Summer travel is exciting, but your skin doesn’t always agree. Changes in climate, sun intensity, and daily routine can all affect how your skin behaves — especially if you use active ingredients or have had a recent treatment. Here’s a practical guide to what belongs in your bag, and what deserves a break while you’re away.

What to pack

Broad-spectrum SPF 30–50 Sun protection is non-negotiable, wherever you’re headed. Mineral filters (zinc oxide, titanium dioxide) tend to be gentler on sensitive skin or skin that’s recently had a laser treatment or peel. Pack a bottle for your bag and a smaller one for your pocket — you’re more likely to reapply if it’s within reach.

An antioxidant serum Ingredients like vitamin C and vitamin E help your skin cope with the extra UV and environmental stress that comes with sun-heavy travel. They work well layered under SPF in the morning.

A gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer Air conditioning, plane cabins, and sun exposure can all dry the skin out. A simple, fragrance-free formula helps keep your barrier comfortable without adding irritation.

A soothing after-sun gel Aloe vera or a similar calming gel is useful to have on hand if your skin gets a bit more color or warmth than planned.

SPF lip balm Lips burn too, and they’re often forgotten.

Physical protection A wide-brimmed hat, UV-protective clothing, and good sunglasses do a lot of the work that products can’t. They’re especially helpful during the middle of the day.

What to pause

Some of the most effective skincare ingredients are also the ones that make your skin more sensitive to the sun. It’s usually worth pausing these while you’re travelling somewhere sunny:

• Retinoids / retinol — increase photosensitivity and the risk of irritation in strong sun
• AHAs and BHAs (glycolic acid, salicylic acid, and similar exfoliants) — can leave skin more reactive to UV exposure
• Certain acne treatments — some can increase sun sensitivity; if you’re unsure about yours, ask us before you travel

If you’ve recently had a laser treatment or a peel, sun avoidance is especially important during the healing period. If you have a trip planned, it’s worth mentioning this at your appointment so we can time the treatment appropriately, or advise you on protecting the treated area while away.

A few practical tips

• Reapply SPF every two hours, and more often if you’re swimming or sweating
• Avoid peak sun hours (roughly 11am–3pm) when possible, especially on the first days of a trip
• Decant into travel-sized bottles if you’re flying with carry-on luggage only, and check your airline’s liquid limits
• Keep hydrating from the inside, too — travel days are easy to under-drink
• Simplify your routine while away. A short, consistent routine you’ll actually stick to is more useful than a full routine you skip

Before you go

If you’re planning a laser treatment, peel, or other procedure before a summer trip, timing matters. We’re happy to help you plan around your travel dates during a consultation.