Six Skin Care Tips While Traveling
The chance to get out and play, laugh, and reconnect with family and friends is not just good for your soul. It may just be good for your skin.
Let’s face it. We’ve all been under unusual stress this past year, and stress increases sebum production (the oily, waxy substance your body makes to protect your skin). Stress also reduces blood flow to your skin, increases some of your hormone levels, and keeps your body from regenerating and repairing cells, which normally happens when you rest.
As a result, stress can trigger flares of skin conditions like acne, psoriasis and eczema, causing ongoing breakouts and inflammation, and make it harder to heal when breakouts and flares occur.
By reducing your chronic stress response, you may be able to reduce inflammation and increased hormone levels and allow cells to rebuild for skin recovery. Hormones also become better regulated when we are happy, and that means healthier skin.
Keeping your skin healthy, rejuvenated and refreshed while you’re on vacation
Breakouts, rashes, dry skin and sunburns are only a few of the problems your skin may face when you travel. Before you head out for your fantastic new adventure, make sure to think about what your skin will need to feel good and look great. Talk to your dermatologist first if you want information on how to prevent skin problems on the go.
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Here are six ways travel can affect your skin, and how your can prepare for them.
1. Check the weather. Changes in the weather can really take a toll on the skin. If you're headed where it's humid, pack products – including a good cleanser -- that are lightweight and allow your skin to breathe.
2. Watch out for the sun. You may never spend long periods of time just sunbathing at the beach, but you're still getting more sun than you realize. Window seat on the airplane? Going for a walk to stretch your legs and get acquainted with your destination? Remember, unprotected exposure to the sun’s UVA (aging) and UVB (burning) rays can cause premature signs of skin aging, tight, dry-feeling skin, and ultimately, skin cancer. Pack broad-spectrum sunscreen of at least 30 SPF and plan to reapply it often.
3. Keep jet-setting from drying your skin. Counter the ultra-low humidity of aircraft cabins by applying a hydrating cream or lotion before you board. And while it is vacation, remember that alcohol can be linked to dehydration both in the air and on the ground. Plan to drink lots of water. And speaking of water, you may see a lot of it during your travels. Generally, skin problems are twice as likely in chlorinated water than in salt water, although salt water can also trigger skin irritations and rashes. Be sure to rinse off well after time in the pool or ocean.
4. Avoid jet lag. Changes in time zones can mean changes in sleep patterns. Not getting enough sleep can lead to noticeable changes in your complexion—like puffy under-eye bags and dark circles. Schedule some time for rest amidst all your play time. Your skin will thank you.
5. Keep germs at bay. We all know the drill by now. Wash your hands. Use hand sanitizer. And DON'T TOUCH YOUR FACE. Some of you document your entire travels on social media. Be sure to clean your smartphone, too, as you may be transferring germs from hands to screen to face. Yuck!
6. "Hotel products are great for your skin", said no one, ever. Who doesn’t love all those little bottles of hair and skin products in that hotel suite? Unfortunately, they might be bad for your skin. Taking your own tried and true skin care products along with you (in TSA-approved bottles if you're flying), can give your skin the tried and true routine it’s craving. This is no time to risk reacting to unknown products you haven't tried before.
Need to see your dermatologist before you travel?
Book an appointment online or call 866.400.3376 DERM to schedule a consultation with one of our dermatology professionals who can also recommend a whole range of skin care products to use on the road and once you get back home.