Looking after your skin this summer & while on holiday
Have a holiday planned and want your skin to look amazing for it? Read our top tips for gorgeous skin during the summer.
Holidays are the perfect excuse to relax and pause some of your responsibilities—but not when it comes to skincare! Going on holiday typically means increased exposure to the sun and chlorine, different humidities, increased alcohol intake, and more SPF than usual. All this can be a shock to your skin’s normal routine.
So, whether you’re jetting off somewhere or just planning to sprawl out in the garden, to stay looking your best while soaking up the sun, we’ve listed our top tips for looking after your skin this holiday season.
Understanding SPF
You should be using SPF on your skin every day, but it’s especially important when you’re travelling to a hot country or spending increased time in the sun. When purchasing an SPF, remember that an SPF lower than 30 doesn’t give you adequate protection from UV rays, so look for SPF 30 or higher. You’ll also want to purchase an SPF that offers “broad spectrum protection”. This means it will protect you from UVB rays (responsible for sunburns and is strongest in harsh sunlight) and UVA rays (responsible for ageing and is present all year round, even penetrating through clouds and windows).
And once you’re poolside, remember that SPF only lasts an average of two hours (this can be even less when swimming), so remember to reapply—and don’t forget your lips!
Cleanse, cleanse, cleanse!
Your skin goes through a lot while on holiday. Alongside increased SPF applications and chlorine, you’re often exposing it to things like seawater and wearing (then sweating off!) lots of makeup. It’s therefore important to make sure you’re giving your skin a deep cleanse at the end of each day to get rid of any debris and impurities. If your skin is feeling sensitive from the sun, be gentle when cleansing—if needed, always opt for a double cleanse over scrubbing too hard with your hands.
Keeping up the moisturising routine
You don’t want to neglect your moisturising routine just because you’re on holiday—quite the opposite. In warmer temperatures, the sun dries out your skin and we also sweat more, meaning your skin is more likely to need the extra help. Air conditioning and flying also take a toll on your skin’s hydration. To combat this, make sure you’re drinking plenty of water alongside your moisturising routine, too.
Should you stop using Retinol during the summer?
There’s a misconception that you shouldn’t use retinoids during the summer months. While retinoids do make your skin more vulnerable to the sun’s UV rays, as long as you’re taking the right precautions (wearing plenty of SPF as well as hats and sunglasses and avoiding sunbathing) there’s no reason to cut retinoids from your routine.
When to get Botox, fillers and facial treatments
Getting treatments and tweakments before a trip is often half the fun, but you need to plan them in advance. We’d recommend following the timeframes below:
- Anti-wrinkle treatments: 2-3 weeks before your trip
- Dermal fillers: 1-2 weeks before your trip
- Microneedling: 4 weeks before your trip
Facials: any time before your trip—and also perfect for when you return home feeling a bit shrivelled!
Post Holiday aftercare
Touched down and already got the post-holiday blues? Why not treat yourself to a Hydrafacial to rehydrate your skin after any prolonged sun exposure? And the rumours are true: the more you moisturise, the longer you’ll keep your summer glow. So unpack that moisturiser and get applying!
Got a holiday planned and want to look your very best? Why not book a consultation with a member of our friendly Tweak East team? We offer anti-wrinkle treatments, dermal fillers, microneedling, Hydrafacials, medical-grade skincare and much more.