Tis' the season when it seems all of us are traveling, be it to see family or for a much needed vacation. For those vacations, we tend to pack travel-size versions of our skin care routine, but that could be a costly mistake, according to the Baylor College of Medicine.
The school advises people to adjust their skin care routine based on the climate of their destination. Not doing so could result in irritation, flare-ups or breakouts. Adjust the products you pack (and advise your clients to do the same) based on where you are going.
“A climate and altitude change can affect skin,” said Ramsey Markus, M.D., associate professor of dermatology at Baylor. “To avoid acne breakouts and flares in eczema and rosacea, it is necessary to modify your skin care based on location.”
Destination: Cold and Dry
Moisturizer can make a difference when in cold, dry climates. Markus recommended taking lukewarm showers, using mild soaps and applying moisturizer generously to keep dry and itchy skin at bay. “Wearing sunscreen everyday on these trips is equally important,” he said. “Snow and ice reflect UV rays, which can result in sunburn if proper sun protection is not applied.”
Destination: Hot and Sunny
For warmer climates, Markus recommended wearing sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher and reapplying throughout the day.
Destination: Everywhere
Skin care is not one size fits all. Kim Chang, esthetician at Baylor, noted that everyone should cleanse, exfoliate, correct and protect regardless of destination. “The best skin care is a customized skin care regimen created specifically for you,” said Chang.“Meeting with a professional to speak about your lifestyle, diet and preferences will enhance your skin care experience to meet your specific needs.”
