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Ask the Experts: Dr. Margaret Ravits on Vacation and Skin Care

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By Dr. Margaret Ravits December 1, 2016
Dr. Ravits of Margaret Ravits and Associates Dermatology answers Macaroni Kid readers' questions about skin, hair and nail conditions for kids and adults. This week, Dr. Ravits offers suggestions on ways to keep your skin healthy while on vacation.

Got questions for Dr. Ravits? Submit them anonymously HERE and we will post the answers in an upcoming Macaroni Kid newsletter. 


Q. What should I do to keep my skin healthy while on vacation? 

A. Here are some easy ways to protect your skin from sun damage whether you are traveling to the beach or going skiing.


1. Prep before you go

Beach Vacation:
If you are traveling to a warm place, pack water-resistant, broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30+ or higher), lip balm (with a minimum of SPF 15), a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses with UV protection, and sun protective clothing. Check the expiration date on the sunscreen bottle to make sure that it has not expired. Sunscreen only lasts for three years and may deteriorate sooner if has been left in hot spaces such as a car.
Ski Trip:
If you are planning a trip to a ski resort, pack sunscreen (SPF 30+), a ski mask, and goggles or wraparound sunglasses with UV protection. Even though the outside temperature may be cold, the sun still shines brightly. The UV rays also reflect off of the snow.

2. Apply sunscreen

Beach Vacation:
Apply sunscreen to your face and body about a half hour before you go outside (even on cloudy days). Take a sunscreen bottle and lip balm (SPF 15+) to the beach so that you can reapply them later. Reapply about every two hours. You will need to reapply the sunscreen more often if you go swimming or get very sweaty.
Ski Trip:
Bring a travel-sized sunscreen tube and lip balm (with SPF) with you when you head out the door. You can reapply the sunscreen if you take a break and go inside the lodge or even when you are on the chairlift.

3. Limit sun exposure 

Beach Vacation:
If you are going to a beach, try to limit your sun exposure especially during the peak sun hours (10AM-4PM). Not only are you getting exposure directly from the sun but the UV rays also reflect off of the water and the sand.
Ski Trip:
Go skiing in the early morning or late afternoon. The cold weather may trick you into thinking that you are safe from a sunburn but the sun's UV rays are very strong at high altitudes.

4. Seek shade

Beach Vacation:
Avoid laying on the beach and tanning. It causes skin damage and premature skin aging, and increases your risk of developing skin cancer. If you need to be outside during the peak sun hours, seek shade under a sun umbrella.
Ski Trip:
Take a break from being on the ski slopes and go inside for a little while. 
Whether you are at a cold or warm weather locale, find other activities to do midday such as going inside for lunch or touring a local site such as a museum.
 
5. Stay hydrated

Drink water instead of sugary drinks or alcohol to avoid dehydration. 
If you have any concerns about your skin, hair or nails, consult with a board-certified dermatologist.


About Dr. Margaret Ravits
Dr. Ravits is a caring, experienced, board-certified dermatologist who treats patients of all ages. She and her wonderful team of board-certified dermatologists offer comprehensive treatment of skin, hair, and nail conditions in their River Edge and Hackensack offices. Along with her private practice, Dr. Ravits is a Senior Attending at Hackensack University Medical Center where she previously served as the Chief of the Division of Dermatology for 22 years. She is also a Clinical Associate Professor of Dermatology at NY-Presbyterian Hospital. To learn more about Dr. Ravits, visit her website at http://www.ravitsdermatology.com.

Disclosure: Margaret Ravits and Associates Dermatology is a sponsor of Macaroni Kid Northeast Bergen.