Christi Rantis, freelance makeup artist, licensed aesthetician and contributor to Examiner.com visits ABC7 Chicago with some helpful tips:
- Don't use harsh cleanser or heavy lotion; Do change cleanser/lotion dependent on your location destination. As in all seasons, you want to use a mild cleanser that will remove makeup, but will not strip away skin's essential moisture. It's especially important though when you travel to a hot destination that you use a gentle product because your skin will be exposed to a lot of new elements like the sun, sand, ocean or pool water. Rantis recommenda using a gentle cleanser that won't over moisturize or dry you out in the heat. Koh Gen Do's Cleansing Spa Water Cloths $35.00 (available at Barneys and online) are a great for travel; they wipe away water proof ingredients in makeup, even sun tan lotions and skin impurities in a single sweep --no need to rinse.
-Another alternative moisturizer to keep in mind is the Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer in SPF 30 (available for $9.99 nationwide at food and drug retailers) . Gentle enough for sensitive skin and daily use, this moisturizer is also oil-free, hypoallergenic, and contains SPF 30 UVA/UVB sunscreen to protect skin from premature aging. An example being, if you are currently using a heavier emollient to help with your dry skin, switch to a light oil-free based moisturizer. The heat in your desired tropical destination will pair better with an oil-free light based formula, so you do not have added shine. You will also want the SPF protection which may not be in your winter's moisturizer.
-Don't Base Tan for Tropical Locations, Do use bronzing SPF. When traveling to a tropical destination you may be tempted to get a "base tan" before the trip. However, there really is no such thing as a safe tan and it doesn't protect a person from sunburn. Instead, you can still get the "base tan" color you want without the sun damage risks by using a sunscreen with a bronzer. Rantis recommend using Australian Gold's Continuous Spray With Instant Bronzer, it provides a quick and easy application while ensuring even coverage and delivering a subtle, instant bronzer. Australian Gold's Continuous Spray With Instant Bronzer costs $9.49 available nationwide at food and drug retailers.
SKIING DESTINATION
Rantis says going away on an active vacation is a great way to keep your body in shape, but it's important to remember your skin is being exposed to harsh conditions. Vacationers are often out on the slopes for hours facing strong sun rays, brisk winds, and low temperatures.
-Don't Skip SPF even when you're covered up for Skiing, Snowboarding, etc. Do use sweat-resistant SPF
The reflection of the sun off the snow can make for a disastrous burn, you may be physically covered, but without SPF you aren't protected. It's important to use a sweat resistant product that can keep up with you. I recommend using Australian Gold Sheer Coverage Sunscreen with Fine Finish Technology. It's very water resistant and will give you colorless, even coverage and costs $9.49 available nationwide at food and drug retailers
Don't forget your lips; Do protect with moisture and SPF
In a cold and active environment, our lips really take a beating. When skiing, you have the dangerous combination of harsh winds, and sun exposure. It is a must that you protect your lips from both with a balm which is not only moisturizing, but has a strong SPF included- so you will not have to constantly reapply while out on the slopes. I recommend Blistex Five Star Lip Protection. It holds in moisture and protects the lips with an SPF of 30! Product: Blistex Five Star Lip Protection $2.29 available nationwide and drug stores
Don't suffer in silence; Do take measures to negate any damage
It's so important that you take care of your skin as soon as you can if you do get any burns, chapped skin. The best thing to do is use a moisturizing mask after a day out on the slopes; I really like Dermalogica's "After Sun Repair". An incredibly soothing treatment balm that helps to repair damage from exposure to UV sunlight as it helps to cool sunburn and reduce discomfort. Contains no artificial fragrance or color. $32.00 Product: Dermalogica After Sun Repair $32.00 available at Ulta.
Another option, AVEENO INSTANT RELIEF REPAIR CREAM This rich body cream provides intense moisturization to soothe irritated, dry skin on contact and provide significant relief in just one day. The breakthrough formula contains Oat essence, ceramides and essential lipids found deep within the surface of the skin that play a key role in restoring the skin's protective function. Used daily, this cream can actually help repair dry, irritated skin in as little as two weeks for skin that looks and feels healthier. AVAILABLE AT NATIONWIDE FOOD AND DRUG STORES $14.99
SKIN VITAMINS
Don't Forget Your Skin Vitamins; Do prep your skin for cold/hot temperature exposure with Vitamin C
Before traveling to any destination either hot or cold, it's important that you don't only take your vitamins, but that you are loading up on your "skin vitamins". Something that is hugely popular right now are products with Vitamin C because it helps prevent premature signs of aging that can be brought on by sun exposure and helps protect against future damage. I recommend Obagi Professionals Pro-C Serum, which you can get at a physician's office. And I always like to remind people that you don't have to wait until summer to get a skin check, take this opportunity before you travel to check in with your physician for your skin check and vitamins!
Product: Obagi Professional Pro-C physician dispensed, to find a physician in your area, visit www.Obagi.com.
STAYING IN CHICAGO/HELP FOR DRY SKIN Christi says, "Besides drinking a lot of water, there are many ways you can stop the winter dryness. Many of us do not have time to go to the spa, so here are some household items, which will help keep your wallet full and take care of your dried skin."
Oatmeal
Adding instant oatmeal to your bath will soothe your skin. The oats are packed with vitamin E, a nutrient vital to healthy skin. Oats have also been clinically shown to help heal dry, itchy skin. Oat grains and straw appear in shampoos, dusting powders, moisturizers, and cleansing bars and that's just the start of a list!
Petroleum Jelly
Yes, that Vaseline you always forget to use. It acts as a sealant from outside elements, and then it forms an occlusive barrier to the natural water loss of our skin. So skin that is dry and chapped is protected from drying elements, enabling moisture to build up from the inside. This is great for hands, lip, and feet.
Coconut or avocado oil is also really good for treating dry skin. They increase the production of collagen, and prevent aging of the skin, as well as creating a lot of moisture.
Exfoliating your dry/chapped lips with sugar applied to a toothbrush and rubbing the dry surface area of your lips will help knock off the dead skin cells and keep them smooth.
