Going on vacation is supposed to be relaxing and rejuvenating. However, all that travel and time spent outdoors can actually do a number on your skin. Once you return home from a trip, it’s important to give your skin some TLC with a skincare reset. Here’s why your skin needs a little extra pampering post-vacation and how to go about it.

Address Dehydration and Irritation

Airplane cabins have very low humidity levels which can severely dehydrate skin. The dry air saps moisture from the skin, leaving it tight, flaky, and compromised. This allows irritants to more easily penetrate and trigger inflammation. Plus, exposure to chlorine from hotel pools and salt from ocean water draws even more water out of the skin.

Once you are home, opt for hydrating and soothing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and aloe vera to rehydrate parched skin and calm any irritation. Using a hydrating facial mist throughout the day is also highly beneficial.

Exfoliate Away Dead Skin Cells

All that time out exploring under the hot sun caused dead skin cells and tanning residue to build up on the surface of your skin. Additionally, oil, sweat, sunscreen, and pollutants can quickly clog pores while traveling. This congestion not only worsens breakouts but also creates a dull, rough texture. Combat clogged pores with oil-absorbing clay masks and chemical exfoliants like salicylic acid which can dissolve built-up gunk inside pores. Just don’t overdo it. Scrub no more than 2-3 times a week and use chemical exfoliants cautiously to avoid irritation.

Next, spot treat existing blemishes with acne patches. And be diligent about removing makeup before bed and regularly cleaning makeup brushes so as not to introduce more pore-clogging residue.

Replenish Nutrients and Antioxidants

Travel is inherently stressful for the skin. There are environmental stressors like UV radiation and pollution as well as mental stressors. This depletes antioxidants and nutrients in the skin that defend against damage.

Serums and moisturizers containing ingredients like vitamin C, vitamin E, niacinamide, peptides, and plant oils will resupply the nutrients that decluttering dead skin cells and protecting against free radicals. For one, a grape seed oil for skin is a good choice as it's filled with vitamin E and linoleic acid. Feed your skin the fuel it needs to recover.

Reset Your Routine

There’s a good chance your normal skincare routine fell by the wayside during vacation. You were focused on sightseeing rather than serum application. Now it’s time to get back on track and this is a perfect chance to hit the reset button.

Assess if your products and schedule still make sense for your needs. You may find a pared down routine is preferable after vacation simplicity. Or your skin may crave more specialized treatments like corrective serums. Resetting your routine helps align it with your post-travel skin.

Splurge on Cleansers and Peels

Your skin deserves a little pampering after vacation. One way to show it some love is by splurging on luxe cleansers and professional strength peels. Invest in a creamy, non-stripping cleanser from a premium brand like drdennisgross.com to melt away impurities without depleting the skin. Or try cleansing balms and oils which pack skin with hydration as they cleanse.

A skincare reset when you return from traveling allows you to address any issues that cropped up during your trip and get your routine back on track. skin will feel refreshed and ready to take on regular life again.

Disclosure: This is a collaborative post.