Aaand we’re back… Whether it’s back-to-school or back to work, vacation is officially over for most of us. Wipe away the tears and take some notes—before you get caught up in the busy work-school cycle—because your post-vacation skin is screaming for some extra attention.
[SEE ALSO: The Best Solutions For Repairing Skin From Post Summer Damage]
Between the sun, sea, chlorine, cocktails, air travel and jet lag, your skin got the brunt of travel-related stressors. Now that you’re home, it’s essential to get back to a dedicated skincare routine.
Here are 5 tips to keep your post-vacation skin healthy and glowing.
Hydrate
Post-summer, almost everyone’s skin needs extra hydration. Airplane cabin air and the strong sun dry out skin like nobody’s business. It’s crucial to replenish lost moisture from the inside out. This means drinking lots of H20, of course—at least 6 to 8 glasses a day. (Adding a squeeze of lemon juice or a few slices of cucumber makes it more refreshing.)
If you don’t already use one, get a moisturizer with hyaluronic acid to lock in moisture and restore your skin’s natural barrier. Dry skin will drink in serums and oils, so add that step to your routine.
Treat yourself to hydrating masks—sheet masks, gel masks or overnight masks—for an extra boost of moisture with nourishing ingredients like aloe vera or ceramides. Mask and relax for twenty minutes and pretend you’re back on vacation. Ahhh….
Cleanse Gently
Sunscreen, sweat and excess oil contribute to blocked pores and breakouts so it’s important to cleanse your skin, but gently. It’s already been through enough on your holiday! Use a mild cleanser that doesn’t strip skin of its natural oils. This is where the K-beauty holy grail of double cleansing comes in. Use an oil-based cleanser followed by a water-based one to effectively remove dirt and impurities.
We all know exfoliation gets rid of dead skin cells, promotes cell turnover, and reveals fresh new skin underneath. But, like with cleansing, you have to go gently. Instead of harsh scrubs, opt for gentle exfoliants with natural fruit enzymes or alpha- and beta-hydroxy acids. To avoid any irritation, limit exfoliation to once or twice weekly.
Repair Sun Damage
So you burned or tanned and have some regrets because you know you’ve damaged your skin? All’s not lost! Antioxidants like vitamin C and E combat free radicals caused by sun exposure and help repair sun-damaged skin. Products with hydroquinone and alpha hydroxy acids can fade any hyperpigmentation and sunspots. Once your skin is less irritated from any burns, you can break out the retinoids to combat sun damage and signs of aging.
It goes without saying that you must use sunscreen to protect your skin from further damage. Use an SPF of 30 or higher and reapply throughout the day!
Be Consistent
Obviously, vacation is a time to slack off from all our daily routines, including skincare. But consistency is key to repairing skin, reversing signs of aging and preventing further damage. If you weren’t able to keep up with your skincare during this holiday, get back to it now—and try on your next trip. Your skin (and future self) will thank you!
What summer skin tips will you be trying out? Let us know in the comment section!
