How to keep skin safe during travel

A traveller's wanderlust drives him or her towards sunny tropics in winters and to picturesque hills during summers. Travelling, whether by road or by air, can be very taxing for the skin. It is hard to imagine anything worse than having your holiday or journey ruined by developing a skin problem. Preventing such issues during travel is relatively easy, as long as you follow a regular skin care regimen.

1. There is lack of moisture in aircrafts and in places with colder, drier climates: Prepare a kit with travel-size versions of your skin cleanser, moisturiser, lotion, exfoliant and pack them in your handbag. Applying them while on the plane will allow your skin to stay hydrated. You can also take oral supplements containing Vitamin C, glutathione and other antioxidants, a week prior to your travel to a dry place.

2. Exfoliate and moisturise your feet every night while on vacation: Excessive sightseeing and walking barefoot on the beach may take a toll on your feet. Bring a foot file and use it on your soles and heels while showering. Apply a moisturising foot cream afterwards. In places with colder climates, feet tend to crack as they are constantly exposed to dirt and dryness. Apply a foot cream and wear soft cotton socks.

3. A medical emergency kit is absolutely essential while travelling: Along with the first aid like band-aids and medicines, keep anti-allergic tablets, a smoothening calamine and aloe vera lotion, a topical steroid cream like Mometasone or Clobetasone, that can be used in case of any rash or skin allergy.

4. Remember to wear sturdy and comfortable shoes with socks when you travel in a car: In some cars, the floor may heat up, causing burns to the feet. Be wary of vehicles that have been sitting in the sun for long. If you have been exposed to extreme cold or snow, take care not to place your feet directly under heater vents; hot air can also cause skin burns.

5. While travelling long distances in the heat, make sure that you stay hydrated: Mere application of various products on the skin 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.

6. Whether the travel is to a warm or cold destination, remember not to miss out on sun protection: Apart from wearing hats and umbrella, use a high SPF sunscreen (SPF 35 or more) and keep reapplying every two to four hours. Sun damage can cause pigmentation and also cause premature wrinkles.