My clients frequently ask what to do if concerns occur when travelling abroad. Most often – apart from sunburn – they struggle with concerns related to a change in temperature, humidity and oiliness that result in weakened skin barrier and either breakouts or dry patches.
Sunscreen Breakouts
Our facial skin can find hot and humid summer conditions a challenge, due to a combination of factors: dirt and dust particles i.e. pollution increases due to travelling, sweating and higher sebum production (skin oiliness) and a protective layer of suncream – can result in summer breakouts.
How to prevent the onset of spots on holiday:
- Use facial wipes frequently when travelling.
- If your skin is prone to comedone formation (blackheads), make an appointment for Deep Cleansing treatment a week before your travel.
- Apply a spot treatment with bacteria-eliminating actives at the first signs of inflammation (e.g. Dermalogica Special Clearing Booster (benzoyl peroxide), Aveda Outer Peace Blemish Relief (salicylic acid)) to reduce the spot size within hours.
- Use oil-free and non-comedogenic moisturiser that regulates oiliness in your facial T-zone.
- If your usual cleansing and moisturising products irritate you in summer, switch to products formulated for sensitive skin type (with a different emulsifying and preservative system) to soothe irritation and re-hydrate your facial skin.
- Use mineral water or grape extract in a spray (e.g. Evian, Avene, Caudalie) to calm and cool your facial skin.
- Keep your hair away from your face and rinse your sunglasses with soap frequently.
If prone to eczema-like dry patches due to the heat, try changing preservative system of your skincare (e.g. Ren, Caudalie) or apply light products capable to protect your skin barrier (e.g. http://www.it-evolve.com/whatisevolve.html) to ease itchiness and clear up dry patches.