Tulum Travel Diary: Adjusting My Skincare for the Beach

As a New Yorker, I'm used to dealing with humidity, harsh winters, and pollution that can wreak havoc on my skin. My skincare routine is finely tuned to combat these environmental stressors. However, when I visited the beach town of Tulum, Mexico last month, I quickly realized I needed to mix things up.

The Intense Tropical Heat

From the moment I stepped off the plane, I was enveloped in Tulum's intense tropical heat and even more extreme humidity levels than New York's. Within a day, my skin started looking greasy and clogged. The heavier moisturizers I typically use were just too much for the climate. I immediately switched to using Valmont's Aqua Falls lightweight, gentle cleanser twice a day to remove excess sebum and grime.

Increased Sun Exposure

Of course, spending long days on Tulum's beautiful beaches also meant increased sun exposure. Luckily, I had packed plenty of SPF! I made sure to slather on ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica sunscreen with SPF 50 every couple of hours to protect my face. For my body, I used Institut Esthederm's Milky Spray 3 Suns lightweight, water-resistant sunscreen.

Hydration was Key

While New York has its humid summers, the beach air in Tulum actually had a drying effect on my skin over time. I combatted this by drinking tons of water and using Biologique Recherche L'Eauxygenante hydrating facial mists throughout the day. I also switched to Nescens Bio Identical Lipid-Replenishing Cream, an ultra-nourishing moisturizer, at night to replenish my skin while I slept.

Saltwater and Chlorine Care

No beach vacation is complete without lots of time in the ocean and pool! But the salt water and chlorine can really dry out your skin and hair. After time in the water, I made sure to rinse off with fresh water right away. I also deep conditioned my hair frequently with Leonor Greyl's Masque Fleurs de Jasmin hydrating hair mask.

While traveling always requires adjustments to my routine, the changes in Tulum were pretty extreme compared to my usual city life. By introducing some lightweight, hydrating, and protective products like those from Biologique Recherche, Valmont, Isdin, Institut Esthederm, and Leonor Greyl, I was able to enjoy my time in the sun without worrying about sun damage or breakouts. It just takes a little preparation and willingness to adapt to new climates!