6 holiday skin tips that work!

4 July 2025

Give your skin the holiday it deserves

There’s nothing like that first blast of warm air when you step off the plane. But while sun, sea and sandy toes can work wonders for the soul, they can also throw your skin completely off balance.


Our clients often come back from holiday with breakouts, dullness or sun-triggered pigmentation, but with the right prep and a bit of skin savvy, your holiday glow doesn’t have to come at the cost of your complexion.


Here are my top tips for looking after your skin before, during and after your sunny escape.



No last-minute swaps


Stick to what you know in the days before you travel. Your skin doesn’t need surprises just before a change in climate. It requires gentle exfoliation and loads of hydration.

Rather than switching up your routine, I'd recommend booking in for a pre-holiday facial about five days before you fly, especially if you’re prone to dryness or congestion. It gives your skin a really good base. We can also suggest a couple of travel-friendly essentials tailored to your skin type.


SPF isn’t just for the beach


Whether you’re sightseeing, swimming, or sipping sangria in the shade, SPF 30+ is your daily non-negotiable. One of the biggest mistakes we see is clients applying it once in the morning and thinking that’s enough. It’s not. You need to reapply every couple of hours.

For a lightweight, broad-spectrum SPF 30+ that’s invisible under makeup, my go-to is Dermalogica's Clearing Defence SPF 30, because it doesn’t feel greasy or cloggy. I use this day to day at home, even on a cloudy day, as up to 80% of the UV rays can still penetrate through clouds and reach your skin.

Don’t forget lips, ears and the backs of your hands, too. These areas are easy to miss and often the first to show signs of sun damage.


Blot, don’t powder


If your skin gets shiny in the heat, it’s better to blot than pile on more product. Excess powder can cake and clog your pores.

Pop some blotting papers or tissues in your bag together with a refreshing facial mist to keep things cool and hydrated on the go. A few spritzes of something like Ultra Calming Mist or Elim Gold Spritz feels so good when it’s hot, and it helps reduce redness too.


Leave strong actives at home


Retinol, acid peels, harsh exfoliants… they all need a break while you’re in the sun. Even if your skin tolerates them normally, they can cause flare-ups when your skin’s already exposed and sensitised.

Instead, pack a gentle, calming serum for your evening routine – something to soothe and rehydrate after a day in the heat. It helps with any tightness or post-sun redness, and won't overload the skin.


No skipping the cleanse


If you used SPF, you need to double cleanse. Sunscreen, sweat, makeup and sand can all sit on the skin and clog pores if not removed properly.

Choose a cleanser that cleans without stripping your skin like Special Cleansing Gel, which is gentle enough for daily use but gets the job done - Special Cleansing Gel is also now available in travel size, so perfect for taking abroad!


Hydration – your holiday essential


After a flight or a beach day, a moisturiser alone isn’t always enough… drink more water! On holiday, it makes a difference. Keep sipping all day, especially if you’re indulging in a few beachside cocktails.

In all our aftercare for facial treatments, we consistently remind you to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Your skin will truly appreciate it!


Glow before you go


Pop in for a pre-holiday facial, stock up on your travel essentials, or let us create a personalised holiday routine just for your skin. No sun damage, no post-holiday panic. Just happy, healthy skin that looks as good as you feel.


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