We've all had the experience. We're on vacation, traveling for business, or preparing for a big event, when all of a sudden we wake up with a large, painful blemish, or puffy eyes, or a complexion that is dull and dry.
While it is better to apply an ounce of prevention through good skin care practices (washing your makeup off at night, drinking adequate amounts of water, etc.) rather than a pound of cure, having the right items in your healthy skin arsenal can help rescue you from some of the more common, minor skin care emergencies.
Skin Care Emergency Kit
- Sunscreen with aloe. To maintain healthy skin, it is important to wear sunscreen each day, especially when spending time outdoors. If, however, you already have gotten too much sun, it is all the more important to protect yourself from future overexposure. Aloe can help soothe and take the sting out of a sunburn, while a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 will guard against cumulative sun damage.
- Cooling eye mask. Using a cool compress can help to reduce swelling (i.e., bags) that appears under the eyes. Under-eye puffiness can be caused by a number of factors, but, most often, it is the result of too much salt, too little sleep, and too little water intake. Using a cold pack for approximately five minutes helps to constrict blood vessels, reducing inflammation.
- Salicylic acid. A cream containing this potent skin care ingredient can be used to spot-treat any blemishes that crop up. This anti-irritant can calm the pain and inflammation experienced with pimples, reducing discomfort as well as swelling.
- Concealer. A concealer can help hide blemishes, skin spots, and dark circles under the eyes to give you an even and flawless look. It is important to choose a moisturizing concealer that will protect delicate skin and not draw more attention to wrinkles—particularly under the eyes. Matching your skin tone and selecting a color that is a shade or two lighter than the dark spots you want to conceal can also help to mask—rather than draw attention to—discolorations.
- Lip balm. Overexposure to sun, a disruption of our schedules when we travel, not drinking enough water—all of these can lead to dehydration and result in chapped lips. Keep lips supple, refreshed, and comfortable by having a hydrating lip balm at the ready.
- Hand cream. Our faces are not the only parts of us that can show signs of premature aging. Hands get rough and dry in varying climates and with frequent washing. A soothing hand cream will promote healthy skin and aid in keeping hands soft and youthful looking.
