While we all look forward to our summer holidays, there’s no denying that the combination of sunshine and heat can wreak havoc on our skin. Luckily, The Glossary’s Beauty Director Alessandra Steinherr is on hand to share her go-to holiday beauty essentials, which will leave your skin bright and glowing whatever the weather. From soothing sunscreens and serums to hydrating masks and mists, here’s what she’ll be packing to achieve the perfect holiday skin this summer.
When we’re on holiday, it’s a good idea to give our skin a holiday too. When temperatures and humidity rise, our sebaceous glands naturally produce more sebum, which can result in clogged pores and blemishes. Sunshine is also a trigger, lowering collagen levels and causing inflammation and irritation, especially for those prone to rosacea flare-ups and breakouts. The last thing you want to do, therefore, is layer on product after product, which you’ll likely sweat off anyway. You want to simplify your skincare regime and use lighter formulations as your holiday beauty essentials, to give your skin a rest.
I would avoid using too many actives on holiday, such as acids and retinoids. I’m not saying using them in warmer weather will damage the skin, but the sunlight and heat can potentially cause an issue, so be careful. Instead, focus on hydration and sun protection – these are key for holiday skin. You want to ensure your skin barrier is healthy (sun can impair the barrier function), so that it retains water and maintains the natural hydration in the skin – look for formulations with skin barrier-boosting ingredients like ceramides, niacinamide, peptides, humectants and fatty acids.
Above all else, your holiday beauty essential is SPF, which protects against harmful UV radiation from the sun and is crucial in preventing premature lines and wrinkles, hyperpigmentation and skin cancer (this isn’t just true for when we’re on holiday, we need to protect our skin when we go about our day-to-day in the city, too). To maximise your skin’s defence, you could apply an antioxidant serum prior to sunscreen – this will protect skin from sunlight-induced free radicals that can also speed up the ageing process. After a day in the sunshine, skin needs a serious moisture boost; my after-sun go-tos are Esthederm After-Sun Repair (£40), which instantly hydrates and soothes the skin, and Clarins SOS Sunburn Soother Mask (£22) for a cooling, calming fix if you’ve had a little too much exposure.
From hydration heroes to glow-boosters, these new launches will see you through the holiday season
The Refreshing Cleanser
This is really effective at removing SPF, sweat and other pore-cloggers, leaving skin feeling fresh and really clean. It’s pH-balanced, so it won’t disturb the acid mantle, and the humectant B5 locks hydration in.
The Gentle Smoother
A gentle physical exfoliant with none of the graininess of some facial exfoliators. Mix the powder with water so it becomes a paste and rub it on your face for skin that feels like polished marble (it tones down shine too).
The Hydrating Mask
Beautifully hydrating and cooling, this liquid mask is powered by Swiss apple stem cells, which plump and regenerate the skin, as well as nourishing red algae and hyaluronic acid for that instant hydration hit.
The Glow Booster
This is a biphase formula, so you have to shake it before use. While the watery rose biotic fortifies the skin barrier, the milkier emulsion nourishes and hydrates. If you’re oily-skinned, this might be enough as a holiday moisturiser.
The Multi-Tasking Mist
An instantly refreshing mist with the added benefits of a serum to create a film to lock in moisture; the red camellia extract keeps the skin’s cells functioning at their optimum, boosting vitality and freshness every time you spritz.
Alex’s Beauty Glossary
The Trail Blazing Serum
This beautiful formulation is the first skincare product to address the lymphatic system in your face. Its scientifically led Lymphactive complex reduces puffiness and water retention, while also working to detoxify the skin for radiance and brightness.
The All-Round Eye Cream
A multi-use product that works on both the eye contour and the lashes, ingredients include caffeine and arginine which work on under-eye darkness, fine lines and lash strength, while the stainless-steel applicator restores puffy eyes.
The Light Moisturiser
An all-round potent moisturiser containing the brand’s iconic skin rejuvenating ingredient TFC8, but in a lighter formula. There is no tackiness, and it sinks into skin quickly, making it suitable in hot weather for any skin type.
The Soothing Sunscreen
Convenient, easy-to-apply and fast absorbing, use this mineral-based sunscreen mist on the face and the body. Infused with soothing organic botanicals, it is suitable for all skin types.