Planning a vacation is exciting, but ensuring that your skin stays healthy and radiant throughout your trip requires preparation. Climate changes, sun exposure, and travel stress can all impact your skin, making pre-travel skincare treatments essential. Here’s how to get your skin vacation-ready with expert-backed treatments and tips.

1. Schedule a Professional Consultation

Before starting any skincare regimen or treatment, it’s crucial to consult a dermatologist. A professional like Dr. Ariel Ostad can assess your skin’s needs and recommend treatments tailored to your skin type and vacation destination.

When to schedule?

At least 4 to 6 weeks before your trip for treatments requiring downtime, or 2 weeks before for milder treatments.

2. Opt for a Chemical Peel

A chemical peel exfoliates dead skin cells, leaving your skin smooth, bright, and even-toned. This procedure can help with hyperpigmentation, fine lines, and dullness, making it an excellent pre-vacation treatment.

• Best for: Uneven skin tone, dullness, fine lines, and acne scars.

• When to get it: At least 2 to 3 weeks before travel to allow peeling and redness to subside.

• Post-treatment care: Keep your skin hydrated, avoid direct sun exposure, and use sunscreen diligently.

3. Consider Laser Skin Rejuvenation

Laser treatments like Picoway and Fraxel Dual Restore stimulate collagen production and improve skin texture. They can help with fine lines, pigmentation, and acne scars, giving you a more refreshed look.

• Best for: Wrinkles, uneven skin tone, pigmentation, and acne scars.

• When to get it: 4 to 6 weeks before travel to allow proper healing.

• Post-treatment care: Avoid sun exposure, use a gentle moisturizer, and apply SPF 50+.

4. Hydrate with a DiamondGlow® Facial

For an instant glow before your trip, the DiamondGlow® facial is an excellent choice. This treatment exfoliates, extracts impurities, and infuses customized serums to leave your skin radiant and hydrated.

• Best for: Dull, dehydrated skin, clogged pores, acne, and uneven texture.

• When to get it: 3–5 days before traveling for an immediate glow.

• Post-treatment care: Use hydrating serums and avoid exfoliating for 24–48 hours.

5. Address Fine Lines with BOTOX®

BOTOX® can smooth fine lines and prevent new wrinkles from forming while traveling. It works by relaxing facial muscles, reducing the appearance of crow’s feet, forehead lines, and frown lines.

• Best for: Fine lines, crow’s feet, forehead wrinkles, and preventing excessive sweating.

• When to get it: 2 to 3 weeks before travel for full results.

• Post-treatment care: Avoid laying down an hour after treatment, rubbing the treated areas, strenuous workouts for 24 hours, and excessive sun exposure.

6. Enhance Volume with Facial Fillers

If you want a subtle plumpness in your cheeks, lips, or under-eye area, then facial fillers like hyaluronic acid-based injectables are a great choice to enhance your features naturally.

• Best for: Loss of volume in the cheeks, lips, or under-eye hollows.

• When to get it: 2 to 4 weeks before travel to allow any swelling or bruising to subside.

7. Maintain a Consistent Skincare Routine

A simple, travel-friendly skincare routine ensures your skin stays healthy on vacation. Pack lightweight, multi-purpose products to minimize bulk.

Must-have products:

• Gentle cleanser – Keeps skin fresh and prevents breakouts
  
• Hydrating moisturizer – Prevents dryness caused by air travel and climate changes
  
• Vitamin C serum – Protects against environmental stressors
  
• Broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 50+) – Shields against UV damage
  
• Hydrating Peptide Serum – Moisturizes and refreshes skin during long flights

8. Protect Your Skin During Travel

Your skincare routine shouldn’t stop once you board the plane. Different climates and long travel hours can take a toll on your skin, so it’s essential to protect it throughout your journey.

Sun Protection:

• Apply broad-spectrum SPF 50+ sunscreen daily, reapply every 2 hours. 
• Wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses
• Seek shade when the sun is strongest (10 AM – 4 PM)

Hydration:

• Drink at least 8 glasses of water daily to maintain skin hydration
• Use a hydrating sheet mask after a long flight to revive tired skin
• Apply a moisturizer with hyaluronic acid to lock in moisture

Cleansing:

• Wipe away makeup, sweat and dirt with micellar water or cleansing wipes
• Double cleanse at night to remove sunscreen and pollutants

9. Be Mindful of Post-Treatment Care

After undergoing pre-travel treatments, ensure you follow proper aftercare to maintain results.

Post-Treatment Must-Dos:

• Avoid Sun Exposure: Skin is more sensitive after treatments; use SPF 50+ daily
• Moisturize Regularly: Hydration helps with healing and longevity of treatments
• Skip Harsh Products: Avoid retinol and acids for at least 7 days post-treatment
• Use Cooling Masks: If you experience redness, apply a soothing aloe vera or chamomile mask
  

Prepping your skin before vacation ensures you look and feel your best while traveling. Scheduling the right treatments, maintaining a simple yet effective skincare routine, and following aftercare instructions can help you achieve glowing, healthy skin throughout your trip.

Get vacation-ready skin and glow wherever you go! From hydrating facials to sun-protective treatments, prep your skin before you travel for a flawless, healthy look. Say goodbye to dullness and hello to radiant, travel-ready skin. Call 212-517-7900 or fill out our online contact form and book your appointment today!