Meet Kameryn Gambrell, master aesthetician at OVME’s Merrifield studio in Northern Virginia. Born and raised in Washington, D.C., the skincare guru loves indulging in a hot-stone massage when she’s not in the studio.
Her other go-to for self-care? Traveling—from Romania, Transylvania, and Singapore to Jamaica and beyond—which makes her a true expert in what skincare products are must-packs for any trip to ensure your healthy glow doesn’t take a vacation too!
“During the summer, we tend to have more sun exposure, so your skin is more prone to sun damage. And since we tend to spend more time outdoors, our skin is more susceptible to congestion due to the toxins and debris from the highly polluted environment we live in,” says Gambrell. “Dehydration is another skin condition your skin may face as you travel, especially on airplanes. Airplanes have low humidity, dry cabins, and recycled air, so at high altitudes, the moisture in your skin can evaporate.”
“It is crucial not to skimp on your skincare routine while traveling because you’re only accumulating visible skin damage you’ll want to correct during the fall and winter—not to mention the long-term damage. It’s better to maintain the health of your skin throughout your travels by sticking to a solid skincare regimen and continuing preventative treatments in the fall and winter seasons. I always say: It’s much easier to prevent than correct when it comes to skincare.”
To combat these factors that can ruin all the work you’ve put into your skin, Gambrell recommends always packing these key products in your travel bag:
INTELLISHADE CLEAR SPF 50
“This is a broad-spectrum sunscreen with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide that provides UVA, UVB, and blue-light protection. These properties are essential to combat skin cancer, which more than two people die from in the U.S. every hour, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation.
Even better, this product has a blend of peptides and antioxidants that provide anti-aging benefits to both prevent damage and improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The best part about this product is that it’s moisturizing and melts into the natural skin tone. So even in the hottest or most humid travel destinations, this product won’t leave you with a dry, heavy, greasy, or white cast on the surface of your skin. It also layers well underneath makeup application for summer weddings and events!”
C+ CORRECTING COMPLEX 30%
“This serum is a game-changer for summertime skincare. This powerful antioxidant blend of vitamin C and vitamin E acts as an extra layer of protection underneath sunscreen to combat free radicals generated by urban dust and blue light. Sunscreen is only a screen, after all, so it’s best to have that extra layer of protection.
In addition to protecting the skin, this product evens skin tone and boosts brightness throughout your travels. This product is especially beneficial to reduce hyperpigmentation, prevent darkening of Melasma, and reduce redness or rosacea flare-ups due to inflammation.”
HA5 REJUVENATING HYDRATOR
“This light and soothing oil-free facial serum is appropriate for all skin types (even oily) and provides eight continuous hours of deep hydration. This is the perfect product to combat dehydration during your air travel—and it’s TSA-friendly! This instantly smoothing product consists of a proprietary mix of five types of hyaluronic acid that provide instant hydration while supporting the skin’s ability to hold onto moisture in the long-run, keeping the skin moisturized, supple, and radiant—now and in the future.”
Pro Tip: Have you ever heard hyaluronic acid loves water? To supercharge HA5’s hydrating effects, apply with a touch of water on your fingertips.
AND ONCE YOU’RE BACK HOME…
Gambrell says, “My favorite services that are most beneficial when you’re finally home from summer travels are the OVME Photo Facial and OVME Laser Resurfacing. After the summer months of sun exposure, these two powerhouse treatments help to combat sun spots and darkening of melasma. These treatments can be performed in the same day for optimal results.”
Pro Tip: Add topical PRP to your treatmemt. Platelet-rich plasma is naturally found in our bodies and holds our growth factor. Growth factor stimulates tissue rejuvenation and renewal. This natural element is a powerful topical that enhances healing and anti-aging properties in the skin.
OVME Photo Facial uses BroadBand Light (BBL) therapy to safely and effectively combat sun damage and redness, uneven skin texture and tone, and fine lines and wrinkles.
OVME Laser Resurfacing helps remove deep UV damage from sun exposure and environmental stressors while traveling. This treatment triggers your body’s natural healing response, which reveals a glowing, brighter complexion, smoother texture, and reduced pore size, discoloration, and fine lines. Each time you can sneak a treatment in, think of it as chipping away at that deep UV damage accumulated over time from years of fun in the sun. This treatment also lightens stubborn melasma that’s notorious for darkening in the summer months.