse and refill 

If you are looking to buy travel-size products, choose packaging that is refillable with minimal or no plastic packaging that can be reused for all your adventures to come. At LUXE Botanics, our travel minis are made from glass and aluminium, with minimal recyclable plastics, to be refilled multiple times. 
 
Apart from containers, think about waterless and solid skincare, such as body and face soap, shampoo and deodorant. These products won’t go over any airline liquid restrictions, they help to avoid hotel amenity wastage, and their minimal use of packaging means there’s less water used and no plastic that will end up in our oceans.  
 

5. Choose a mineral sunscreen  

Soak in the sun safely with a mineral sunscreen. Made from non-nano particle minerals such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, mineral sunscreens are 100% biodegradable, reef-friendly and protect your skin from  both UVA and UVB rays. 
 
Don’t forget to remove your SPF fully while protecting your skin barrier with our Marula Hydrating Pre Cleanser make up remover, which melts away that oily film on skin effortlessly.  

Get ready for your summer travels with these other great skincare resources: 

What you can do to think green and reduce waste 
Sun damaged skin: embracing the changes that come with age 
How to repair sun damaged skin naturally