Think you know your skin inside and out? Think again. I know the basics: I’m typically oily-to-blemished with spells of dehydration (my skin finds it hard to make its mind up about what it wants to be). But as of yet, the only consistencies I can guarantee are: 1) dairy isn’t my friend, and 2) sleeping in makeup never goes well for me.

I kind of expected my skin to go slightly AWOL while I was away, and since coming home from a two week holiday (a four day hen party in Spain and a week-long family holiday in Greece), I can honestly say I’ve learnt more about my skin than ever before. Hint, hint: moisture is everything!

So, in-between plane hopping, I came to realise that there’s a wave of different environmental changes that may cause trouble for your skin when you least expect it. When not in the comfort of your current climate, it’s always best to be prepared for any unforeseen mishaps that can play havoc with your skin (working in beauty is so helpful for this, but not for my toiletry bag).

1) High SPF Saved My Skin

Being one of the only ones without a peeling, red nose on holiday, I can’t stress enough how important SPF50 is for the face, regardless of the temperature – especially if you’re going abroad. It’s imperative to keep your moles safe and protected, not to mention to prevent your skin from premature ageing – the leathery look is not for me!

I love La Roche-Posay Anthelios Pocket Sun Cream SPF50+

Did you know 99% of dermatologists would recommend that you use Anthelios sun care? Suitable for even sun intolerant skin, its non-comedogenic formula means it won’t break you out too. This handy pocket-sized SPF will fit perfectly in your beach bag. Its broad spectrum formula gives your skin high UVA/UVB protection. If you’re looking for a bigger bottle that can be used on all the family, try the La Roche-Posay Anthelios XL Ultra Light Spray SPF50+ instead.

Top tip: Always apply your SPF 30 minutes before going into the sun, this way it has more time to adhere to your skin to ensure it’s doing its job properly – plus you get a more even finish!

2) Air Con Isn’t As Refreshing As I Thought

Don’t get me wrong, you can’t beat a cool blast of air after a hot day on the beach, but the biggest bugbear of my holiday was streaming eyes! I didn’t realise how sensitive my skin was to air con; if it’s not drying out my eyes, it’s drying out my skin. I even gained a slight bit of pigmentation around my eyes where the tears washed away my SPF –  madness!

I love Avene Soothing Eye-Contour Cream

Avene’s Soothing Eye Contour Cream was my saviour on holiday. It was just what I needed to cool and calm my eyes after sleeping with the air con on. The feeling you get when you apply this after a long day in the sun is so satisfying. Even if you’re not going on holiday and maybe you suffer from sensitivity from the weather and hay fever, this gentle eye cream will help to restore comfort back to your eye area, whilst soothing any irritations.

Top tip: Utilise your mini bar by keeping your eye cream, moisturiser and after sun inside.

3) Prickly Heat Can Be Avoided

Prickly heat can be a huge worry for some people when in a hot country. The itchiness, rashes and desire to avoid the sun at all costs can even ruin your holiday, but I’ve learnt that if you stay hydrated, invest in a good after sun and get in the habit of avoiding the sun between 12 pm and 2 pm, you enjoy your holiday can too!

I love Ultrasun After Sun

To take care of my face, body and curb the risk of prickly heat, I used the Ultrasun After Sun as there are so many benefits with that come with this calming lotion. Non-greasy and oil-free, it won’t block your pores, which is an essential part of any prickly heat prevention and its lipid-infused formula replaces lost hydration in the skin from sun exposure.

Top tip: It’s essential to keep your skin cool, try showering with cool water then apply your after sun to damp skin to boost hydration and aid recovery.

4) Moisture Is Everything

I know vitamin D from the sun  (in small doses) can be good for the skin, but when you’re out of your climate comfort zone, your skin can choose to go either way; super oily or completely dry. Remember, If you want your skin to look glowy and radiant, it’s essential to pack a quenching treatment that will deeply hydrate your skin.

I love PAYOT Hydra 24+ Baume-En-Masque – Super Hydrating Comforting Mask

On holiday, my lack of water intake alongside late nights and frequent sunbathing is a spell for trouble, so I always opt for something rich to replenish and nourish skin. The Hydra 24+ Mask never fails me. It’s lightweight, effective and ever so refreshing if your skin is feeling a little tight and needs an extra dose of TLC.

Top Tip: If you have oily skin, use a moisturising mask in place of your night cream or if your skin is very dry, apply the face as the final step in your routine for an in-depth moisture reboot.

5) Oil Loves Oil

If you have shiny skin, you may tend to avoid oils. But I can assure you, packing nourishing oil will be one your saviour, as it was mine! Multi-purpose and ideal for repairing your skin after spending the day being beaten by UV rays, oils are also incredible at creating a dewy, healthy base to glow through your foundation for your evening dinner and drinks plans.

I love Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse Riche Multi-Purpose Dry Oil Spray

There’s nothing I don’t love about this oil, as you can probably tell, both Riche and the original Huile Prodiguese oil feature in a lot of my round ups! As I’m no stranger to oil, I found that upping my application to every night instead of every three nights made a huge difference to the texture of my skin and its radiance. Plus, Huile Prodiguese is packed full of antioxidants like vitamin E and macadamia oil, which help to lower the risk of premature ageing. I used Riche on my face, hair and body – it’s an absolute essential all year round!

Top Tip: Spray the Huile Prodigieuse Riche into the ends of your hair and comb through before going out in the sun, this will help to keep your hair soft and smelling incredible! Side note, this won’t protect your hair from UV, but its conditioning blend of oils which soften and moisturise each strand.

Discover More:

• Pick Your In-Flight Skincare Ritual
• 5 Steps For Flawless ‘No-Makeup’ Makeup