The Medi-Shed Summer Skin Survival Guide!

Don't Let Your Holiday Undo All Your Hard Work!

You've spent months looking after your skin. Maybe we've improved your pigmentation, calmed your redness, tackled acne or boosted your glow with treatments and medical grade skincare.

Then comes the holiday…

Sunshine, cocktails, swimming pools, sea water, air conditioning and long haul flights. Amazing for the soul, but they can be surprisingly tough on your skin!

Here are my top tips to keep your skin looking as good on your return as it did when you boarded the plane.

Less Really Is More!!  Please don't feel you need to pack your entire bathroom!

When you're on holiday, your skin is already adapting to a different climate, different water and lots more UV exposure. Keeping your routine simple is often the best thing you can do.

I'd always recommend taking:

• A gentle cleanser

• A hydrating moisturiser

• A good antioxidant

• SPF 50 (this is non-negotiable!)

• A lip SPF if you're spending lots of time outdoors

Consistency is key!

SPF Is Your Skin's Best Friend

If you've ever sat in my treatment room, you'll know I talk about SPF a lot!

If you're using products like the Obagi Professional C Serum, or you're investing in treatments to improve pigmentation, fine lines or uneven skin tone, protecting your skin from UV damage is essential.

Remember, SPF isn't just for the beach.

You're exposed while sightseeing, walking to breakfast, reading by the pool or even sitting under a parasol reading that holiday romance (lol)

And don't forget to reapply every couple of hours one application first thing in the morning simply isn't enough.  It’s two finger lengths for face and then an additional one for the neck not forgetting the décolleté!

Vitamin C Deserves a Place in Your Suitcase

One product I almost always recommend taking away is an Obagi Professional-C Serum.

Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that helps defend your skin against environmental damage caused by UV exposure and pollution while helping maintain a brighter, healthier looking complexion.

Think of it as giving your skin an extra layer of daily support alongside your sunscreen, not instead of it.

Don't Forget Your Moisturiser!  Hot weather doesn't mean your skin doesn't need hydration. In fact, between the sun, swimming pools, sea water and air conditioning, your skin can become dehydrated very quickly.

A well hydrated skin barrier is less likely to become irritated and will recover much more quickly after a day in the sun.

Going Away Doesn't Mean Stopping Your Skincare

One of the most common questions I get is:

"Should I stop using my Obagi products while I'm away?"

The answer is…it depends.

Products containing stronger active ingredients, such as prescription strength retinoids or exfoliating acids, may need adjusting if you're spending long days in strong sunshine.

That's why I always recommend asking us before you travel. We can advise you on exactly what to continue, what to pause temporarily and what will keep your skin performing at its best while you're away.

Flying Can Leave Your Skin Feeling Flat

Cabin air is incredibly dry, which is why your skin often feels tight after a flight.

Drink plenty of water, avoid over-cleansing and apply your moisturiser before and after flying.  Your skin will arrive feeling much happier.

You've Come Home... Now What?

If your skin feels dull, dry or a little congested after your holiday, don't panic.

Now is the perfect time to focus on repairing and rehydrating rather than reaching for harsh scrubs or over exfoliating.

We often recommend treatments such as EmFusion or Obagi Skintrinsiq after summer holidays to calm inflammation, decongest the skin, restore the skin barrier and bring back that healthy glow.

Sometimes just one post holiday treatment, combined with the right Obagi skincare, can make all the difference.

My Biggest Holiday Tip?

Don't chase the tan, chase healthy skin.

Glowing skin isn't about being the most tanned person on the beach. It's about having skin that's healthy, hydrated, protected and resilient.

A holiday should leave you with wonderful memories not unwanted pigmentation or sun damage.

If you're heading away this summer, we'd love to help you put together the perfect holiday skincare routine. Pop into The MediShed before you travel and we'll recommend exactly which Obagi products to pack, what to pause and how to keep your skin glowing from take off to touchdown.

Happy Holidays!!

Much love,

Amy and Dil x