This month, skin health therapist Louise Thomas-Minns, Founder and CEO of Louise Thomas Skin Care, takes a timely look at summer skincare and travel
Summer is a season we all look forward to. Longer days, warmer weather, weekends away, and holidays abroad give us the chance to slow down and enjoy life. But while travelling is wonderful for the soul, it can be surprisingly challenging for our skin. As the founder of Louise Thomas Skin Care, I’ve seen how changes in climate, flying, increased sun exposure, and disrupted routines can leave skin feeling dehydrated, sensitive, congested, or lacking its usual glow. The good news is that with a few simple adjustments, you can keep your skin healthy, balanced, and radiant throughout the summer.
Why Summer Can Affect Your Skin
Whether you’re heading abroad or enjoying a staycation, your skin faces different environmental stresses during the summer months.
Common factors include:
- Increased UV exposure
- Air-conditioned hotels and flights that dehydrate the skin
- Heat and humidity leading to excess oil production
- Sweat, sunscreen, and pollution contributing to congestion
- Changes in water quality when travelling
Understanding these factors allows you to support your skin instead of working against it.
Keep Your Skincare Routine Simple
One of the biggest mistakes I see is packing every skincare product you own. Travelling is the perfect time to simplify.
Focus on the essentials:
- A gentle cleanser
- A hydrating serum
- A lightweight moisturiser
- Broad-spectrum SPF every single day
- A nourishing overnight treatment if your skin feels dry after sun exposure
Consistency is far more beneficial than using lots of different products.
Hydration Is More Than Drinking Water
We all know staying hydrated is important, but your skin also needs topical hydration.
Flying can significantly reduce moisture levels within the skin, leaving it feeling tight and uncomfortable. Look for ingredients that help replenish hydration, such as hyaluronic acid, glycerin, ceramides, and soothing botanical extracts.
Applying hydrating products, like our Hydrator, onto slightly damp skin helps maximise moisture retention.
Never Skip Your SPF
If there’s one skincare product I never compromise on, it’s sunscreen.
Daily SPF helps protect against premature ageing, pigmentation, collagen breakdown, and sun damage. Even on cloudy days, UV rays are still present.
Reapply sunscreen every two hours when outdoors, particularly if you’re swimming or sweating.
Remember, healthy skin is protected skin.
Don’t Over-Exfoliate
It’s tempting to exfoliate more during summer when skin feels oilier, but too much exfoliation can damage the skin barrier and increase sensitivity.
Instead, exfoliate gently once or twice each week and focus on keeping your skin hydrated and balanced.
A healthy skin barrier is your best defence against environmental stress.
Support Your Skin From Within
Beautiful skin starts long before your skincare routine.
During the summer months, I encourage clients to:
- Eat colourful fruits and vegetables rich in antioxidants
- Stay hydrated throughout the day
- Get enough sleep whenever possible
- Manage stress levels while travelling…breathe!
These simple habits help your skin recover from sun exposure and maintain its natural glow.
My Summer Travel Skincare Tips
Whenever I travel, I always remember a few simple rules:
- Cleanse every evening, ideally with The Cleanser I formulated, no matter how tired you are.
- Wear SPF every day.
- Keep your routine consistent.
- Avoid trying new products while you’re away.
- Moisturise well after long flights.
- Listen to your skin and adjust your routine if needed.
Small daily habits often make the biggest difference.
Healthy Summer Skin Is About Balance
Summer should be about making memories, not worrying about your skin.
With the right skincare routine, daily sun protection, and plenty of hydration, your skin can stay healthy, comfortable, and glowing wherever your travels take you.
At Louise Thomas Skin Care, I believe skincare should feel simple, effective, and supportive of your lifestyle. Looking after your skin isn’t about perfection—it’s about giving it what it needs so you can feel confident every day, whether you’re at home or exploring somewhere new.
I hope these tips help you enjoy a beautiful summer with skin that feels as good as it looks.
Wishing you safe travels, sunny adventures, and healthy, glowing skin.
Featured image of Louise Thomas-Minns – supplied
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