Skin Republic

Dear Dr. Jen,

How can I trim down my skin regimen while I'm traveling?  I usually don't have time to put everything on my face anyway, and I sure would like to travel lighter.

Alice

Dear Alice,

There are two main things to consider when you are thinking about your skin regimen when you travel.  First to think of is the climate of the country or place of your destination.  The second thing to consider is the length of time you will be away.

For trips lasting at least two weeks, you might want to bring smaller versions of everything that you have.  Just keep the essentials in mind during shorter trips: moisturizer, cleanser, lip balm and sunscreen.

 The climate of the place you are headed should always be considered. This is very important especially for patients with skin asthma, eczema, or seborrheic dermatitis. Most places are drier and less humid than the Philippines.  So there are bigger chances for your skin to crack and dry up while you are travelling.  Lotions, moisturizers and lip balms must be included in your packing list.  Your makeup remover and cleanser should be packed in smaller bottles too.  If you are prone to breaking out while travelling, bringing anti-acne spot treatments can be helpful. You can basically skip the toner, anti-aging serums, scrubs, masks, and eye creams for short trips.

Lastly, if you are packing for the beach, make sure to bring your own hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic sunscreen.  I see a lot of my patients who break out from use of the wrong brand of sunblock.  They usually end up buying whatever is available at the resort and return home with unsightly pimples.

Dear Dr. Jen,

 I have a lot of insect bites.  It seems that every pharmacy I've been to would hand me some calamine to take the itchiness away.  But it never works.  Is there something wrong with my skin, or should I be using something else?  Please advice.

Maritoni

Dear Maritoni,

There is nothing wrong with your skin. Some people actually have an allergic reaction to arthropod or insect bites.  Calamine, when used for any allergies, won't really cure the itch.  Calamine may soothe heat rash, but the incessant itchiness from insect bites will not be treated by it.  You might benefit more from applying some anti-inflammatory creams, like hydrocortisone or desonide. Antihistamines, orally taken, can also help.  Using mentholated balms may give you temporary relief but it may also cause more irritation.  Stay away from mentholated creams as well as those with irritating ingredients (like salicylic acid or sulfuric acid).

Dr. Tan is a diplomate of Philippine Dermatological Society (PDS) and is affiliated with Perpetual Succour Hospital (PSH). For information on PDS, check http://www.pds.org.ph/. For questions or concerns, please text to: 0932 857 7070; or email to: [email protected]; or call The Freeman: (032) 2531276, or PSH: (032) 233 8620 and 232 5929. Your inquiries will be forwarded to Dr. Tan.