by Dr. Elizabeth Rostan, M.D. Charlotte Skin & Laser
Headed to the slopes?
Here are some essential items to pack and use on your spring break skiing vacation.
Sunblock is a must, as altitude and reflection increase sun’s intensity:- Elta sun blocks contain high concentration zinc for superb sun protection. Elta Facial 30+ keeps skin well moisturized and protected. Need extra protection? Try Obagi Physical Sun Block with 18% zinc for Black Diamond protection!
Drink lots of water but give your skin hydration too: Elta AM Therapy moisturizer stimulates aquaporins which activate skin cell’s natural cell hydrating pumps boosting moisture deep in skin layers.  Charlotte Skin & Laser Barrier Repair Cream contains ceramides to replenish your skin’s outer layer and hyaluronic acid to hydrate deeper layers. Used together, these moisturizers guarantee soft and supple skin even after a day on the slopes.
In severe weather, your skin needs super-charged wind and cold protection: Theraplex Emollient is blended with a bit of wax so it stays put and really protects from wind, cold and moisture. Teflon for your skin!
Not your Dad’s chap stick! Two CS&L favorites are: Elta lip balm has zinc sun protection as well as antioixdants and special moisturizing agent Hydromanil. And an Apres ski essential – Avene Cold Cream Lip Balm is enriched with thermal spring water and succralfate to soothe and heal exposed lips.
For overnight repair to heal skin: Elta MD Intense moisturizer feels great on cracked, dry skin. Apply to wet skin for soothing, comforting relief. Slather on luxurious Obagi Hydrate Luxe – a thick, elegant cream enriched with shea and mango butter and avocado oil. Love the hot tub but hate the dry itchy skin?: Avene Xeracalm Cream has anti-itch ingredients and is a preservative free, fragrance free ultra-hydrating body moisturizer.
Headed to the Beach?
Get a little glow: Avene self tanning lotion hydrates with Avene Thermal Spring water and gives a light natural color. Be sure to pack Charlotte Skin & Laser individually wrapped tanning towels for on-the-go tanning touchups.
Don’t let a sun burn ruin your vacation (or your next dermatology visit!): Water resistant protection is essential in the islands. Elta MD Sport is a favorite among sports enthusiasts and beach goers alike. Blue Lizard sun block also provides great sun protection in a bottle that turns blue with sun exposure. Who said Spring Break wasn’t educational? Sun sprays are great for re-application or hard to reach areas – Elta MD Aero and Luca Sunscreen are favorites.
Cover up to look great and shade your skin: A wet tee shirt gives about an SPF 4.  All sun protective clothing offers SPF 50 that does not wash off nor diminish when wet. COOLIBAR set the standard with swim shirts: Men love these and they actually keep you cool when they are wet. ATHLETA swim tights are perfect for paddleboarding, snorkeling and surfing.
Here are a few other essentials to pack for a sunny vacation.
- Don’t lose your cool in the sun: Give yourself a little spritz with cooling, hydrating Avene Spring water. Cute travel sizes available for air travel, too.
- Prevent unsightly sun spots: Skin Ceuticals Phyto + contains natural arbutin and kogic acid to prevent and treat as well as soothing and calming cucumber and thyme. Don’t leave indoors without it.
- Repair your skin overnight: Charlotte Skin & Laser Restorative Night Cream is loaded with antioxidants, moisturizers and reparative peptides to help reverse damage from daytime sun exposure.
- Sport your smooth skin: Shaving along with sand, salt water and perspiration can wreak havoc on skin. Start by shaving with Avene Shave Gel – skin has never seen a smoother, softer, gentler shave,  Follow your shave with Avene Dermo K to heal and protect freshly shaven skin.
www.charlotteskinandlaser.com
130 Providence Rd #100, Charlotte, NC 28207
Phone:(704) 333-9113
Dr. Elizabeth Rostan is a cosmetic dermatologist trained in both laser and cosmetic surgery, and began her practice in Charlotte in 2001. She continues to stay current on the latest rejuvenation techniques and procedures in order to help women achieve their cosmetic goals comfortably and confidently. At Charlotte Skin & Laser, the experienced, caring staff focuses on a patient-centered approach to promote healthy skin and healthy lifestyles. Outside the office Dr. Rostan enjoys wine, shoes, golf, horse riding, exercise and relaxing with her husband and 2 dogs Scooter and Lucy (sign up for our newsletter to see their crazy pictures). Enjoy her skin tips at www.scoopcharlotte.com & www.charlotteskinandlaser.com.
