Packing for a holiday often means making difficult choices about what deserves space in your suitcase. While it's tempting to simplify your skincare routine, travelling can expose your skin to new challenges; from dehydrating flights and changing climates to stronger UV rays, humidity and salt water.

The good news? You don't need to pack your entire bathroom cabinet.

A carefully chosen routine built around a handful of products can help maintain healthy, radiant skin throughout your trip. Whether you're heading to a tropical beach, a city break or a skiing holiday, these are the skincare essentials our experts recommend packing.

Travelling places your skin under stress in several ways.

Cabin air on aeroplanes is extremely dry, which can leave skin feeling dehydrated before you've even landed. Once you arrive, increased sun exposure, swimming pools, salt water, air conditioning and changes to your normal routine can all affect your skin barrier.

Read our blog on skin barrier repair here.

Rather than introducing new products, holidays are the perfect time to focus on protecting your skin and maintaining its natural balance.

1. A Gentle Cleanser

Cleansing remains the foundation of every skincare routine, even on holiday.

Removing makeup, sunscreen, sweat, pollution and excess oil each evening helps prevent congestion while allowing your active ingredients to work effectively.

Choose a gentle cleanser that won't strip your skin after long days in the sun. Double cleansing is also an important step in your routine, especially if you are wearing makeup during the day. 

Editor's Pick: SkinCeuticals Simply Clean

After a day of sunscreen, swimming and sightseeing, SkinCeuticals Simply Clean effectively removes excess oil, long-wear makeup and impurities without leaving the skin feeling tight or dry. Its gentle exfoliating formula helps maintain a fresh, balanced complexion, making it an ideal travel companion for normal, combination and oily skin.

Shop our SkinCeuticals Simply Clean gel cleanser here.

Sun exposure generates free radicals that contribute to premature skin ageing.

While sunscreen remains your first line of defence, applying an antioxidant serum underneath SPF helps provide additional protection against environmental damage.

Read more on the importance of sunscreen here.

Editor's Pick: SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic

No holiday skincare routine is complete without a high-quality antioxidant serum. SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic combines 15% pure vitamin C with vitamin E and ferulic acid to help defend against environmental aggressors while supporting brighter, healthier-looking skin. Apply each morning before moisturiser and sunscreen for maximum protection.

Shop our SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic serum here.

3. Never Skip Sunscreen

If you only pack one skincare product, make it sunscreen.

UV exposure is the leading cause of premature skin ageing, contributing to fine lines, pigmentation and collagen breakdown.

Apply a broad-spectrum SPF 50 every morning and reapply every two hours, particularly after swimming or excessive sweating.

Editor's Pick: SkinCeuticals Advanced Brightening UV Defense SPF 50

This lightweight daily sunscreen provides broad-spectrum protection while helping reduce the appearance of pigmentation and uneven skin tone. Its elegant texture makes it easy to wear every day - even in hot climates.

Shop our SkinCeuticals Advanced Brightening UV Defense SPF 50 here.

Additionally, shop our range of SPF's here.

Sun, air conditioning and flights can all leave skin feeling dehydrated.

A lightweight moisturiser helps reinforce the skin barrier while maintaining hydration without feeling heavy in warm weather.

 Editor's Pick: SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2

If your skin feels dry after travelling or spending time in the sun, SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2 helps replenish essential lipids, strengthen the skin barrier and restore lasting hydration. It's particularly beneficial for mature or dry skin.

Shop our SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2 here.

5. Should You Take Your Retinoid?

Retinoids remain one of the most effective anti-ageing ingredients available, but holidays can sometimes require a more flexible approach.

If you're spending long days in intense sunshine or your skin feels more sensitive than usual, it may be worth reducing the frequency of use rather than stopping completely.

Always prioritise daily sunscreen when using vitamin A products.

Editor's Pick: Medik8 Crystal Retinal®

If you're already using Medik8 Crystal Retinal®, there's no need to leave it at home. Continue using it in the evening as tolerated, while ensuring diligent sun protection during the day. Consistency is key to maintaining long-term results.

Shop our Medik8 Crystal Retinal® here.

Long flights and hot climates can leave skin looking dull and dehydrated.

A hydrating serum containing hyaluronic acid helps attract and retain moisture, leaving the skin looking plumper and more comfortable.

Editor's Pick: SkinCeuticals Hydrating B5

Formulated with hyaluronic acid and vitamin B5, this lightweight serum provides long-lasting hydration without feeling sticky, making it perfect for warm weather or dehydrating flights.

Shop our SkinCeuticals Hydrating B5 here.

A few simple habits can make all the difference while you're away:

• Reapply sunscreen every two hours.
• Wear a wide-brimmed hat and UV-protective sunglasses.
• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
• Cleanse thoroughly every evening.
• Avoid over-exfoliating after sun exposure.
• Keep skincare simple rather than trying new products.
• Apply lip balm with SPF throughout the day.

Travelling is also an opportunity to simplify your routine.

Unless you're treating a specific skin concern, you can usually leave behind:

• Multiple exfoliating acids
• Several different masks
• Numerous serums targeting the same concern
• Products you've never used before

Instead, focus on a consistent routine built around cleansing, antioxidant protection, hydration, moisturising and SPF.

The best holiday skincare routine isn't necessarily the longest—it's the most consistent.

A gentle cleanser, antioxidant serum, moisturiser, sunscreen and a trusted evening treatment are often all you need to keep your skin healthy while travelling. By protecting your skin from UV damage, maintaining hydration and supporting your skin barrier, you'll return home with skin that looks just as refreshed as you feel.

Whether you're relaxing on the beach, exploring a new city or enjoying a weekend escape, packing the right skincare essentials allows you to enjoy your holiday with confidence, knowing your skin is protected every step of the way.

What skincare should I take on holiday?

Pack the essentials: a gentle cleanser, vitamin C serum, moisturiser, sunscreen, hydrating serum and any prescription or regular evening treatments you use consistently.

Should I use retinol on holiday?

Yes, if your skin is already accustomed to it. However, if you're spending prolonged periods in strong sunlight, consider reducing the frequency and always wear a broad-spectrum SPF 50 during the day.

Read more on retinol here.

Do I need vitamin C on holiday?

Yes. Vitamin C helps protect the skin from environmental free radicals generated by UV exposure and pollution while promoting a brighter, healthier-looking complexion.

Read more on the benefits of vitamin C here. 

How can I stop my skin drying out on a flight?

Apply a hydrating serum and moisturiser before boarding, avoid harsh cleansers during travel and drink plenty of water throughout the flight.

Book a Consultation

If you are interested in building your summer holiday skincare routine and purchasing all the essentials recommended from our doctor-led skin clinic, book a consultation here.

Here's to healthier, more confident skin.

Maryam Mohbeen
Beauty Journalist & Beauty Writer