Holiday season is finally upon us, and travel-lovers are booking their much-needed vacations. However, overseas climates have different effects on our skin, and you probably need to shake up your regular routine to combat the change of humidity and temperature to keep your skin looking and feeling healthy!

Here’s our guide to protecting your skin on the go. 

Pre-travel

Make sure you have your SPF products ready

SPF only refers to the level of protection against UVB rays - the rays that cause sun burns. UVA rays are responsible for cancer and aging, so it is important to look for products that protect from both. 

Search for a foundation, lotion or cushion that contains SPF 30 or higher for optimum protection. Tinted sunscreens, loose powders and foundations offer up to SPF 50. Look out for the label “broad spectrum” - this means that the product combats not just UVA rays but UVB rays as well. Also remember that regardless of how high the SPF level is, you still need to reapply a sun protectant every few hours.

While some sunlight can have great health benefits, too much can have an adverse effect on the skin. The UVB rays that cause sunburn can also damage the skin and suppress your immune system.

Windows on cars and trains often work to block out UVB rays, but not UVA rays. Take along products that hydrate but also purify, and maybe even a sheet mask to hydrate on longer flights.

Schedule some professional help for your skin

Here’s an idea: book yourself in for a facial a day or two before your flight to give your skin that added hydrating boost for adapting to a dry cabin environment. Treatments like our Refresh Facial purify and hydrate, helping your skin seal in moisture and avoid drying it out too much on your trip. 

That doesn’t mean you can skip your skincare routine when flying though. Remember not to overlook short daytime flights, as sun exposure and sunlight can be even stronger while in the plane. 

During travel

Tinted Suncreen

Try a tinted sunscreen that doubles up as foundation but also gives you sun protection. Excessive exposure to the sun causes the production of melanin, a pigment that causes skin to darken. Opt for a skin brightening sunscreen if a tan isn’t what you want. 

Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize

Moisturise frequently, especially after a long day of being in the sun. Excessive sun exposure causes your skin to lose moisture. Include an after-sun routine to re-hydrate the skin, replacing all the moisture you lost. This will reduce peeling if you skipped the sunscreen and are experiencing sunburn! 

Pucker-Up

Don’t neglect your lips - use lipsticks and lip glosses with SPF 30 and above to reduce the effects of aging. Often neglected, our lips are one of the most vulnerable portion of our face. Lipsticks with deeper pigments offer some degree of sun protection, as they often contain zinc and titanium - two ingredients used in physical spray sunscreens. 

Supplements

Consider taking some Omega 3 supplements too. Omega 3 is highly recommended by dermatologists to reduce sun-induced inflammation.It also is known for anti-aging benefits, all while increasing your skin’s resistance to sunburns, reducing redness, and shutting down ongoing inflammatory processes. 

Post-travel

If you’ve cheated a little on the above steps, or if your skin reacted a little badly to the new climate, it’s a good idea to book in for a light exfoliation session when you’re back to help to remove any dead skin and clear clogged pores and give your skin a reset. 

Our tip: try our Refresh or Rejuvenate facials - perfect for a little home-spa getaway after some wanderlust! While both are deep-cleansing, the Refresh has an added focus on hydration, while the Rejuvenate has ingredients more tiered towards anti-ageing. This can help to professionally combat any potential damage done to the skin after excessive sun and travel exposure. 

If you’re in the mood for a more thorough pampering session when you’re back in town, take a look at our full list of at-home beauty services and book in for a self-care session on your schedule.