An expert guide to skincare for your next vacation

Vacation time is all about relaxation exploration and creating unforgettable memories However the change in climate exposure to elements and potential stress of travel can take a toll on your skin Neglecting your skincare routine can leave you with unwanted souvenirs ndash dry patches breakouts or uneven tans ldquoVacations are a time when a lot of people break away from their daily routines A good skincare routine should ideally use as few products as possible so that it ensures that people continue adhering to it even when theyrsquore travellingrdquo says Dr Agni Kumar Bose dermatologist venereologist and dermatosurgeonTo ensure you look and feel your best during your getaway its essential to prioritise skincare Whether its a relaxing beach getaway a thrilling mountain trek or a captivating city break two dermatologists share the ultimate guide to help you modify your skincare routine to adapt to your next adventure From offering tips to addressing common travelrelated skin issues weve got you covered Prevacation skincareWhen asked if travellers can prep their skin before impending vacation Bose suggests ldquoTry not using anything new with active ingredients just before your vacation as you donrsquot know how your skin will react to it Start your skincare routine a while before your travels so that your skin has also had sufficient time to adjust to itrdquoIn case one has an extensive skincare routine with lots of products consider getting small travelsized packs so that itrsquos easy to continue your routine ldquoTo adapt your skincare routine to different climates consider using lighter fluidbased sunscreens and moisturisers in hot and sweaty areas For colder drier climates opt for richer more intensive productsSince these adjustments may only be temporary traveling with smallersized packs can be more convenient and efficientrdquo says BosePotential skin issues caused by travel and different environmentsBelow Bose outlines common issues faced by travellersSun exposureUltraviolet UV Radiation High UV levels particularly in beach mountain and snowclad areas can lead to acute sunburn premature aging and Increased risk of skin cancerTanningWhile a tan may seem desirable its often a sign of skin damage Excessive tanning can take weeks or months to fade and may leave behind lasting pigmentationDry skinCold and dry climatesLow humidity and cold temperatures can strip the skin of moisture leading to dryness itching and irritationAirplane travelThe dry air in airplane cabins can dehydrate the skin especially for those sitting in window seats with increased UV exposureEnvironmental pollutantsUrban air pollutionExposure to air pollutants can contribute to skin irritation premature aging and acneContaminated waterUsing contaminated water for bathing or drinking can lead to skin issues and other health problemsAllergens and irritantsWilderness and forestsIndividuals with sensitive skin or allergies may experience flareups of conditions like atopic dermatitis or allergic contact dermatitis due to exposure to allergens in natural environmentsAdditional considerationsJet lagDisrupted sleep patterns can contribute to skin stress and exacerbate existing skin conditionsStressThe stress of travel can affect hormone levels influencing skin health and appearanceExfoliationExfoliation is an important part of a skincare routine but excessive exfoliation can lead to irritation sensitivity and dryness ldquoLimit exfoliation to once or twice a week and avoid using physical exfoliators Instead opt for chemical exfoliants Always perform a patch test on a nonexposed area before using new products After exfoliating its crucial to moisturise and apply sunscreen Avoid using other active ingredients on days when you exfoliate The strength and depth of the exfoliator may require you to wait a few days before resuming active skincare ingredientsrdquo explains BoseBuilding sun toleranceBeing out in the sun all day can be exhausting and wreak havoc on your skin ldquoFor those with suninduced skin allergies gradually increasing sun exposure can help build tolerance Start by increasing daily sun exposure by 1015 minutes while using sunscreen to protect against sun damageAdditionally consuming antioxidantrich foods can help reduce the signs of sun damage and prolong sun exposurerdquo advises BoseHow to modify your skincare routineDr Akanksha Sanghvi dermatologist founder of Oprava Aesthetics shares how to tailor and your skincare routine for your next getawayBeach travelsSunscreenUV radiation is reflected and scattered more on certain surfaces and water and sand being reflective surfaces tend to amplify UV exposure by 25 per cent Hence a broadspectrum waterresistant sunscreen with at least SPF 50 is nonnegotiable It is important to apply the sunscreen generously 20 minutes before your beach visit and it is recommended to reapply it every two hours especially if yoursquore swimming or sweating HydrationSaltwater can be incredibly drying and irritating to the skin so itrsquos crucial to keep your skin hydrated Use a lightweight hydrating moisturiser that contains ingredients like hyaluronic acid or glycerin Keep spraying a thermal spring water spray on your face and allow it to dry before reapplying the sunscreen for instant comfort and soothing sunburnt skin Postbeach cleanseAfter a day in the sun and surf your skin needs a gentle hydrating cleanser to remove salt and sunscreen without stripping away essential moisture Consider using a creambased body wash for a thorough yet gentle clean and a micellar water to cleanse facial skinRepairApply a soothing aftersun lotion or aloe vera gel to help calm any potential sunburn and restore pH balance Aftersun lotions are designed to calm and repair sunburnt skin They often contain a blend of ingredients like vitamin E panthenol aloe chamomile and green tea extract that address inflammation hydration and skin repairMountain travelsAdapt your moisturiserCold dry mountain air can sap your skin of moisture Switch to a richer creamier moisturiser containing squalane to lock in hydration and prevent dryness You can choose a moisturiser with an SPF protection of 30 for added sunscreen benefitsProtect Mountains can expose you to high winds and cold temperatures which can irritate the skin Use a barrier protection cream containing panthenol dimethicone shea butter ceramides allantoin linoleic acid and urea that form a physical barrier on the skin that prevents moisture loss and protects against irritants and allergensHairIn dry weather hair can become brittle frizzy and prone to damage due to a lack of moisture and increased exposure to environmental stressors Hair serums are a great way to protect and nourish your tresses during these conditions Use protective hair serums rich in prickly pear oil or cactus oil argon oil etc can help nourish and smooth the hair by adding shine and reducing frizzDont skip the SPF Even in cooler mountain climates UV rays can be intense especially at higher altitudes Apply sunscreen daily to shield your skin from harmful UV radiation A mineralbased sunscreen with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide is a good option for sensitive skinTrekking and adventure travelsCleanseOn a trek sweat and environmental pollutants can accumulate on your skin Gentle cleansing wipes are a practical and effective solution for maintaining clean and fresh skin during a trek where access to water and traditional cleansing products can be limited These wipes effortlessly remove dirt sweat and impurities that accumulate on the skin throughout the day and usually contain soothing ingredients like aloe vera chamomile and vitamin E Mist spraysUse mist sprays containing rose water or cucumber water to maintain skin hydration and comfort during a trek These sprays provide an instant burst of cool moisture and relief in the midst of demanding physical activity As you trek through varying climates a quick spritz of mist can instantly soothe and cool the skin combat dryness caused by wind or sun exposure and help maintain a balanced complexionSunscreen sticksIf yoursquore in a sunny open area sunscreen is still a must For extended periods outdoors consider a sunscreen stick for easy reapplication and to avoid the mess of traditional creamsAddress irritationsTrekking can lead to skin irritations from friction and sweat Carry a soothing balm with ingredients like calendula or chamomile to alleviate any discomfort If yoursquore prone to chafing use antichafing creams or powders as a preventive measure