Abby Tai, 38, is a Toronto-based registered holistic nutritionist, eczema advocate, and founder of Eczema Conquerors. Having struggled with severe atopic dermatitis for over 30 years, she turned to holistic treatments and lifestyle changes, which led to significant healing and the development of effective management strategies. Through her blog, The Eczema Podcast, and social media (@eczemaconquerors), she shares expert interviews, resources, and coaching to support those battling eczema. She is also the creator of Conqueror Skincare and is dedicated to providing hope, support, and solutions to help others overcome their skin challenges. Her mission is to help over one million people conquer eczema.

How do you manage eczema while traveling?

I recently spent nearly a month traveling through Asia and picked up some hard-earned tips along the way.

First things first: I know traveling with eczema can feel overwhelming. You’re away from your go-to products, your familiar environment, and your daily routines. Add in climate shifts, new foods, jet lag, and stress, and it’s no wonder flares become a real concern. I’ve been through it many times, and this trip was a powerful reminder of how important it is to stay both prepared and flexible.

Here are a few things that helped me most:

Hydrate your skin before you fly. Flights—especially long ones—can seriously dry out your skin. I always pack my essentials in my carry-on: a balm, a hydrating mist, and a face mask for longer flights. Creating a moisture barrier before takeoff made a big difference against the dry cabin air.

Pack a “skin emergency kit.” I brought all my usual products plus a mini kit I could access easily. It included calming mists, face and body creams, a travel-sized balm, and my ice roller (a lifesaver for calming hot, itchy skin). If I felt a flare coming on mid-transit, I was ready—and that alone gave me peace of mind.

Protect yourself from the sun. Heat, sun, and pollution often make my skin more reactive—especially in humid, tropical places. A hat, UV-protective clothing, and a soft scarf or UV umbrella helped shield my skin on high-exposure days. It reduced irritation and helped me enjoy the outdoors without worry.

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Let go of the idea of “perfect skin.” Some days, I went barefaced. And in doing so, I learned to show kindness to myself. It’s tough—so many of us hope our skin will cooperate on special trips—but it’s important to remember: your skin doesn’t define your worth.

Looking for more ways to travel comfortably with eczema? These articles offer practical tips and personal insights:

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