Look, I’ve done the cross-country (and cross-continent) move thing more times than I’d like to admit. Every single time, without fail, my face freaks out like I personally offended it. Florida to Denver? Instant sandpaper skin. Seoul to London? Hello, mystery acne that looks like a connect-the-dots game.
This isn’t some sterile “dermatologist-approved” list. This is the skincare routine for moving I wish someone had slapped me with before I packed my boxes. Let’s get to it.
Table of Contents
Why Your Face Loses Its Mind When You Move (The Science of Skin Shock)
Your skin doesn’t care that you’re stressed about finding a new grocery store — it’s going to stage a full protest. Here’s why:
- Humidity does a 180 → Your skin’s oil production goes haywire.
- Water is suddenly full of new minerals (hard water is a pore-clogging beast).
- Altitude makes the sun meaner – UV intensity increases.
- City pollution is basically smog giving your pores a cigar.
- Indoor heating/cooling creates a desert-like environment.
Real talk: It takes a solid 4-8 weeks for your skin to adapt. Expect at least one “what the hell is happening” moment.
The No-BS Skincare Routines (From Someone Who’s Lived Them)
For Hot & Humid Climates (Miami, Bangkok, Houston)
You will sweat in places you didn’t know had sweat glands.
- Skincare Routine: For cleansing: Gel-based, with salicylic acid 2-3x a week.
- For moisturizer: Lightweight gel-cream or hyaluronic acid serum.
- Heavy creams = greaseball by noon.
- For sunscreen: Mineral, SPF 30+, reapply or you’ll fry.
- For oils and pores: Niacinamide serum to control.
- Weekly: a clay mask to prevent fungal acne (yes, really).
2. For Hot & Dry Climates (Phoenix, Vegas, Dubai)
Your moisture evaporates faster than your will to live.
- Skincare Routine: For cleansing: cream or balm only. Foaming cleansers will make you feel like a lizard.
- For moisturizer: Layer hyaluronic acid on WET skin, seal with a thick ceramide cream.
- For staying hydrated: A bedside humidifier. Wake up hydrated, night flaky.
Pro Tip: I forgot moisturizer once in Tucson. My face felt tight for 12 hours. Never again.
3. For Cold & Dry Climates (Minnesota, Canada, “Polar Vortex” zones)
Windburn is real and it hurts.
- Skincare Routine: For cleansing: double cleanse gently (balm, then cream).
- For moisturizer: Something stupidly thick at night (I use Aquaphor) No shame.
- For sunscreen: SPF 30+ every day. Snow reflects 80% of UV rays.
4. For Polluted City Life (NYC, London, Seoul, Delhi)
Your face is basically wearing the city’s exhaust pipe.
- Cleanser: DOUBLE CLEANSE is mandatory. Oil/balm first, always.
- Serum: Antioxidants (Vitamin C + E + Ferulic) aren’t optional. Use every morning.
- Weekly: A charcoal or detox mask.
- Air Quality: Get an air purifier for your bedroom.
The “Open This Box First” Moving Skincare Kit
Pack this in your carry-on. Do not trust it to the movers.
- Since I have healed without any harsh chemicals and am fully operational, I have a travel sized hydrating cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen.
- I also travel with a tube of healing ointment to use on everything like healing cuts, dry patches, and dry lips, and hydrocortisone cream to help with sudden allergic reactions.
- I also have pimple patches and a hydrating sheet mask just in case I need to emergency use those.
- (Optional for the dramatic): A bottle of your old water. Hard-water shock is real.
Moving Timeline: Your Skin’s Survival Schedule
- 6 Weeks Before: Google “[new city] hard water.” Start patching in one new climate-appropriate product.
- 2 Weeks Before: Assemble your “Face Survival Kit” (see above).
- Moving Week: Use only boring, trusted products. No new actives, retinoids, or experiments.
- First Month After: Introduce one new product per week max. Take weekly selfies to track changes.
Final Pep Talk & Next Steps
Moving already sucks. Don’t let your skin make it worse. You’ll figure out the magic combo, and you’ll become that glowy person.
Found this guide helpful? I’ve also written a deep dive on how to choose the right humidifier for your skin (internal link) and the best mineral sunscreens that don’t leave a cast.
Remember: Your skin will adapt. And if it doesn’t immediately, there’s always tinted moisturizer and revenge. Now go pack that skincare bag.