Jet-Set Skincare

What the frequent traveler needs to know to keep skin looking healthy

-By Julie Wlodychak Borm

THE JET-SETTING LIFESTYLE is often imagined as nothing if not exciting and glamorous. The idea of sipping cappuccinos in a European country one week and scuba diving at a Caribbean resort the next is what many a daydream consist of.

Whether you're living a celebrity life or simply travel a lot for your job, no matter the destination, frequent travel can wreck havoc on your skin and healthy lifestyle. And while you may not be traveling between continents each week, any amount of travel can affect your complexion.

Howard Murad, M.D., founder of Murad Inc., explains how to counteract the effects of traveling to ensure your skin stays healthy and vibrant in the air or on land.

HYDRATION STATION

"Everything involved with traveling dehydrates your skin," says Dr. Murad. In transit, your skin is exposed to frequent temperature changes, pollution and sunlight, not to mention the recycled, dry air within airplanes.

"The other way people become dehydrated is when they are under stress, which can affect your skin on a cellular level," says Dr. Murad. Multiple tight deadlines and crowded airports contribute to high anxiety, and without having time to unwind and relax, the effects can show on your skin."I recommend relaxing techniques and taking time to breathe slowly and comfortably to try to minimize stress levels."

Early departure times, quick connections and delays also mean less time to plan healthy meals and drink choices. Dr. Murad recommends avoiding dehydrating coffee drinks and sodas, and in addition to drinking water throughout your trip, reach for water-rich foods.

In the airport, most food choices available tend to be high in sodium and fat, which cause additional bloat and dehydration."Choose a veggie tray or salad, which are full of water and antioxidants. Water-rich fruits or vegetables can hydrate your skin better because they penetrate into skin better than drinking water," Dr. Murad says. "I recommend taking a threepronged, inclusive health approach to skincare where, if you eat water-rich foods, use proper topical products and minimize stress levels, you will ultimately be hydrated from the inside and out."

SHIELD YOUR SKIN

In addition to the dehydrating effects your skin is up against en route, you can count on overexposure to the sun's ultraviolet rays. "You get exposed to a lot of radiation from the sun coming in through the window [at airports]. If you fly a continental flight, you are exposed to the same amount of radiation as if you had one chest X-ray," he says. "Apply a moisturizing sunscreen several times throughout the day to protect your skin." Dr. Murad suggests you keep your seat's window shade in the airplane closed if possible to prevent additional exposure. "The higher the elevation, the more potent the sun's rays will be."

And depending on your destination, you may need to adjust your skincare regimen upon arrival. If you travel from a moist, warm climate to a cold, dry one, adjust your moisturizer to accommodate and use an additional moisturizer at night, such as Murad Hydro-Dynamic Ultra-Moisture. And scheduling a massage or facial in your destination's city can give your skin the boost it will need after a long day of being on-the-go.

While traveling is often unavoidable, adequate sunscreen, moisturizer and water intake, whether through produce or drinking water, can prevent dehydration and keep skin looking and feeling healthy.