What should you be sure to pack for your holiday?

Those of you who haven’t been on holiday yet might still have to pack your suitcase and the perfect toiletry bag for your trip. It’s often a last-minute rush that is to blame when we leave something at home. Don’t get stressed out ahead of time. Getting ready for the trip is part of the holiday in itself, so have fun packing your case. To make the task more pleasant, here are a few tips for a perfect medicine bag and your beauty essentials.

Health basics

• Insect repellent: experts recommend using concentrated lotions, which don’t dissolve easily in water. Repellent should be applied frequently day and night, to protect us from other insects as well as mosquitoes. The World Health Organization (WHO) has also declared the Zika virus a global emergency; this mosquito-borne infection has been linked to neurological diseases in newborns. Repellents containing active ingredients such as IR3535 are recommended, especially for pregnant women.

• Painkillers: the basic remedy for pain or discomfort in general are painkillers and antipyretics such as ibuprofen, paracetamol and aspirin.

• Sun screen: we spend more time exposed to the sun on holiday, whether we go to the beach or to the mountains. It’s important to pick a sun screen that blocks UVA and UVB rays and has an FPS rating over 30.

• First aid: grazes or small wounds can ruin our days of relaxation. Don’t forget to pack the following in your toiletry bag: saline solution (for cleansing the wound); chlorhexidine or povidone iodine antiseptics; dressings for covering and healing the wound (gauze, plasters, dressings for blisters) and products for attaching them, such as medical tape.

Beauty essentials

• Small bottles of shampoo and shower gel: the best way to cut down on weight and not have to check in a case is to use bottles smaller than 100 ml for basic hygiene products like shampoo, conditioner and body moisturiser. For people who have curly hair that needs mousse, hair gel can be used instead these days. This will help set your hair and you’ll have room for another bottle.

• Deodorant and toothbrush: remember to pack a roll-on deodorant, as aerosols won’t make it past the airport security You should also choose a simple toothbrush (not an electric one!) and a small tube of toothpaste.

• Skincare: even though we’re going on holiday, our skin needs the same care as ever, but even more so because of excess sun. To stop the summer from taking its toll on our skin, we should continue with our facial cleansing routine so that anti-ageing formulas and moisturisers can take effect. Don’t forget your eye contour treatment, serum or your moisturising or anti-ageing treatment. Remember that perseverance is the key to success, and that sensitive or mature skin needs extra care. Your skin will be protected day and night, so you’ll look perfect in every selfie!

• Make-up kit: don't drag your entire make-up collection along with you: four basic items are more than enough. For a special night, you’ll be fine with an eyeliner, a highlighter, blush and mascara. Don’t forget a sample bottle of perfume: they weigh nothing, fit anywhere and they’ll make you feel more feminine. And after a hard day’s tourism, MartiDerm flash ampoules will be a big help.

We hope that with this list of travel essentials, you won’t be short of anything you need to feel great. The important thing is enjoying your holiday: all you need for that is a good attitude and a bit of energy.

DermatologistExpert in skin care