Summer Skin: What to Do Before, During & After Your Holiday for a Glowing, Youthful Look

Becky Higgs
2 days ago
3 min read

As summer arrives and the holiday bookings roll in, our minds are often on bikinis, packing lists, and getting a bit of colour. But while you're planning your escape, your skin might be bracing for impact.

🌞 Sun exposure, dehydration, travel, salty air, and even SPF overload can all take a toll — leaving skin feeling dry, dull, and suddenly aged when you return.

The good news? A few simple pre-, during, and post-holiday skincare strategies (plus optional aesthetic tweaks) can keep your skin glowing, plump, and protected all summer long.

Before You Go: Pre-Holiday Skin Prep

The month before your holiday is the perfect time to prep your skin from the inside out. This is about boosting hydration, resilience, and glow — so your skin handles sun, sweat, and sea water like a champ.

1. Book a Skin Booster or Profhilo Treatment (2–4 weeks before travel)

Hydration is everything when it comes to plump, youthful skin. Profhilo or injectable skin boosters work on a deep level to stimulate collagen and lock in moisture, creating a soft, dewy glow that lasts well beyond your holiday.

✨ Results peak 2–4 weeks after treatment — just in time for take-off.

2. Step Up Your SPF Game

If you're not already wearing daily SPF 30–50, start now. Think of it as “training” your skin.

Look for:

Broad spectrum (UVA + UVB)
Non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores)
Water-resistant (essential for beach and pool days)

💡 Tip: Don’t forget the neck, chest, and backs of hands — they show age first and often go unprotected.

3. Add Antioxidants to Your Routine

Vitamin C serums protect your skin from free radicals caused by UV damage, pollution, and heat — all common on holidays. Layer it under your SPF for double protection and a brightening boost.

Woman in a pink bikini and hat sits on a sandy beach, facing turquoise ocean under a clear blue sky, relaxed and enjoying the view.

While You’re Away: Skin on Holiday

1. Stay Hydrated – Inside and Out

Flights, heat, alcohol, and salty food all dry out your skin.

Drink plenty of water (aim for 2–3L daily).
Use a hydrating mist or hyaluronic acid serum morning and evening.
Keep travel-size products handy for long beach days or flights.

2. Cleanse Gently But Consistently

SPF build-up, sweat, and sand can clog pores. Use a light gel or cream cleanser at night to keep skin clear — but avoid harsh scrubs or over-cleansing, which can strip the skin’s barrier.

3. Avoid Overexposure

No matter how careful you are, UV rays can age your skin fast.☂️ Stick to shaded areas between 11 am–3 pm.🧢 Wear a hat and sunglasses.📆 Try to limit intense sun exposure the day before flying home — it can make post-holiday treatments trickier.

Two striped beach chairs under a pink umbrella on a sunny beach. Palm leaves frame the top, with blue ocean and sky in the background.

After You Return: Repair & Restore

Once you’re home, your skin may feel dry, tight, or a little inflamed — even if you did everything right. Here’s how to bring it back to life:

1. Replenish with Skin Boosters or a Second Profhilo Dose

If you had your first Profhilo treatment before travel, now’s the perfect time for your second dose to lock in hydration and stimulate ongoing collagen production. Results are cumulative — and your skin will bounce back beautifully.

Alternatively, microneedling or a gentle hydrating facial can stimulate repair and restore glow without downtime.

2. Soothe with Barrier-Repairing Products

Look for products containing:

Ceramides
Panthenol
Niacinamide

These help rebuild the skin barrier and reduce inflammation or sensitivity post-travel.

3. Avoid Harsh Treatments Straight Away

Give your skin a week or so to settle. Then, consider treatments like:

Microneedling
Light peels
LED therapy

These gently stimulate repair and boost circulation — perfect for post-holiday recovery.

The Takeaway: Enjoy the Sun, Protect Your Glow

Holidays are about freedom, rest, and joy — your skin shouldn’t be a source of stress.

With the right balance of proactive care and post-holiday support, you can enjoy the sun, sea, and sangria without sacrificing your skin health.

At Cosmetica Medical, we specialise in subtle, natural skin rejuvenation — with pre- and post-holiday treatments that keep you glowing long after your tan fades.