A holiday can leave us feeling rested and refreshed, but our skin doesn't always feel quite the same. Changes in climate, sun exposure and air conditioning can all take their toll, leaving skin feeling dry, tight, dull or dehydrated.
Once you're home, a simple post-holiday skincare routine can help restore lost moisture, support the skin barrier and bring your natural glow back.
Why does skin feel dry after a holiday?
Even if your skin doesn't usually feel dry, you may notice a difference after travelling. Hot weather, increased sun exposure, chlorine or salt water and long periods spent in air-conditioned spaces can all contribute to moisture loss. Flying can also leave skin feeling particularly dehydrated due to the low humidity inside an aircraft cabin.
Gentle, hydrating skincare routine
1. Nourishing cleanse
After a week of SPF, warmer weather and perhaps more makeup than usual, you might be tempted to give your skin a deep scrub. However, if your skin is feeling dry or sensitive, a gentle approach is best. ishga Marine Cleansing Balm melts into the skin to remove makeup, SPF and daily impurities while leaving skin feeling soft and nourished.
2. Refreshing tone
Toner is an easy step to overlook, but it can be particularly welcome when skin feels dehydrated. After cleansing, spritz Hebridean Marine Toner over the skin to refresh, soothe and provide an instant boost of hydration.
3. Targeted hydration
If your complexion is looking a little lacklustre after your travels, adding a hydrating serum can help give your routine an extra boost. Regenerating Face Serum penetrates deeper through the skin barrier providing added hydration and leaving skin looking smoother and firmer. Apply after cleansing and toning, allowing the serum to absorb for 1-2 minutes before moving on to your moisturiser or facial oil.
4. Lock in moisture with a face oil
Facial oils can be especially beneficial when skin feels dry or depleted, helping to seal in moisture and leave the complexion feeling soft and nourished. Apply a few drops of Nourishing Face Oil or Hydra+ Oil after your serum and gently massage into the face and neck. Taking a few moments to gently massage your skincare into your face can also turn your evening routine into a relaxing self-care ritual.
5. Finish with a hydrating marine cream
Last but not least, lock in all that hydration with a nourishing moisturiser. If your skin is particularly dry or dehydrated, Hydra+ Marine Cream offers intensive hydration. Our Anti-oxidant Marine Cream will nourish and protect, while our Balancing Marine Cream calms and soothes the skin.
Don't forget your body
Post-holiday skincare shouldn't stop at your face. Skin on the body can also feel dry after time spent in the sun, sea or swimming pool. After showering, apply a nourishing body lotion or oil while the skin is still slightly damp to help retain moisture. Pay particular attention to areas that tend to become dry, such as the legs, elbows and feet. Also try and resist the temptation to over-exfoliate. Gentle exfoliation combined with regular moisturising will help keep skin feeling smooth and healthy.
Support recovery from within
A good skincare routine is only one part of your post-holiday reset. A few simple lifestyle habits can also support healthy-looking skin.
- Stay hydrated - Get back into the habit of drinking water regularly throughout the day, particularly after travelling or spending time in a hot climate.
- Eat a varied, balanced diet - Foods containing healthy fats, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants can help support normal skin health. Think colourful fruit and vegetables, nuts, seeds and oily fish as part of a balanced diet.
- Prioritise sleep - Late nights, early flights and changing routines can disrupt your sleep while you're away. Returning to a regular sleep schedule gives your whole body time to rest and recover.
- Give your skin time - Avoid introducing too many intensive treatments at once. If your skin is feeling sensitive or dehydrated, keep your routine simple, focusing on gentle cleansing, hydration and moisturising.
