San Diego may seem like paradise, which it is, but even those of us who live in beautiful Southern California need to jet off on an exotic vacation now and again. In the midst of booking your travel and hotel arrangements and reading reviews about the best things to eat, see, and do at your vacation destination, it’s important to think about how you’ll keep your skin clear while traveling. Here are our six best skin care tips for your vacation.

1. Prepare your skin for vacation

Drink plenty of water in the days leading up to your trip so your skin is plump and hydrated before you expose it to the dehydrating effects of cabin pressure. Likewise, apply a generous layer of moisturizer the night before your flight. This is important even if you tend to have oily skin while traveling. Keeping your skin moisturized will actually help reduce excess oil production. You may also want to prep your skin for prolonged periods of sun exposure by catching a few extra rays in the weeks leading up to your trip.

2. Wear moisturizer with SPF

Whether you plan to spend your vacation days at the pool or exploring a new city, your skin will probably be exposed to the sun more than usual. Look for a broad spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30, at a minimum. Apply sunscreen to a damp face after cleansing, and allow it to soak into your skin before applying makeup. We love SkinMedica Total Defense + Repair Broad Spectrum Sunscreen because it not only protects from painful sunburns, but it also lessens the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and repairs sun damaged skin.

3. Pack a makeup setting spray

Living in San Diego means you’re used to warm and sunny weather year round. But, humidity is a totally different ballgame. If you’re headed somewhere hot and steamy, a makeup setting spray will keep your face looking fresh and shine-free without you having to constantly reapply. Look for a makeup setting spray that also contains SPF to keep your skin protected from the sun all day long.

4. Avoid using skin care products provided by your hotel

Those mini bottles of soap, moisturizer, and sunscreen in your hotel bathroom are cute and smell amazing but think twice about putting them to use. Using new skin care products while traveling, when your skin is already stressed, could lead to breakouts or other unpleasant reactions. Buy travel-sized versions of your own skin care products to keep your complexion as happy as you are sipping a cool drink by the pool.

5. Only pack your skin care essentials

Whether you’re a makeup minimalist or you don’t leave the house without full coverage foundation, it’s easy to overpack on vacation. Try to stick with low-maintenance essentials that will allow your skin to breathe while still looking your best. A tinted moisturizer, mascara, and lip gloss are really all you need when you’re on vacation. Be sure to pack an exfoliating cleanser, like SkinMedica AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser, and wash your face morning and night to sweep away sunscreen, sweat, and dirt.

6. Schedule a facial post-vacation

Our clients frequently ask us, “Is it better to get a facial before or after vacation?” Our answer is always the same: after. Many people schedule their facials before vacation so they can start their trips fresh-faced and looking their best. Really, the best time to get a facial is after vacation because all of that fun in the sun can take a toll on your skin. A deep cleansing facial post-vacation will flush your pores of sunscreen and dead cells and keep your skin glowing.

Rejuvenate your skin with a post-vacation treatment at Siti Med Spa

Even with the best care, travel can take a toll on your complexion. Before you jet off to a relaxing week exploring an exotic locale, call us to book your post-vacation treatment. At Siti Med Spa, our goal is to help you select the right treatment to get your skin looking clear, beautiful, and radiant. If you’re prone to dark spots, a laser treatment, IPL photofacial, or chemical peel can help reduce skin discoloration caused by the sun and rejuvenate your overall complexion. We also carry a variety of SkinMedica skin care products, including Lytera 2.0 Pigment Correction, to help you maintain your results long after you leave our office.

Call us today to schedule your consultation or book your first treatment at (619) 717-8484.