With winter in the rear view mirror and summer still months away, Spring Break is a holiday made for travel and entertainment. Most tropical destinations come with plenty of amenities and activities to keep you going both day and night. Amidst the fun and frolicking, though, don’t forget to pack your common sense. While you may be on vacation, there are a few things to keep front and center in order to enjoy your trip from the first minute to the last.
Pack Skin Care Provisions
If your trip includes a hotel stay or even a week at a fancy resort, don’t count on their hospitality when it comes to skin care. The staples, like shampoo and conditioner, will probably be available, but don’t trust that “facial” bar soap or the generic lotion on the counter. Chances are the soap has a high pH level, which can strip away moisture and leave your skin in crisis mode, and the lotion will probably deliver the bare minimum for your body but do nothing for your parched face.
Skip the drama (and the potential blemishes) by packing travel-size versions of your cleanser and moisturizer. iS Clinical’s Cleansing Complex, comes in a travel-friendly 2-ounce bottle. It will whisk away dirt, oil, and sunscreen while keeping your natural oils in check. Be sure to pack your favorite moisturizer as well. After a day in the elements, you’ll need it to rebalance your skin while you get your beauty sleep.
Bring Sunscreen and Use It Often
Most Spring Break trips entail sand, sun, and surf. Pick the beach of your choice and enjoy a break from winter weather and excess clothing, but don’t forget sunscreen. As much as you may want to return to school or work with a sun-kissed glow, a sunscreen failure can sideline you from activities and put you at risk for skin damage. A bad sunburn is more than a buzz kill, and according to a study referenced by the American Academy of Dermatology, “Even one blistering sunburn during childhood or adolescence can nearly double a person's chance of developing melanoma.” Add in the fact that “One in five Americans will develop skin cancer by the age of 70,” and you’ll understand why we keep singing the praises of sunblock.
Be sure to apply sunscreen at least 20 minutes before heading outdoors, and reapply it throughout the day. And if you simply loathe the feel of liquid sunscreen, grab Colorescience’s Sunforgettable Brush-On Sunscreen SPF50 instead. powder sunscreen. Simply brush the powder over clean skin or makeup, and you’ll be protected by both titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. Touch-ups are a breeze as well!
Make Better Beverage Choices
Good times should be celebrated, and to be your best throughout your entire trip, think about when, where, and what you drink. Sipping a cold adult beverage poolside sounds heavenly, but the combination of alcohol and heat can lead to heatstroke. If you’re planning to imbibe on your vacation, follow this helpful advice from Dr. Thomas Narsete, MD: “Have a glass of water in between drinks. Not only will it help you to avoid a hangover, but it will keep your skin and body hydrated.”
After the sun goes down, the party often moves to the hot tub. While the warm water may soothe your achy windsurfing muscles, skip the alcohol when in the Jacuzzi. Even though you don’t notice it, hot water makes you sweat, which can cause dehydration. Add alcohol, which is a diuretic that reduces your blood pressure, and you’re likely to become dizzy and drunk without even realizing it’s happening.
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Before heading out, make sure to pack a refillable water bottle, a hat, and a lip balm with SPF. After all, you’ll probably be sipping beverages and spending time in the sun or under the water, and your lips deserve a little love, too. We adore EltaMD UV Lip Balm. It’s water resistant for nearly 80 minutes, fights off harmful free radicals, and is both paraben- and fragrance-free.
Wishing you safe and happy travels,
Team Reflect
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