3 Skin Care Tips for Spring Break or Vacation Travel
Mar 14, 2019
This is one of the snowiest winters in Minnesota history, and we’re all a little tired of it! Luckily, the warmer months are close and soon we’ll be getting back to green grass and sunny days.
In the meantime, many families have spring break or vacation to look forward to! If you’re packing and preparing for a vacation right now, there’s one thing you shouldn’t forget about; skin care.
Vacations always sound idyllic when we’re planning them, but reality is that regular wear and tear on our skin doesn’t stay at home. Our bodies are subject to the same challenges, and sometimes harsher challenges with hotter climates and sunnier weather.
Here are a few tips for taking care of your skin while traveling:
1) Prevent and Treat Blisters
If you want to see the sights pain-free, you’ll want to do everything you can to avoid blisters. Vacations often mean a lot of walking. There are specific steps you can take to prevent and treat blisters.
The biggest thing is to avoid chafing by wearing light, moisture-wicking clothing and socks. If you do start to chafe, there are powders and other over-the-counter products that can be applied to reduce damage and blistering. Also, try not to wear new shoes, loose shoes or sandals. Knowing that what you are wearing fits well is your best approach.
2) Suncare Tips
Everyone wants to look good at the beach, but preventing skin cancer is even more important. Always cover yourself liberally with sunscreen SPF 30 or higher when you go to the beach or even when you go for a casual walk outside.
There is no such thing as getting a “base tan” before you leave for vacation. DO NOT use a tanning bed or other indoor tanning methods to try to obtain a “base tan.” There are multiple health reasons to not use tanning beds, but the biggest reason is that the UV rays can lead to melanoma and other skin cancers. Remember that both burned skin and tanned skin is damaged skin.
Stay safe and healthy by re-applying sunscreen often, covering up your skin, using an umbrella and wearing a hat and sunglasses when outdoors. Your skin will thank you by producing less age spots and wrinkles, since both of these can be caused by too much sun exposure.
3) Check your hotel room for bed bugs
Didn’t expect to see this one on the list, did you? Hotels can be dirty, and it’s possible that your room could have bed bugs. Bed bugs don’t carry disease, but they do bite and can leave marks on your skin.
When you first check into your hotel room, check your mattress for bed bugs before unpacking your suitcases and getting comfortable. If you discover bed bugs, request a new room immediately.
About Center for Dermatology in Lakeville, Minnesota
The dermatology professionals at the Center for Dermatology are pleased to welcome you to our practice. We provide medical, surgical and cosmetic dermatology services in Lakeville, MN. We know how hectic life can be and are committed to making our practice convenient and accessible.
We want you to feel confident that when you choose the Center for Dermatology, you’re working with health care professionals who are qualified, experienced and caring. We invite you to schedule an appointment for your annual skin check. We look forward to meeting you!