The busy holiday season is here, and with it comes a plethora of stressful traveling plans to see friends and family all over. With so many ducks to keep in a row, it is easy to lose track of your own skincare needs. At Arlington Dermatology, we understand that skincare may be the last thing on your mind but know that your skin isn’t willing to wait until the holidays have passed for attention and care. To help you avoid any blemishes or flare-ups, we have compiled a list of our best skincare tips, so you don’t have to worry about creating a care plan yourself.
The Basics of Skincare During Travel
Whether you travel by plane or car, prolonged exposure to low humidity in the plane’s cabin or hot air continuously running in the car can dehydrate and dry out your skin. Keeping your skin moist throughout your travel day can help your skin retain its moisture and diminish any discomfort associated with cracking, dry skin. Dr. Coyne and Dr. Livingood recommend bringing your best moisturizer and remembering to apply it in the morning and at night to keep your skin hydrated throughout the entire journey.
Simple and Quality Products
Packing for a trip can be stressful, and while you may not have room in your luggage for your entire skincare routine, making room for a few essentials will keep your skin from breaking out. Including a cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen in your travel pack is more than enough to supply your skin with all the protection it needs. Keep in mind that your skin craves consistency, so maintaining your skincare routine as closely as possible with quality, medical-grade products is the best way to maintain your skin health and avoid annoying skin issues.
Carry Travel-Size Products
Keeping your luggage compact is important to most travelers, and thus bulky bottles either are not realistic or are difficult to take on a flight. However, ditching your skincare routine even for a few days can set back your skin’s progress and cause skin issues. Instead of abandoning your regimen altogether until your return, prepare ahead of time by purchasing travel sizes of your preferred products. Some quality skincare products do not offer travel sizes, but that doesn’t mean you should switch products—instead, you can buy miniature bottles to fill with your usual products during your travels.
Importance of Sunscreen
It does not matter if you’re headed towards warmer weather or a colder climate— ultraviolet rays can damage your skin in any weather. It is essential that you practice daily sun protection and invest in broad-spectrum (blocks both UVA and UVB) sunscreen with at least an SPF of 30, and Arlington Dermatology encourages you to invest in medical-grade skincare for better, comprehensive protection. Additionally, avoiding excessive sun exposure can prevent premature signs of aging in your skin.
Patients who regularly wear makeup may be able to find two-in-one products that cover blemishes and protect the skin from sun damage. Again, make sure these products have an SPF of 30 or utilize higher SPF sunscreens along with your preferred makeup. Other strongly recommended protection methods against the sun include protective clothing over sun-exposed areas, a wide-brimmed hat to avoid overexposure on your face or scalp, and protective sunglasses to avoid any damage to your eyes.
Avoid Complimentary Hygienic Products at the Hotel
While it might be tempting to indulge in the free moisturizers, body washes, shampoos, and conditioners at your hotel, this can be fool’s gold. Oftentimes, these bath and body products are pumped full of fragrances that may smell delightful, but can often wreak havoc on your skin. Rather than try these unfamiliar and harsh products, we would recommend you avoid the temptation and stick to your tried and true previously tolerated skin care products.
Seek Guidance from Skincare Professionals
Our skin is our body’s first line of defense, and over time, life can take a toll on your skin and change your appearance or cause uncomfortable itch or pain. Luckily, there are a variety of solutions to help repair your skin and preserve its youth, but finding the solution that suits you can be overwhelming. Arlington Dermatology is here to take the guesswork out of skincare. Whether you suffer from acne, eczema, or other skin conditions, our experienced doctors can help you find relief that lasts. To keep your skin healthy and glowing all winter long, schedule a consultation with Arlington Dermatology.
