Traveling to a tropical destination is incredibly exciting – it can melt all of your stresses away, and just bring to you a world of rest and relaxation. However, the hot and humid climate can wreak havoc on your skin, making dry skin even drier, and oily skin even oilier.

Here are 5 basic skin care that we recommend you should have when traveling to a sunny destination like Phuket, Koh Samui, and Bali:

1. Gentle Facial Wash

Tropical weather will make you sweat – a lot. And when you do, your pores are more susceptible to bacteria, dirt, and dust, which increases the risk of clogged pores and breakouts.

Remove surface skin cells and dirt by using a gentle facial wash. Now you might be asking, why gentle? “If my skin is going to be exposed to so many environmental elements, shouldn’t I use something that’s stronger?” Well, gentle facial cleansers preserve your skin’s natural oils, and thus, prevent it from overdrying.

Cetaphil is one of the best mild facial cleansers out there. Its soap-free formula cleanses without irritating your skin. It is suitable for all ages and all skin types.

2. Moisturizer

Hot weather can make wrinkles and fine lines more visible, and it can even cause your skin to crack. Prevent this from happening by applying moisturizer every day.

Use a noncomedogenic product to prevent clogged pores, and use those that contain humectants such as urea, glycerin, or alpha hydroxy acids. Humectants absorb water from the air and provide your skin with the right amount of hydration.

Try using light or mild moisturizer to avoid the sticky feeling, especially when you sweat. Try the Shea Ultra Gentle Moisturizer of L’Occitane. It is specially formulated to strengthen and protect normal to dry skin, including sensitive skin.

3. Mineral Water Spray

When you don’t have access to water, a mineral water spray will give you the very same refreshing feeling of actually washing your face. Just spray your face with the mineral water from about 1 foot away, and instantly feel hydrated, rejuvenated, and radiant.

Mineral water spray soothes a dehydrated skin in an instant, as well as revives makeup, giving you a beautiful and radiant complexion.

One of the most popular and used water spray is Evian, but there are also many other brands that make it with the same quality.

4. Sunblock / Sunscreen

Never travel to a tropical destination without a sunblock. Even if you don’t plan on hitting the beach, you still need to apply sunscreen every day.

Look for lotions and creams with an SPF of 30 or more, so you get to enjoy the best protection. Ideally, if you hit the beach, a product with SPF 50 is the most ideal while SPF 30 is just right for daytime use. Reapply every 2 to 5 hours, and choose products that are water-resistant, so they stay on as you hit the waters or even when you sweat.

To know when you need to reapply, check the SPF. Each unit of SPF is equivalent to 10 minutes of being under the sun without burning. So if your sunblock’s SPF is 20, you can stay outside for 200 minutes before needing to reapply again. Coppertone and Banna Boat are 2 popular brands when it comes to sunblock/sunscreen products.

5. Aftersun Lotion or Cream

Skincare doesn’t stop with cleansers, moisturizers, and sunblocks. When your day of swimming or sightseeing is done, apply some aftersun facial cream or lotion on your body to calm and soothe sun-exposed skin.

Aftersun products can also soothe sunburned skin, as well as it seal in moisture, making them an essential skin care product when you’re traveling to a hot and tropical destination. Try Banna Boat‘s aloe after sun. It will help soothe, cool, and replenish dry skin and prevent from peeling.

Just because you’re on vacation doesn’t mean you have an excuse to not take care of your skin. Use these 5 basic skin care products the next time you visit a tropical paradise and come home with beautiful, protected skin.