Travel beauty tips for your summer holidays

Shahnaz Husain *

Summertime is here, it's time for beach days, pool parties, travel and vacations. Summer holidays are synonymous with sunshine and outdoor adventures. Sunlight can make you feel cheerful and is important for the production of vitamin D, but be careful; it can also cause damage.

One of the best things about summer is the chance to enjoy long days at the beach. However, spending too much time in the sun can have a wide range of adverse effects on your skin and hair. As heat and humidity rise, oil glands get hyperactive. Oily patches, rashes, pimples, sunburn, roughness, patchiness–they all make an appearance in this season.

While basking in the sun can be invigorating, it’s crucial to adapt your skincare routine to protect your skin from increased sun exposure, heat, and humidity. Whether you're planning a beach getaway, a scenic mountain retreat, or simply enjoying staycations with friends and family, looking and feeling your best can make all the difference.

To help you shine from the inside out, here are some tips that may help your hair and skin "holiday-ready"

1) Prep your skin for the sun

Sunlight is good for your mood as it enables your skin to synthesize the vitamin D necessary for bone health, and it boosts your immune system. After months of being covered up, slowly exposing your skin to the sun, little by little, is key. Preparing your skin for the sun before prolonged exposure is an important step for the skin that we too often forget.

It is particularly useful for people with fair skin, sun allergies or intolerances. One of the best ways to prepare your skin for the sun is to engage in numerous short exposures. The lighter your skin, the less it is able to defend itself against the sun.

Skin that hasn’t been exposed to the sun for a long time is even more vulnerable to the first UV rays it is exposed to. The more your skin is exposed to the sun, the more it dries out. And as it dries out, it becomes more vulnerable to UV rays, so nourish your skin with a good moisturizing cream to construct its protective layer.

Although moisturizing cream does not protect skin from the sun, it can help limit its ravages.

2) Mind your diet

You can’t eat your sunscreen. But what you can eat may help against sun damage. The sun's rays don't stand a chance against a diet rich in antioxidant foods. The foods you eat could help your skin stay protected from the harmful effects of the summer sun’s strong UV rays.

The first meal of the day can prep and protect your healthy summer glow when you are on vacation. Include peppers, sweet potatoes, pumpkins, spinach, squash, broccoli, mangoes, apricots, kale, peas, tomatoes and melon in your diet that are rich in beta-carotene and other carotenoids.

The carotenoids found in red, orange, and yellow peppers not only provide excellent antioxidant properties, but they also contain 11 times more beta-carotene than green peppers. Foods that are rich in carotenoids add an orange tinge to your skin, which gives you a natural glow.

Eat dinner as early as possible in the evening, preferably before sunset. Eating late at night impairs an enzyme responsible for repairing sun-damaged skin.

A combination of vitamins E and C protects the skin against UV damage. It is suggested that daily consumption of dietary polyphenols may provide efficient protection against the harmful effects of solar UV radiation in humans. Furthermore, the use of micronutrients in combination may provide an effective strategy for protecting human skin from damage by UV exposure.

3) Travel Packing

Whether you’re planning a beach getaway, a city escape, or a countryside retreat, comfortable and versatile clothing is essential for a stress-free summer vacation. Less is more when it comes to packing. Focus on versatile pieces that can be worn in multiple ways.

Summers call in for lightweight and light-colored clothing like white, cream, or ecru, which are better at hiding sweat. Lightweight T-shirts and tanks take up little space in your suitcase, making it easy to roll them up and pack four or five of one color to use throughout the trip. It ensures that you can focus on your vacation rather than your attire, allowing you to relax and enjoy your trip.

Light-toned colors also reflect light and won’t feel as hot on the body when in direct sunlight, like a black shirt. While packing, make sure you pack clothes that allow air to circulate against the skin.

Don’t forget to pack a few key accessories like a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and comfortable sandals to complete your look. Consider packing clothes that can be easily dressed up or down, making it easy to adapt to different situations. What is important is that you are comfortable in them in all your hours of travel.

4) Take care of your hair

Just like skincare, your hair needs special attention when you’re travelling. Travelling often can be an exciting and fulfilling experience, but it can leave your hair feeling dry, frizzy, and damaged. Maintaining healthy and fresh hair while travelling can be challenging,

Moving from one climate to another can confuse your hair. Humidity, dry air, or extreme temperatures can cause frizz, dryness, or even breakage. From different climates and weather conditions to long hours in the car or on a plane, it’s easy for your hair to feel out of sorts.

Changes in climate, water quality, and exposure to sun, humidity, or pollution can take a toll on your hair. The serum is the best way to keep your hair hydrated and conditioned during travelling.

Hair serums help to protect your strands from sun damage and make them look sleek and shiny. Since you miss a proper beauty care routine while travelling, using hair serum correctly can help to protect your hair from skin problems that occur while on a vacation.

When packing, opt for travel-sized bottles of shampoo, conditioner, and styling products that suit your hair type. A leave-in conditioner or serum can be a lifesaver to combat dryness and frizz. Don’t forget essentials like a wide-toothed comb, microfiber towel, and silk scrunchies to minimize breakage.