The holiday season is officially here. Whether it’s a long-pending family vacation or just a weekend getaway, travel can cause a spate of beauty challenges. Beaches, hill stations and trekking trips when combined with the scorching sun can take a toll on your looks. Though most find it impossible to travel and look great at the same time, experts say that the two things need not be mutually exclusive. “Sun exposure is the biggest risk while travelling during summer holidays. It can be really damaging for your skin, hair and general health,” says Nadira Aji, beauty expert.
We all know it’s necessary to slap on some sunscreen and use umbrella while stepping out in the sun. But is that all we need? “Not really. This can limit skin tanning only to a certain extent, that too if you use the right products. During the peaks of summer UV rays will be really harsh and sometimes they cause sunburns and rashes. So you need a really strong sunscreen lotion to protect your skin from the possible harm. Use it before any outdoor programme and never forget to reapply it after every two to three hours,” she says.
But sun damage doesn’t end there as it can stir up a lot more skin problems. Very often the use of wrong cosmetics and excessive sweating can result in skin eruptions. The first thing to avoid this is to dump heavy make-up. “Soothe your skin with a mix of curd and turmeric. Curd is a natural bleach which will reduce the tanning and turmeric has medicinal properties that will take care of the breakouts.” She also adds that it’s important to keep your skin moisturised while travelling. “Drink lots of water and invest on a good moisturiser. Keep your make-up to minimal and use branded products,” she says.
Travelling also means abusing your hair with salty or chlorinated water. Moreover extreme climate in certain tourist destinations can make it frizzy and lifeless. “Itchy scalp, dandruff and hair fall are the common problems that crop up while travelling. Try to avoid washing your hair more often than you normally do. Use swim caps and protect your tresses from sun with a scarf. If possible go for an oil massage,” adds Nadira.