It’s the time of the year you start backpacking for that no-hassle holiday you have been planning for long. Tavelling is fun until that turquoise waters or biting mountain breeze start wrecking havoc on your looks. If it’s your dream vacation and you sure want to look gorgeous-on-the-go, never put your beauty regime on the back-burner.
Since summer is reaching its ruthless peak, the scorching weather will definitely take a toll on your skin. If you are planning a beach vacation where the hot sun lights up swats of powdery sand, the risks are higher. Sun exposure and excessive sweating will bring out rashes, acne and tanning. Cosmetic dermatologist Dr Meera James says, “Stepping out into the sun and staying outdoor for long hours can cause photosensitivity, sunburn and severe tanning. During summer the UV rays will be very intense which can do oodles of damage, so safeguard your skin with a strong sunblock. But slapping on some sunscreen is not all. Make sure that you reapply it on regular intervals and go for a water-resistant product if you are planning to take a dip,” she says.
Rashes or an acne breakout is common while travelling and summer air lacks moisture which leaves you with itchy and irritant skin. “Empty at least three bottles of water a day and take some vitamin and antioxidant supplements. If your skin gets tanned so easily try some anti-tan packs with curd, lemon and turmeric. Curd is a natural bleach fit for all skin types and it really helps in reducing the tan. Sunglasses with UV- blocking filters is a necessary,” says Girija Babu, beauty expert.
If nothing else, travelling guarantees one thing - frizzy and lusterless hair. Believe it or not, water can be extremely harmful to your hair at times. Showering in hard water and then swimming in salty or chlorinated water can make your hair more brittle and prone to breakage. “People on the move tend to use different kinds of water which aggravate dandruff which in turn increases hairfall. Make sure that you carry a bottle of ant-dandruff shampoo,” says Dr Meera. Always use a swim cap and while lounging at beaches go for leave-in conditioners or serums with sun protection. “Don’t try to show off your long tresses while travelling. If you leave the hair loose it will be dry and dirty in no time. Always tie your hair and use a scarf, bandana or sunhat to protect it from the sun. Wash your hair once in two days using a mild shampoo,” says Girija.
A laid-back mountain holiday sounds fantastic but the chilly climate can leave your lips chapped and skin dry. “Use a thick cream-based moisturiser to sooth the skin and increase your water intake. In hill stations the climate will be pleasant, but that doesn’t mean that you are safe from the sun. So don’t ditch your umbrella and use a sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 50,” says Girija.
So while packing, don’t forget all those beauty essentials and look radiant on each and every holiday snap.