Holidays are meant to leave us glowing, but for many clients, the reality is far less radiant. It’s not uncommon for skin professionals to see a surge of patients returning from sun-soaked escapes with sudden breakouts, congestion or dull, uneven texture. So, what’s happening beneath the surface, and more importantly, how can we support the skin’s recovery?
Why does skin break out post-holiday?
There are several reasons and most of them stem from shifts in the skin’s natural balance:
1. UV exposure and hyperkeratinisation
Even with diligent SPF use, prolonged sun exposure triggers a process called hyperkeratinisation, where the skin’s outer layer thickens. This traps dead skin cells and sebum, setting the stage for blocked pores and delayed breakouts that often emerge a week or two after returning.
2. Dehydration and compensatory oil production
Travel, air conditioning, salty air, sun exposure and celebratory cocktails all contribute to transepidermal water loss. Dehydrated skin can ramp up oil production in response, leading to congestion and imbalance.
3. Compromised skin barrier
From chlorine and climate changes to unfamiliar skincare products (those tempting hotel minis!), the skin barrier often takes a hit during travel. A weakened barrier invites inflammation, sensitivity and an increased likelihood of post-holiday flare-ups.
4. Lifestyle indulgences
Let’s be honest – holidays often involve more sugar, alcohol and processed foods than usual. These dietary shifts can drive systemic inflammation and disrupt the gut-skin axis, another well-established trigger for acne and skin imbalances.
How to help the skin reset
The golden rule? Less is more. After a holiday, skin often needs a gentle reset, not an aggressive overhaul. Panicked exfoliation or reintroducing potent actives too soon can exacerbate the problem. Here’s some advice to help guide your clients:
1. Prioritise barrier repair
Encourage clients to focus on hydration and soothing, barrier-supportive ingredients. Look to formulas rich in ceramides, hyaluronic acid and peptides to restore resilience and calm inflammation.
2. Reintroduce actives slowly
Clients often want to “get back on track” with strong retinoids or acids, but sensitised post-holiday skin needs time. Recommend a gentle approach: after a few days of barrier-focused care, slowly reintroduce low-strength actives such as azelaic acid or encapsulated retinol.
3. Recommend the right treatments
In-salon options such as Hydrafacials, enzymatic peels, LED therapy or skin boosters can effectively rehydrate, decongest and jumpstart skin recovery. Tailor treatments based on skin condition and level of sensitivity.
4. Simplify the routine
Strip things back to the essentials: cleanse, hydrate, protect. Advise clients to avoid unnecessary products or steps while the skin rebalances. Once the barrier is restored, you can help them reintroduce more targeted serums and treatments.
Above all, reassure your clients that post-holiday breakouts are normal and manageable. With the right approach, their skin will soon be back to balance, and even stronger for it.
Dr Waqas Nawaz is an aesthetic doctor offering non-surgical cosmetic treatments across clinics in London, Sheffield, Manchester and Dubai. He also runs the Dr Nawaz Academy, where he trains medical professionals in his techniques.