Aesthetic Experts Share Their Must-Have Travel Essentials

As expected, aesthetic experts never forget the sunscreen, which is apparent by Eugene, OR plastic surgeon Lee B. Daniel, MD’s pick. “A high-quality broad-spectrum sunscreen is a must,” he says. “For all those outdoor winter activities, a broad-spectrum sunscreen will protect your skin from sunburns as well as premature aging.  It is essential to protect your collagen from the damaging rays of the sun year-round, not just in the summer.” The Sunbetter Sheer SPF 56 Sunscreen ($55) is transparent, lightweight and super portable which makes it perfect for traveling.

We know hand sanitizer is top of mind these days and is so essential, Washington D.C. dermatologist Tina Alster, MD created her own. “My A Method Hand Sanitizer ($7) is a waterless, alcohol-based and infused with citrus essential oils to help condition skin while you’re constantly killing microorganisms. It also smells refreshing and we all need a little aromatherapy when we’re traveling.”

“My number-one winter travel must-have product is FixMySkin 1% Hydrocortisone Healing Body Balm ($16). Really, everyone should have it in their travel kit as it is perfect for just about any travel-related skin issue,” adds Omaha, NE dermatologist Joel Schlessinger, MD. “It’s formulated with 1% hydrocortisone to soothe and heal minor skin irritations and shea and cocoa butters to keep skin’s moisture barrier replenished. No matter where you are traveling, it can be put to good use.”

New York dermatologist Doris Day, MD, says in addition to her Doris Day MD Hyaluronic Acid Serum ($85), topical bug spray, a topical steroid and sunscreen, she also packs her Heliocare Supplements ($28) for added protection. “I take it morning and night,” says the skin-care guru.

It’s the “comfy foam tips” of the Apple AirPods Pro ($249) that make them a must-have for Fort Lauderdale, FL dermatologist Dr. Matthew Elias. “The tips on the Pros are way more comfortable than the standard version, especially for travel,” he says.

“For short trips, I will take the Interplak by Conair OSCILL8 Rechargeable Power Toothbrush ($50),” notes Atlanta cosmetic dentist Ronald E. Goldstein, DDS. “I also carry single packs of Smart Mouth Breath Rinse. They’re both easy to stow in my carry-on bag and the toothbrush charger is so small, I can take it along with me on a three-day trip and feel I will still obtain excellent cleaning during my business trips.”

“Of course, all my skin care goes with me because skin care is a life essential, even on the road,” says Bloomfield Hills, MI dermatologist Linda C. Honet, MD. “One of the other travel items that I can’t leave home without my Calista Perfecter Pro Heated Round Brush ($109) because hairstyling on the go must give great results but be easy.”

Fort Lauderdale, FL dermatologist Dr. Merrick D. Elias says in addition to his Airpod Pros, he always carries travel fitness gear, like this set of Bala Resistance Bands ($17), with him to stay on top of his routine. “I will also pack resistance bands or other portable fitness equipment in case the hotel gym doesn’t have proper equipment or is inaccessible.”

“My number-one health and beauty essential is my running and workout gear,” explains Dover, OH, facial plastic surgeon David Hartman, MD. “I run every single day—it is the top item on my daily to-do checklist—and I don’t leave home without my Salomon SpeedCross 5 Trail Running Shoes ($130).”