Heading off on holiday? Before you pack your passport, here are the five biggest skincare mistakes I see every summer—and how a few simple changes can help keep your skin healthy before, during and after your trip.
There’s something I hear in clinic every August.
Patients come back from holiday looking relaxed, refreshed and full of wonderful stories, but they often say exactly the same thing: “My skin looked so much better before I went away.” They notice their pigmentation has become darker, their skin feels rough or dehydrated, or the fine lines around their eyes suddenly seem more obvious.
The truth is, holidays can be surprisingly demanding on our skin. Heat, stronger UV exposure, flying, air conditioning, sea water, swimming pools and even a change in routine all have an impact. The good news is that most of what I see is entirely preventable with a little planning.
Don’t save your SPF for the beach
One of the biggest misconceptions is that sunscreen is only needed when you’re lying on a sun lounger. In reality, your skin is exposed to ultraviolet light whenever you’re outdoors—whether that’s exploring a new city, enjoying lunch on a terrace or walking to the beach.
A broad-spectrum SPF should be part of your morning routine every day, and if you’re spending time outside, remember to reapply regularly. It’s one of the simplest ways to help protect collagen, reduce pigmentation and support healthy skin for the long term.
Holiday isn’t the time to reinvent your skincare routine
I completely understand the temptation to take lots of products away with you or finally try those samples that have been sitting in the bathroom drawer. Unfortunately, your skin is already adapting to a different climate, stronger sunshine and changes in humidity. Introducing unfamiliar products can be enough to tip it into irritation.
Instead, keep things simple. Pack the products you already know your skin loves—a gentle cleanser, an antioxidant serum, a moisturiser and your SPF are often all you need.
Your moisturiser is just as important in summer
Many people stop moisturising when the weather gets warmer because they assume their skin doesn’t need it. In reality, sunshine, flying, air conditioning, chlorine and sea water all increase water loss from the skin.
If your skin feels tight, rough or more sensitive than usual, it’s often asking for hydration rather than stronger products. Supporting your skin barrier is one of the best things you can do while you’re away.
Be kind to your skin when you get home
It’s tempting to scrub away dry skin or reach for strong exfoliants after a holiday, but your skin has already been through a lot. More often than not, what it really needs is hydration, barrier repair and a little patience.
This is also why treatments such as HydraFacial and BYONIK are so popular at this time of year. They help replenish hydration, support the skin barrier and restore that healthy glow without significant downtime.
Think about treatment timing
One of the questions we hear most over the summer is, “Can I have this treatment before my holiday?”
The answer is always: it depends.
Some treatments are ideal before travelling, while others are better planned for autumn when UV exposure is lower. If you’re unsure, just ask. We’d much rather help you choose the right treatment at the right time than rush into something that isn’t in your skin’s best interests.
As we move into September, it’s the perfect time to start thinking about treatments such as NeoGen Plasma, SkinPen microneedling and personalised skin programmes to repair some of the effects of summer and stimulate healthy collagen production.
The Take-Home Message
Healthy skin doesn’t need to be complicated.
Protect it with a good SPF, keep your routine consistent, don’t neglect your moisturiser and resist the urge to overdo it when you get home. Your skin will thank you for it.
If you’re unsure which treatments are suitable before or after your holiday, or you’d simply like personalised skincare advice, we’d be delighted to help.
