Post-Vacation Skincare
Hello Friends and Enemies,
So now you have returned. Slightly sun-kissed, marginally dehydrated, and entirely unprepared to re-enter reality. If you are crawling back from a tropical vacation, your skin is probably feeling the aftermath- UV exposure, questionable poolside cocktails, and the SPF reapplication you swore you’d keep up with.
So, let’s talk post-vacation skin rehab.
Step 1: Hydration Like Your Life Depends on It
Between flights, sun exposure, and one too many margaritas, your skin is crying for moisture. Time to drown it in hydration, inside and out.
Drink water. More than you think you need. No, coffee and tequila don’t count.
Hyaluronic acid serum. Apply it on damp skin and lock it in with a solid moisturizer.
Skip hot showers. I know they feel nice when you’re back in civilization, but they’ll strip your already-thirsty skin even more.
Step 2: Soothe First, Treat Later
Your skin barrier has been through it. Now is not the time to introduce aggressive treatments. No peels, no scrubs, no AHAs. Instead, opt for:
A gentle, hydrating cleanser (nothing foamy or harsh, please and thanks).
Barrier-repairing moisturizer with ceramides and niacinamide.
Aloe or post-sun masks to calm any lingering redness.
Step 3: The Retinol Resurgence—But Not Yet
You might be tempted to dive right back into your usual routine, but hold up—retinol needs to sit this one out for at least five to seven days post-vacation. Why? Because your skin is still recovering. Using retinol too soon on sun-exposed skin can lead to irritation, peeling, and you looking like a shedding reptile. Instead:
Stick to hydration and repair for the first few days.
Reintroduce retinol slowly, once a week at first, when your skin feels normal again.
If you’re still a little sensitive, buffer it with moisturizer to ease back in.
Step 4: Undo Sun Damage Before It Sticks
The best way to handle sun damage? Stop it before it settles in.
Vitamin C serum in the morning to brighten and fight free radicals.
SPF 50+, even though you’re no longer poolside (yes, UV rays still exist at home).
Lumecca IPL or Morpheus8 if you really went rogue and need to zap away any stubborn pigmentation.
Step 5: Accept That Vacation Glow is Fleeting (But Manageable)
Your skin looked great on vacation because humidity is nature’s Instagram filter. Now, reality is setting in. To keep the glow alive:
Use a hydrating overnight mask a few times a week.
Skip the heavy foundation—let your post-trip radiance breathe.
Self-tanner and Spray Tans are your new best friend if you refuse to let go of the bronze.
Final Thoughts: Be Kind to Yourself
Post-vacation skin recovery is not the time for punishment. Ease back into actives, hydrate like a maniac, and when you’re ready to scream at the person driving slow in the fast lane- go metal back to the beach.
Welcome back to reality. Now go chug some water.
Mentally I am still on the beach,
Samm