Nothing puts a damper on a March Break vacation faster than a sunburn or breakout. But packing every item in your beauty arsenal is a waste of space in your luggage, not to mention a pain to have to lug around. Here two experts dish on everything from what makeup to pack to how to keep your skin looking luminous so you can save face -- and suitcase space -- on your next vacation.
Protect your skin
Dermatologist Lisa Kellet of DLK on Avenue, a dermatology clinic in Toronto, says it is essential to always wear at least an SPF 30 sunblock whenever you're on a beach vacation. "Not only does the sunblock offer your skin protection from the sun, but it prevents photoaging of your skin," she says.
According to Kellet, the one product most people forget to pack is lip balm with sunblock. "A lip balm with SPF not only protects the sensitive skin on your lips, but it is also great if you're stuck without sunblock because you can also use it to protect the sensitive skin around the eyes," she says.
Besides packing a daily moisturizer to use to replenish skin that gets dried out from sun, wind and other environmental exposure, Kellet also recommends packing a cream with 1 per cent hydrocortisone. "Hydrocortisone cream provides relief for skin that is irritated by chlorine, salt water or too much sun," she says.
Keep hydrated
It's a well-known fact that chlorine dries out skin, so Kellet also advises rinsing off with fresh water right after swimming in a pool. She also recommends rinsing off after swimming in the sea. "Salt water can contain feces of birds or jellyfish parts, which can be irritating to the skin," she says. "Rinsing and drying off your skin right after swimming helps to decrease skin eruptions."
Sand can also be the cause of skin woes. "Sand can contain feces of mammals that can cause infestation of worms in the skin," says Kellet. Be sure to always wear flip-flops when walking on sand, and to rinse off with fresh water once you leave the beach.
Last but not least, Kellet advises drinking lots of water throughout your warm-weather vacation.
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