Vacation Skin Prep and Tips
Hello Friends and Enemies,
So, you’ve finally booked that tropical getaway, and now you’re daydreaming about lounging on white sand beaches, sipping something with a tiny umbrella, and living your best vacation life. But while you’re packing bikinis and debating how many pairs of flip-flops are too many, let’s talk about your skin. Because nothing kills a vibe faster than a surprise breakout, an awkward sunburn, or a lizard-like peeling situation.
What to Stop Using (And When)
3-4 Weeks Before Departure: Retinoids & Strong Actives
I love a good retinoid as much as the next skincare junkie, but your tropical vacay is not the time for aggressive exfoliation. Retinoids, AHAs, and BHAs make your skin more sun-sensitive, which means you’ll be a prime candidate for burning, irritation, and looking like a tomato by day two. Swap out the strong stuff for gentle hydration and barrier-supporting products. Your future self, lounging by the pool without a peeling forehead, will thank you.
2 Weeks Before: Laser Treatments & Peels
If you were thinking of squeezing in a last-minute laser session or chemical peel, don’t. These treatments make your skin more vulnerable to sun damage, and exposing freshly resurfaced skin to UV rays is a one-way ticket to hyperpigmentation town. Stick to hydrating soft facials instead (like a good Hydrafacial or Forma for that pre-trip glow).
1 Week Before: Heavy Exfoliation & New Products
This is not the time to experiment with a new serum you saw on TikTok. The last thing you need is an unexpected reaction right before takeoff. Keep it simple and stick to what your skin knows. Also, scale back on aggressive exfoliation to keep your barrier intact and happy.
What to Start Doing (And ASAP)
Hydration, Hydration, Hydration
Flights suck the moisture out of your skin faster than a bad first date drains your will to live. Start amping up your hydration game now, drink more water, use hyaluronic acid serums, and layer on a good moisturizer. Consider a pre-trip IV drip (shameless plug, but seriously, your skin will love you for it).
Load Up on Antioxidants
Tropical sun = free radicals on steroids. Adding an antioxidant serum, like vitamin C, will help protect your skin from sun damage and keep you looking fresh instead of fried. Apply it every morning under your sunscreen.
SPF, Obviously
If you aren’t already wearing sunscreen daily, what are you even doing? Start now. And for your trip, pack a broad-spectrum SPF 50+, reapply levery 2 hours or after excessive sweating or swimming , and maybe throw in a chic sun hat for good measure. Your skin will appreciate it.
Pre-Trip Waxing & Hair Removal
Want to be fuzz-free for your beach debut? Get your waxing or laser touch-ups done at least 3-5 days before you leave. That way, any irritation or redness has time to calm down, and you’re not dealing with bumps and sensitivity when you should be enjoying piña coladas.
Bonus Tips for Glow Maintenance While You’re There
Aloe & After-Sun Care: Even if you think you didn’t burn, your skin will appreciate a good after-sun lotion.
Sheet Masks: Pop a few hydrating masks in your bag for a post-sun skin reset.
Lip Balm with SPF: Sunburnt lips? Hard pass.
Minimal Makeup: A tinted SPF, a little lip tint, and a glow-enhancing moisturizer are all you need.
Alright, friends, that’s your tropical skin survival guide. Prep wisely, slather on SPF like it’s your job, and enjoy every second of your vacation glow. Just don’t forget to tag me in an Instagram story with proper sun protection.
Stay radiant, stay responsible, and please, for the love of what or whoever you believe in, reapply your sunscreen.
Catch flights not feelings,
Samm