Travel Tips: Getting Around the 3-Ounce Rule

note: I did not write this but rather copy and pasted the entry as I find it will be great to have this on hand. Plus I'm going to Vegas next Saturday. Also, sorry for my lack of bloggage but life is catching up with me.

I fly at least once a month - and I never want to check my bags. Trouble is, I have very dry, sensitive skin and cannot use hotel products. So Help! Help! Help! Help!
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Link to the help forum or better known as the \"How do I?\" Forum", "style=\"background: #FFFFCC;padding: 4px;font-size: 10px;font-style: verdana;\"");' onmouseout="GAL_hidepopup();"> how do I limit myself to three-ounce bottles and fit everything in that (zip-top, quart-size) plastic bag we're limited to these days? Here are some tips I've learned to save my skin - and my time.

1. Yes, toothpaste counts. Put a travel size tube in your plastic bag to start.

2. Remember, the rule is that containers can't be larger than three ounces - so don't try to bring the remaining three ounces of a six-ounce shampoo bottle.

3. Your eye cream can double as a nighttime facial cream (that's what I do when I'm traveling). Similarly, a separate eye cream isn't absolutely necessary - just pat your regular moisturizer around your eye area. Let your products do double duty.

4. Look for stick foundation, rather than liquid, so your makeup doesn't take up valuable space in the plastic bag.

5. Bring lipsticks and lip balms instead of glosses to save even more space.

6. Avoid liquid eyeliners and eye shadows - stick to powders to avoid problems.

7. This is the one time you will hear me recommend a bar soap for the face (but look for the gentlest you can find). These don't need to go in the bag.

8. Save your favorite perfume samples or visit a department-store perfume counter and pick some up before you leave. They're a huge space saver.

9. Going to be outdoors during your trip? Buy sunscreen when you arrive. Not only will you save precious room in your luggage, you'll ensure that the sunscreen is at maximum potency (unlike years-old tubes you might have lying around the house).

10. One thing you should never skimp on when flying is hydration. Look for small spray bottles of water that you can mist on your face during the flight. Follow that up with moisturizer, and you'll lock in moisture to fight the effects of airplane air.

Finally, take inexpensive, small items that you won't mind leaving behind. Flying internationally? Think of it as freeing up room to shop the duty-free stores on your way home. I always buy color cosmetics and perfumes duty-free - it's cheaper, and your purchases aren't subject to the liquid and gel rules when you buy them after you've cleared security. (Charles de Gaulle in Paris and the airport in Vancouver, Canada, have the best duty-free shops, in my opinion)

Wishing you great skin!
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Leslie Baumann, M.D.

Dr. Baumann is author of the best-selling book, "The Skin Type Solution." To learn more about her revolutionary skin typing system, visit her Web site. Many of Dr. Baumann's recommended skin care products are available there, and a portion of proceeds goes to The Dermatology Foundation.