Winter Getaway Essentials: A Glimpse into a Dermatologist's Luggage
Winter weather in Detroit likely has most of us day dreaming about a nice warm beach. Whether you're considering getting away or already booked a trip, keep in mind these travel essentials and dermatology tips that will help keep your skin protected so it doesn't ruin the trip. I hope you find these items as helpful as I do because I never vacation without them.
SKIN
Protection from the Elements
Neutrogena Lip Balm with SPF 20 - the lips need sun protection too. It is certainly one of the last places one would want a skin cancer. Nonmelanoma skin cancer on the lip, such as a squamous cell carcinoma, has the highest risk of metastasizing (spreading to other sites beyond the skin) when compared to nonmelanoma skin cancers located elsewhere on the body. Neutogena's lip balm with SPF even comes in six fun shades for those who like to switch up their look while being sun safe.
Aveeno Daily Facial Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 - daily sunscreen is a must! --and so is moisturizing. So, why not reach for a product that kills two birds with one stone? Even my husband uses this particular moisturizer with SPF 365 days a year. And what's really nice about this moisturizer containing sunscreen is that it doesn't leave the skin with a chalky look.
Neutrogena Beach Defense SPF 50+ - I love this sunscreen. It's made in the shape of a deodorant stick so it can be applied directly to the skin without using your hands, that may be covered in sand or dirt, to rub it in.
Sun Hat - the bigger the brim, the better. Sun hats help provide added protection to the face as no sunscreen is 100% protective against the sun's damaging ultraviolet rays.
Flip flops - use of communicable pools and resort showers without proper foot protection is the perfect way to leave a vacation with an unwanted partying gift. Avoid acquiring verruca, a.k.a. warts or tinea pedis, a.k.a. foot fungus by wearing waterproof flip flops when you can.
DEET - a repellent that has at least 20 percent DEET will help keep you protected from pesky mosquitos. For more information on DEET, visit the Center for Disease Control.
Hand sanitizer - don't risk feeling ill during or after your vacation. Hand sanitizer helps give you some defense against what can easily be shared in crowded airports and planes.
Cleanser/Moisturizer/Cosmeceutical
Dove bar soap - it saves on having to carry any further liquids in the luggage and is one of the least drying of soaps on the market. After swimming in chlorinated pools or salt water oceans, you want to wash with a cleanser that won't cause further dryness.
Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Scrub - this is my favorite scrub to help keep my skin smooth and tone even due to natural ingredients like soy.
SkinBetter Science Eye Cream - dark circles are bound to happen with the aging process, but not if you can help it. I have been introduced to this company and am absolutely in love with all their products. My eyes especially look healthy and youthful by using the eye cream just once a day, but it can be used twice for even more amazing results.
CeraVe Moisturizing Cream - This is my daily body moisturizer. Dry skin should be avoided while on sunny vacations as dry skin is more likely to sunburn.
Shaving Essentials
Aveeno Therapeutic Shave Gel - this is my absolute favorite shaving gel. Use this product in combination with the right shaving tool and say goodbye to folliculitis, a.k.a. "razor bumps"
Venus Disposable Razors - I recommend use of disposable razors only. You want a nice and sharp razor that can be used to all hair bearing sites once, then throw it out. Why? Dull razors can increase the risk for folliculitis and we don't want that! An alternative is to invest in the razor, then purchase refills for just the blade. And if you favor being eco friendly like myself, visit the Carter Snell Skin Center for laser hair removal. Don't we all want to gain back a few minutes to our life?
HAIR
Extra Long Hair Pins - to avoid hair breakage, I stay clear of hair ties. My favorite way to sweep up my hair before bed is to place it in a loose top knot and secure it with a bobby pin.
I have found that they also function as great comedone extractor alternatives. It doesn't traumatize the surrounding skin when removing a black head. But beware, the smaller and thinner hair pins absolutely will.
Pantene Truly Natural Hair - my natural hair comes out while on vacation as I choose to spend less time on hair care and more time relaxing. But, these products help my curls look stylish while doing so. I particularly like leaving in some of the conditioner to protect my hair while swimming.
NAILS
Aquaphor Healing Ointment - application of this ointment to each cuticle a day will help maintain a healthy look to your nails.
What can't you vacation without?
