Jetsetters: holiday skincare tips

It’s this time of year that we all start thinking about preparing for our summer getaways. Some sun, sand, sea - and sangria - is certainly good for the soul, but not always so good for the skin. Keep your complexion fresh and blemish-free on vacation with these simple skincare tips.

Minimise the effect of long-haul flights by keeping skin free of heavy lotions, avoiding rich foods and drinking plenty of non-alcoholic fluids on the day you travel.

Hot weather encourages your skin to produce more oil, which can lead to blemishes, so opt for an oil-free moisturiser. It’s also wise to avoid thick foundations that will stop your skin from breathing, so consider switching to a tinted oil free moisturiser that won’t clog pores.

If you're loathe to leave the foundation behind, use a good quality primer to lock in moisture and provide a silky base for your make-up by creating a seal between your moisturised skin and foundation.

Natural sunscreen is your skin’s best friend on holiday. Choose one that is at least SPF 30 and apply it liberally before heading outdoors. Not all sunscreens are made equal though – look for one labeled ‘broad spectrum’ to ensure it protects from both UVA and UVB rays, and for the active ingredient zinc oxide.

Blotting paper should be among your holiday beauty essentials. Blot every few hours to keep skin shine-free and smooth out make-up imperfections.

Drink plenty of water throughout your trip – including a glass of water alongside each cocktail - to keep your skin hydrated. Moisture sprays are also a great for keeping your skin feeling fresh when you’re strolling in the streets.

While on holiday, gently exfoliate twice a day to strip excess oil and sunscreen from your skin. This will lift toxins and pollutants from your pores too. And following a day spent on the beach, replenish your skin with a cooling aloe vera after sun lotion.