Must-follow skincare tips for travellers

2014 May 12. | Szerző: shannon |

Most of us are ready to go for vacations to either cold hill stations or the cool sunny beaches. But both these destinations, offering completely different climates will demand skin care regimes that are typical to the weather there. Here are tips to help you…

With the holiday season already upon us, most of us are planning to go for vacations to either cold hill stations or the cool sunny beaches. But both these destinations, offering completely different climates will demand skin care regimes that are typical to the weather there.

Dr Apratim Goel, dermatologist, says, “The travelling, whether by road or by air, can put a lot of stress on the skin. It is hard to imagine anything worse than having your holiday or journey ruined by developing a skin problem.”

Preventing skin problems during travel is relatively easy, as long as you follow a few basic sensible rules.

Cosmetologist Dr Jamuna Pai says, “You should remember to take care of not just your face but your hands and feet too while you are out travelling. And most importantly whether you are going to a beach destination or a hill station you must not ignore sun protection.” Experts say that there are cases when the sun rays reflecting off the snow and ice can also damage your skin.

The key to a successful trip lies in preparation and planning. “If you are unsure about how you will manage aspects of your journey, then you need to seek advice from an experienced traveller and also from your skin specialist prior to the journey,” says Dr Goel.

Here are some tips (see boxes) you need to keep in mind for both hot and cold holiday destinations. The ultra-dry air on airplanes and the colder, drier climate of the place where you travel to makes it essential to keep up your skin care routine. It is a great idea to buy travel-size versions of your skin, cleanser, moisturiser, lotion and exfoliant and pack them in your hand carry bag. Re-applying while on the plane (most flights it is available in the kit provided to you) will allow your skin to stay hydrated.

Tips for beach destinations

Exfoliate and moisturise your feet every night while on vacation. Sightseeing and walking barefoot on the beach will wreak havoc on your pedicure — not to mention your feet will be tired. Bring a foot file and use it on soles and heels while showering. Follow that with a moisturising massage cream.

Keep a medical emergency kit with you where you have apart from other first aid stuff, an antiallergic tablet, a smoothening calamine and aloe vera lotion, a topical steroid cream like mometasone or clobetasone, which can be used in case of any rash or skin allergy. You could ask your dermatologist to guide you assemble one and also guide you to use it. In case you get a jellyfish sting on the beach, you are not likely to get a doctor nearby. Hence a medical kit for first aid comes handy.

You should always wear shoes and socks when you travel in a car. In some cars, the floor may heat up, causing burns to the feet.

Be wary of your vehicles that have been sitting in the sun. Seats, belt buckles and other surfaces can hold a considerable amount of heat. If these surfaces come into contact with your skin, burns can occur.

If travelling long distances in the heat, make sure that you drink plenty of fluids. Application of various products only on the outer surface does not lead to an ultimate healthy skin. What one needs is a healthy diet and a peaceful mind. The meals should have ample amount of juicy fruits and vegetables along with at least 12-14 glasses of water a day. Intake of liquids help your skin to retain the essential oils automatically and acts as a natural protection against dryness.

You can also start taking oral supplements containing vitamin C, beta carotene, glutathione and other antioxidants one week prior to your travel to a dry place.

Tips for hill stations

If you have been exposed to extreme cold or snow, take care not to have your feet directly under heater vents — hot air can also cause skin burns.

Again, there are certain parts of the body that require special care when you are travelling to hill stations, like feet and hands. Specially the feet tend to crack and they are the most neglected areas, constantly exposed to dirt and dryness on holidays. Apply thick petroleum based cream and wear soft cotton socks.

Whether the travel is to a warm place or cold, please don’t miss on your sun protection. Apart from wearing hats, umbrella etc, remember to use a high SPF subscreen (at least 35) and keep reapplying every 2-4 hrs. Sun damage can cause pigmentation and also cause premature wrinkles.

Your scalp too needs special mention as many of us suffer from the dandruff that can have long term effect on the like hair fall. Use ketoconazole containing shampoo once a week.

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