Las Vegas . There’s nowhere like it on planet earth. Fabulous food from the every corner of the globe is only minutes from just about any location on the Strip. You’re surrounded by high-fashion from every name you’ve ever heard of – and some you haven’t but you’re sure to love. You can win a new life or loose the one you came with… not always a bad thing. But how good you look once you get here depends on being prepared, and that means doing your moisturizer homework.

Unless you look at an aerial view of Fabulous Las Vegas, you might forget that you’re smack dab in the middle of the dessert. Don’t let the city lights fool you; you’re surrounded by dirt and rocks and that means dust. Because Las Vegas is surrounded on all sides by the fabulous desert, we don’t have the foliage that helps other cities control the dust and dirt that finds its way into every crack and onto every surface – including you. Plan to use your cleanser when you come to visit. Plan to use it more often than normal to avoid breakouts that could really detract from that hot little number you paid way too much for but will look great wearing at the show. And because you need to cleanse your skin more frequently, especially if you’re sightseeing off the Strip at Red Rocks or Lake Mead, you’ll need to moisturize.

Many visitors find that, in Vegas, even their most powerful moisturizing cream seems to evaporate before it ever hits their skin. The humidity levels are most often nonexistent here. Your skin will certainly notice. The best defense for head to toe moisture retention is to apply a light coat of all-natural moisturizing cream (standard lotions are fairly useless here), allow it to dry and then apply a heavier cocoa butter based lotion on top of the first coat. This will help with moisture retention and aid in the fight against breakouts. Look for formulas that promote absorption, not those that create a layer on top of the skin. You need moisture in your skin as well as on it.

Don’t be afraid to add a little moisturizing cream to your foundation and directly on your eyelids and lips before applying color cosmetics. Be sure to moisturize around your eyes, especially if you use concealer.

Make your sunscreen work for you. Be sure to choose a formula that has added skin softening moisturizers and apply as often as possible. Don’t neglect your lips. Don’t underestimate the power of the sun or the drying power of the wind (when there is any!)

For best results, be sure to start your moisturizing routine before you get on the plane. Drink plenty of water in the weeks before your trip and drink plenty while you’re here, especially if you’re drinking at the casinos. It’s very easy to become severely dehydrated in Vegas and your skin will be the first to show it. Moisturize on the plane as often as possible. Make the most of your sleep – if you get any in the city that never sleeps. Use those handy gloves and socks designed to retain moisture overnight. Try a moisture surge mask the day before you leave, the night you arrive and every three days you’re here, as needed, but not more than prescribed by your dermatologist.

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