Travel in the summer without compromising your sleep or skin

Summer travel is supposed to feel easy. But between long flights, strange beds, and warm weather, your body and your skin can take a hit. Suddenly, you're waking up with dull skin, dry patches, or puffiness that wasn't there when you left home.

Sleep quality drops. Your skincare routine takes a backseat. And those little changes add up. While some people turn to sleep medicine during travel, others find that small, consistent habits, like using a silk eye mask, are enough to support better rest without relying on anything stronger.

The good news? With a few small actions (and the right gear), you can stay well-rested and keep your skin happy, without skipping the adventure.

1. Start with your sleep schedule

Travel throws your circadian rhythm off. Different time zones, unfamiliar rooms, noise, heat, and random light peeking through the curtains. It's easy to brush it off for a few days, but bad sleep snowballs fast.

Do your best to keep a consistent rhythm. Go to bed around the same time, even if it's later than usual. Don't scroll before bed. And avoid heavy meals or alcohol consumption right before you sleep, since they mess with your internal clock.

As night falls, your body temperature drops naturally to help your brain wind down. That drop is part of your body's built-in prep for deep sleep. But if you're out late or in a hot room, it might not happen as easily. The cooler the space, the easier it is for your core body temperature to settle into a restful range.

2. Bring a few small items that make sleep easier

This doesn't mean packing half your bedroom. Just bring 2–3 lightweight things that actually help.

• A sleep mask: One that actually blocks light, like Drowsy's silk eye masks. Total darkness helps signal to your body that it’s time to wind down, even when your Airbnb has sheer curtains or you’re catching a nap mid-flight.

• Earplugs: If you're a light sleeper, don't assume the hotel will be quiet.

• A small pillow spray or familiar scent: Nothing strong. Just something calming that signals to your brain that this is your time to wind down. Try the Drowsy Sleep S.O.S pillow spray for a natural botanical scent that helps set a calming mood before bed.

3. Don't ditch your skincare, just simplify it

You don't need your full shelf of serums on the road. But you do need a few basics to protect your skin while you sleep, especially in dry airplane air or hot hotel rooms with blasting air conditioning. Stick with three steps at night:

• Cleanse (gently)

• Moisturize (with something lightweight, like the Drowsy beauty sleep ritual body cream & cleanser)

• Protect (with a silk eye mask, especially if you're sleeping on rough hotel sheets)

Silk is great for travel because it's breathable and smooth, ideal for sensitive skin. It doesn't pull at delicate skin, trap dead skin cells, or mess with your products. That can make a big difference after a few days on the road, especially when your skin's already under stress.

4. Hydrate more than you think you need

Flights are dehydrating. So are sun, sweat, and long days walking around. And guess who pays for that first? Your skin. Keep a refillable water bottle with you, and actually drink it.

If you notice dryness, tightness, or dullness, it's probably not your products; it's water. At night, use a richer cream or sleeping mask to lock in moisture. And consider skipping harsh exfoliants while you travel; your skin's already working hard to keep up.

5. Keep your skin shaded, even during naps

Sunscreen helps. But if you're napping in sunlight (plane, train, beach lounger), that exposure adds up. Even a few minutes of light can confuse your circadian rhythm or trigger heat buildup.

Wearing a silk eye mask protects delicate facial skin and helps prevent creasing and sleep lines, especially if you're sleeping in odd positions or with less-than-ideal pillows. Plus, it helps reduce heat retention around the eyes, which can be a game-changer in summer.

6. Don't let late nights ruin your skin

You'll probably stay up later than usual. That's fine. But late nights often mean sleeping with makeup on, skipping your skincare, or crashing in full daylight.

Have a backup plan. Keep wipes and a mini moisturizer in your bag. Put your mask where you can grab it. That way, even if you're out late, you're still set up for a more comfortable rest.

Drowsy can help keep your sleep routine on track

You don't need a complicated routine to get good sleep while traveling. But you do need comfort, quiet, and darkness. That's where Drowsy's silk eye masks come in.

They're breathable, ultra-soft, and built to block out light effectively, whether you're in a hotel, a rental, or a window seat. They stay put all night without tugging or pressing on your skin, making them a travel essential for anyone who values restful sleep and healthy skin.

No matter where you go this summer, bring the one thing that helps you settle into sleep comfortably.