Skin in Extreme Climates

Traveling for most of us means more time in the sun, but extremes of cold, wind or damp need just as much consideration for the skin. In hot weather, apart from the essential sun protection discussed above, the varying types of heat may make your skin react differently.

Humidity plus air pollution. You find these conditions in large cities like New York, Rome, Tel Aviv and Tokyo. You may find your skin looks grey and dirty soon after cleansing. Your make up fades as soon as you put it on and your skin may erupt for the first time in its life. Cities like these tend to suffer from air pollution as well as humidity in summer and pollution constantly deposits soot and grime on the skin, demanding frequent cleansing. Use a moisturizer as a barrier between your skin and the environment; you may need to choose one for an oilier skin type than you use normally in order to keep your make up matte and stop it from disappearing. And pack something to relieve spots, should they suddenly appear. Plus sun care, of course.

Extreme heat and aridity. Exotic spots like Marrakesh and the Nile are where you'll find this climate, and this is when skin may become extremely dry or drier than ever before lips parched and cracked and make up almost impossible to apply. Take a lip emollient, a rich moisturizer for under make up and a skin food for night time care. Plus sun care, of course.

Tropical heat and humidity. Far flung shores like the Seychelles, Sri Lanka and Bangkok are places to expect this climate. Skin may become excessively oily, make up melts and hair goes limp. Keep skin extra clean, take a good toning lotion (to refresh and tighten the texture), something to soothe spots and a moisturizer for under make up specially formulated for oily skins (to help make up stay put). Plus sun care, of course.

Harsh wind and extreme cold. Winter resorts such as Zermatt, Courchevel, Zurs, where high altitude skiing is the sport, and all Polar areas are where you'll find this climate, with your skin feeling tight and dry. Use extra rich moisturizers as well as your sun care, and avoid coming in from the intense cold and thawing out too quickly by a blazing fire this can lead to a rupturing of the fine blood vessels and will eventually leave red, spidery marks. Chapped skin is not a disaster and can be rehydrated with moisturizer; it usually comes from wind and is difficult to prevent if you're not going to use a thick, obvious layer of oily cream. Keep arms and legs well lubricated too.