From Malaysia to a Cold, Dry Climate: Which Skincare Should You Pack?

Pack the gentle cleanser, moisturiser and daytime sunscreen you already use in Malaysia. If your usual lotion kept your cheeks comfortable on your last winter trip, take it again. If they felt tight or flaky despite using it, make room for a small tube of a richer cream you know you like. You need a fallback for the spots that get dry, not a second routine for your whole face.

Why a change of climate can matter. In a short study of human skin exposed to dry air, researchers measured less water in the outermost layer of skin on the cheek and forearm after three hours than at the start. They did not test travel routines or compare moisturisers. That distinction matters when you’re packing: lower humidity can affect skin within hours, but a forecast alone cannot tell you whether your lotion will be enough.

Lotion or cream? Think back to where you felt dry. If it was just the cheeks, you can use cream there and keep your usual lotion where it feels comfortable. If you already use a cream at home, pack that one; there’s no need to go thicker again because the suitcase contains gloves. The American Academy of Dermatology’s guide to moisturiser textures explains why creams are often a better fit than lotions for dry skin. To compare two formulas you already own, our guide to glycerin, ceramides and barrier lipids explains what their ingredients do.

What to change in a heated hotel room. Before opening another product, try changing when you apply the one you brought. After a cold walk, keep the shower warm rather than hot, pat your skin gently and moisturise while it is still slightly damp. Put the tube beside the towel rather than leaving it at the bottom of your case. If your cheeks feel comfortable the next morning, stay with that routine. If they still feel dry, use the richer cream there next time instead of scrubbing away the flakes.

Keep sunscreen in the day bag. A scarf may cover your neck but leave your nose, cheeks and ears exposed. For an outdoor day, choose broad-spectrum, water-resistant SPF 30 or higher. Pack enough to reapply rather than taking a nearly empty bottle. The AAD’s sunscreen application guide recommends reapplying every two hours outdoors and after swimming or sweating.

What can stay home? Leave out the sample exfoliant, the mask you’ve never tried and any extra serum you’re packing just because the destination is cold. If you do want to try a new cream, introduce one skincare change at a time before departure rather than testing several products on your first night away. If you’re choosing between items you already own, Skin Analysis at d’reena beauty house can help you narrow the list. Tell us what you use at home and where, if anywhere, you felt dry on your last trip.