Holiday Skin Care Prep- A Smart Skincare Routine

Holidays should leave you feeling refreshed—not returning with dry, stressed, or sun-damaged skin. But climate changes, cabin air, new environments, and indulgences can take a toll—especially on skin. So what is the key to radiant, resilient skin? A smart, informed routine by your aesthetician that begins before your suitcase is packed and continues after you get home. Here’s your complete guide to holiday-ready skin that glows before, during, and after your trip.

  • Prepare your skinbBefore you travel
  • Skincare during your holiday
  • Repair after your holiday
  • Skinportant Skin Clinic Tips
Written By: Adrienne Nemeth

Before You Travel: Strengthen Your Skin Barrier (Start 2–3 Weeks Ahead)

Your skin needs support well before sun, wind, or plane air has a chance to disrupt it. This prep phase is all about hydration, protection, and resilience.

  • Upgrade Your Moisturiser- Switch to a barrier-supportive formula with ceramides, glycerin, or squalane. These lock in moisture and keep skin comfortable across climates.
  • Gently Exfoliate (1–2x per week)- Use a mild lactic acid or PHA toner or serum to remove dead skin cells and brighten tone—without triggering sensitivity.
  • Introduce a Hydrating Toner- After cleansing, use a gentle alcohol-free toner to prep skin and rebalance pH. This also boosts the absorption of serums and moisturiser.
  • Apply moisturiser with Vitamin C in the Morning- Use moisturaser with Vitamin C such as Vitafore C Cream which helps even tone, fight free radicals, and protect against pigmentation.
  • Optional: Book a Pre-Holiday Facial- Treat yourself to a hydrating facial such as our Deep Hydration Facial Treatment at least 5-7 days before departure.

During Your Holiday: Protect, Hydrate & Simplify

Keep your skincare routine simple and focused while you’re away. Stick with tried-and-true products and stay committed to protection and hydration.

  • Gentle Cleanse & Tone-Use a non-foaming cleanser followed by your regular hydrating toner to cleanse without stripping. Avoid experimenting with new actives—especially in intense climates- to reduce the risk of new allergy.
  • Choose Moisturiser Based on Climate- In warm/humid places: opt for a light lotion or gel. In cold/dry areas: use a richer cream or balm to prevent water loss.
  • SPF Every Morning (And Reapply)- Apply a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher every morning—even on cloudy days. Reapply every 2 hours. Don’t forget your ears, lips, neck, chest, and hands.
  • Hydrating Mist + Toner Combo- Keep your hydrating toner in a small spray bottle for on-the-go refreshment. Use it after sun exposure, flights, or long walks. Follow with moisturiser to lock it in.

After Your Trip: Repair, Rehydrate & Rebalance

Whether you’ve been in the sun, salt air, or mountain wind, your skin may return feeling dehydrated, uneven, or slightly reactive. Post-holiday care is about gentle restoration.

  • Cleanse & Tone as Usual- Stick to your pH balancing toner to soothe and rebalance your skin. This helps calm sensitivity and prepare skin for deeper hydration.
  • Apply Moisture-Rich Products- Look for moisturisers with ceramides, peptides, or squalane such as the Super Hydrating Cream If your skin feels tight or flaky, use a hyaluronic acid serum underneath for extra hydration.
  • Resume Exfoliation After 2–3 Days- Once your skin has recovered, reintroduce a gentle exfoliating toner or enzyme product to smooth texture and renew your glow.
  • Optional: Book a Post-Holiday Facial- Let your skin reset with a hydrating or detoxifying facial. At Skinportant, we offer post-travel treatments that calm, clear, and rehydrate without irritation.

Skinportant Clinic Tip:

We have a great selection of travel size products from Janssen Cosmetics.

If you developed sunspots, hyperpigmentation or any other skin disorder during your holiday, please don't hesitate to contact us immediately to have it checked out. Better be safe than sorry..

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