Summer is a great time to travel and vacation. While you are away, follow these six tips to keep acne-prone skin looking its best.
Consistency
Stick to your current skin care regimen. While it’s tempting to buy new, fun, travel-size products prior to vacation, it is best to use your home cleansers, prescription acne medications, and moisturizers as directed by your healthcare provider. Making a change could lead to more skin irritation and unnecessary breakouts.
Avoid over-drying
Be aware of skin drying conditions such as airplanes, air conditioning, and chlorine in pools. Use an oil free, noncomedogenic moisturizer more frequently if needed. Overly dry skin can increase pore clogging which leads to more pimples. If using an acne cleanser containing salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide, you may need to use it less frequently while exposed to dry conditions. However, don’t skip cleansing all together. Instead use a gentle facial cleanser in the morning and evening.
Sun Protection
All skin types require sun protection, but especially acne prone skin. Products used to treat acne increase your sensitivity to the sun and the dark marks on your skin after a pimple resolves will fade more quickly if your skin is protected from the sun. To protect your skin, avoid long sun exposure during peak sun intensity – the time between 10:00 am and 3:00pm. Also protect your skin by wearing a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and reapplying a broad-spectrum sunscreen at least every two hours. Clothing with SPF protection is another great option.
Alcohol in Moderation
Limit alcohol, processed foods, and sugary treats while vacationing. It is not necessary to eliminate all indulgences, but any of these in excess will have an impact on your complexion. Although there is not enough evidence to directly link diet to acne, a well-balanced diet helps your skin maintain a healthy appearance and improves its ability to repair after acne breakouts. Focus on staying well-hydrated and eating a variety of fruits, vegetables, and whole foods.
Maximize Sleep and Minimize Stress
Ideally vacation is a time to rest and restore the body. Unfortunately travel schedules do not always allow for 8 hours of nightly rest. Whenever possible, maintain a regular sleep schedule. Sleep is a time where your whole body – including your skin – can restore and regenerate.
Ask Questions
Most acne medications lead to increased drying and increased sun sensitivity. If your vacation includes increased sun exposure, your healthcare provider may advise you to modify your routine. Certain prescription antibiotics and other oral acne medications drastically increase your chance of sunburn. You may need to temporarily discontinue certain medications prior to traveling. Be sure to talk to your healthcare provider before you make these changes.
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Mary Murray, FNP-BC is a board certified Family Nurse Practitioner. Mary graduated with her B.S.N. from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and received her M.S.N. from 
