What Happens to Your Skin During a Summer Holiday? (And How to Get Your Glow Back)

School's Out... But Is Your Skin Ready for the Holidays?

With the children breaking up for the summer holidays, many of us are counting down the days until we jet off somewhere sunny. Whether you're heading to the beach, relaxing by the pool or exploring a new city, holidays are wonderful for the mind,but they can be surprisingly tough on your skin.

You might return home with happy memories and a lovely tan, but your skin often tells a different story. Dehydration, dullness, breakouts and pigmentation are all common after a week or two in the sun.

The good news? A little preparation before you travel and the right skincare afterwards can keep your skin looking healthy all summer long.

Flying: Why Your Skin Feels So Dry

Ever noticed your skin feeling tight during or after a flight?

The air inside an aircraft has very low humidity, which means moisture is constantly being drawn out of your skin. Even a short flight can leave your complexion looking dehydrated, tired and lacking its usual glow.

Before you fly:

• Apply a hydrating moisturiser.
• Drink plenty of water.
• Skip harsh exfoliants the day before travelling.

After you land, your skin will thank you for plenty of hydration and gentle skincare.

Sunshine: A Little Goes a Long Way

We all enjoy soaking up the sunshine, but too much UV exposure is the number one cause of premature skin ageing.

Excessive sun exposure can lead to:

• Fine lines and wrinkles.
• Pigmentation and sunspots.
• Loss of collagen.
• Dryness.
• Uneven skin tone.

A tan may look healthy at first, but it's actually your skin's response to UV damage.

That's why SPF should be your non-negotiable holiday essential. Apply it every morning and reapply regularly throughout the day, especially after swimming or sweating.

Sea Water Isn't Always Skin-Friendly

A dip in the sea feels amazing, but salt water can leave your skin feeling dry and tight once it evaporates.

If you have sensitive skin or eczema, it may even cause irritation.

Simply rinsing off with fresh water afterwards and applying a good moisturiser can make a huge difference.

Swimming Pools and Chlorine

Pool days are one of the best parts of summer, but chlorine isn't quite so kind to your skin.

It strips away your skin's natural oils, which can leave it feeling:

• Dry
• Tight
• Sensitive
• Dull

If you're spending lots of time in the pool, cleanse your skin gently each evening and replenish moisture with hydrating skincare.

Holiday Food, Cocktails and Late Nights

Let's be honest—we all deserve to enjoy ourselves on holiday!

But rich foods, extra sugar, cocktails and less sleep can sometimes show up on our skin.

You may notice:

• Puffiness
• Breakouts
• Dullness
• Dehydration

Don't worry, this is usually temporary. Once you're back into your normal routine and drinking more water, your skin will often recover quickly with a little help.

Give Your Skin Some Post-Holiday TLC

When you return home, it's the perfect time to reset your skin.

Depending on your skin's condition, we may recommend:

✨ Expert Facial – ideal for restoring hydration and radiance.

✨ Medik8 Universal AHA Peel – to gently brighten dull, tired skin and improve texture.

✨ Medik8 Sensitive PHA Peel – perfect if your skin feels reactive or dehydrated after the sun.

✨ Microneedling – excellent for improving skin quality, boosting collagen and helping to refresh your complexion. This treatment may be recommended once your skin has fully recovered from recent sun exposure.

Every treatment begins with a consultation, so we can recommend what's best for your skin.

Enjoy Your Holiday... Your Skin Can Too

Summer holidays are all about making memories, spending time with family and taking a well-earned break.

With a little extra care before, during and after your trip, you can enjoy your holiday while keeping your skin healthy, hydrated and glowing.

And if your skin needs a little extra love when you get home, we're here to help.

Ready to restore your post-holiday glow?

Book a personalised skin consultation at Surrey Sanctuary Skin & Beauty in Dorking, and let's create a treatment plan tailored to your skin.

Your holiday memories should last forever, but the dull, dehydrated skin doesn't have to!

Much love

Julia x