Have a weatherproof holiday
Travelling from hot to cold climes and vice versa is not something to be taken lightly. After all, how you adjust to the change could mean either an enjoyable – or miserable – vacation. Here are some quick reminders to make the transition more comfortable.
From warm to cold
The cold can leave your skin, hair and eyes feeling dry, so moisturising and hydrating are essential.
1. Pack well
Temperatures that fall below 60 degrees Celsius call for thermal underwear, a jacket, a hat, a pair of gloves and a scarf. You lose most of your body heat through your head, plus the head, ears, neck and hands often feel the coldest during winter.
2. Change your skincare regime
Use plenty of lip balm and moisturiser for your hands and lips; look for ingredients like shea butter and vitamin E. Also switch to a milder face wash so your skin retains some of its natural oils. This helps prevent flaking, overdrying and acne.
3. Defrizz your hair
Avoid static and dehydrated hair by washing your hair once every two or three days. This will help your hair retain its natural oils. After washing, use a leave-in conditioner to keep your locks smooth and silky.
4. Use eye drops
If you’re spending a lot of time outdoors in windy conditions, buy eye drops to keep your eyes well-moisturised. They’re particularly useful if you are riding a bicycle or skiing in cold weather.
5. Shower only once a day with lukewarm water
You’ll find that you won’t sweat as much in the cold, anyway. What’s more, showering can strip your body of natural oils and hot water can dehydrate your skin.
6. Get as much sunlight as possible
The sun can set as early as three in the afternoon in certain regions during winter – which can leave some people feeling a little blue. To keep seasonal depression at bay, wake up early, go outdoors and soak up as much sunlight as you can. Not only will this give you a cheerier disposition, it will up your dose of vitamin D too.
From cold to warm
Common complaints include greasy skin and scalp, pimples, flat and lifeless hair, and body odour. Don’t forget sunburn and heat exposure too.
1. Sprinkle talcum powder on your scalp
If you’re suffering from a greasy scalp, use talcum powder and rub gently. The powder will absorb some of the oils in your scalp and give your hair more body.
2. Use facial blotters
Your skin will produce more oil and might look shiny around the T-zone. Remove the shine with facial blotters. This will also help prevent breakouts.
3. Spray or swipe on a good deodorant
In your first week of acclimating, you’ll probably be sweating buckets. A good deodorant and loose-fitting clothes will help you stay dry and cool. If it is very hot and humid, bring a towel to dry yourself when you are out in the heat.
4. Drink plenty of water
When you sweat, your body loses a lot of water – so ensure you replenish its supply regularly.
5. Apply sunblock
Don’t underestimate the damage that UV rays can do to your skin. Choose an SPF 50 sunblock before going out and reapply every hour or so.
6. Get enough rest
As you adjust to a hot climate, you may find yourself feeling flushed, dizzy or tired easily. This is because your heart works harder in the heat. If you feel tired or uncomfortable for the first two weeks in a hot city, allow yourself to sit in the shade and have a cold drink, or take a break in your hotel.
