8 skincare essentials you should stash in your bag, come rain or shine

Keeping the right skincare products in your bag will ensure you always have a quick cure for damage caused by sun exposure, pollution, and long meetings in air-conditioned rooms.

Image for representation | Collins Lesulie/Unspash

In today’s fast-paced lifestyle, where a quick coffee often replaces breakfast, keeping a grab-and-go skincare kit stashed in your bag is a lifesaver. Who does not want to have ‘flawless’ skin? Having the right products readily available makes achieving it easier, whether you encounter unexpected sun exposure or dry skin after a plane journey.

Our daily skincare routine has a significant impact on certain signs of aging, like wrinkles, sagging, and volume loss, other than skin health in general. As a dermatologist, I advocate for individualising both daily at-home and on-the-move skincare routines with essential skincare products and ingredients tailored to your skin type.  This, along with professional skincare support, ensures long-term benefits and perfect skin on any day and at any age.

As a skin specialist based in New Delhi, I understand the importance of carrying essential skincare products to combat damage caused by environmental factors like weather and pollution and maintain a healthy, radiant complexion despite the challenging conditions. This is something everyone must seriously take into consideration.

Skincare essentials for any skin type

Regardless of skin type, here are some of the skincare essentials that everyone should incorporate into their daily routine and keep in their bags when out and about.

Gentle cleanser: Start and end your day with a gentle cleanser to remove dirt, oil, and impurities without stripping the skin’s natural moisture barrier. Keeping a cleanser in your bag is also handy in situations when you encounter excessive grit, grime, and dust.

Moisturiser: Hydration makes the skin glow and stay healthy. Carrying a bottle of water anywhere you go and drinking enough allows you to stay hydrated inside out. Additionally, always hydrate your skin with a moisturiser appropriate for your skin type to keep it soft, supple, and balanced. This is especially important in dry or air-conditioned environments.

For those with dry skin, it is a must-have in your bag. If you have sensitive skin, avoid using products that have common irritants like parabens, fragrances, dyes, formaldehyde, etc. Products containing ceramides help in better hydration, while those with hyaluronic acid or glycerine and no oils, artificial fragrances, or dyes are gentle on the skin. Consulting a dermatologist can help you choose the best moisturiser for your skin type and concerns.

Sunscreen: Rain or shine, you must have sunscreen in your bag at all times.  Protecting your skin from harmful UV rays is crucial. Using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 26 or higher daily is good for Indian skin, even on cloudy days. For best results, use about one-and-a-half fingertip units, the scientifically recommended quantity—you can measure it by looking at the three sections on the inside of your finger. Apply it about 10-15 minutes before stepping out into the sun, refreshing it after every three hours for continuous and optimum benefit.

As a doctor, I carry sunscreen everywhere I go and always apply it twice a day. I mist my face with rose water and apply sunscreen as part of my daily skincare routine even if I am indoors.

Exfoliator: Incorporating a gentle exfoliator into your routine will help remove dead skin cells, unclog pores, and promote cell turnover for smoother, brighter skin. If you are going on a road trip, especially, it is a good idea to exfoliate as it helps remove any accumulated dirt or grime.

Professional skincare regimens called ‘medical facials’ offered by dermatologists are also a great option to address concerns like blackheads, comedones (skin-coloured bumps), and acne.

Antioxidant serum: Use an antioxidant-rich serum to neutralise free radicals, reduce inflammation, and prevent premature aging caused by environmental stressors.

Facial cleansing wipes: During the hot and humid summer months, common in most parts of India, keep a pack of facial cleansing wipes to quickly refresh your skin and remove dirt, oil. Make sure the ingredients suit your skin type. A suitable alternative for all skin types is a simple rosewater mist spray. Just spritz it onto your face and wipe it off with a clean tissue paper or light cotton cloth.

Lip balm with SPF: Always keep an SPF lip balm handy to protect your lips from sun damage and dryness. Moisturised and healthy lips also enhance appearance.

Hand sanitiser: Even before the COVID-19 days, I’ve always carried a sanitiser in my bag. Other than its primary purpose, sanitiser is useful for skincare on the go since clean hands are essential before you apply anything to your face.

Think of skincare like the food you eat. Choose personalised skincare products and ingredients carefully. Always check for potential allergies before using any new ingredient or product by taking a patch test, especially if you have sensitive skin.

Dr Deepali Bhardwaj is a dermatologist, anti-allergy specialist, laser surgeon and internationally trained aesthetician. She tweets @dermatdoc. Views are personal.

(Edited by Asavari Singh)