Addressing skin damage caused by heat, humidity & UV

During the coming weeks, you may see an increase in clients presenting with conditions attributed to exposing their skin to increased heat, humidity and UV exposure. Thanks to overseas travel, even usually healthy skin can experience flare ups of irritation, pigmentation and dryness. 

“As clients prepare for summer travel, it's essential to understand how environmental changes, especially flying, heat, humidity and prolonged sun exposure, can significantly impact the skin,” says Dr Simon Ourian, cosmetic dermatology doctor and co-founder of Simon Ourian MD. 

Dr Christine Hall, GP, Emergency Medicine Doctor and Aesthetic Physician, agrees. “These factors can disrupt the skin barrier, trigger sensitivity and worsen concerns like pigmentation, acne or rosacea. Even clients with typically balanced skin may experience flare-ups,” she says.

Pre travel skin preparation

“Preparing the skin with the right hydration, barrier support and sun protection is key to keeping it healthy throughout the journey,” advises Dr Hall. “Cutting out actives that can sensitise the skin a week or so before sun exposure can help - things like acids and retinoids but you don't really need to do this unless they make your skin sensitive. Just make sure you are extra vigilant with your SPF.”

However, Clare O‘Hanlon, Business Development Director of Boost Beauty Solutions, suggests clients should avoid treatments that can enhance the skin's sensitivity ahead of travel.

“I would always recommend to avoid invasive treatments and products before exposing [skin] to [UV radiation, air conditioning and humidity], particularly chemical peels, microneedling and even waxing as the skin can become more sensitive to UV rays and increasing the risk of sunburn,” states Clare. “Opting for protective skin treatment using antioxidants would be more appropriate as the vitamins will protect the skin and act against free radical damage from UV explosive, neutralising their harmful effects, preventing antioxidant stress.”

Emphasis should be placed on hydrating and soothing the skin ahead of travel. “Clients should focus on barrier protection and deep hydration. A nourishing sheet mask can prep the skin with essential moisture and antioxidants before flying,” says David Sneddon of Hive of Beauty / +maskology^®.

Protecting skin in-flight

“Skin often becomes dehydrated during flights due to extremely low humidity, while sudden shifts in temperature and UV exposure increase inflammation and oxidative stress,” Dr Christine Hall explains. 

Starting a holiday by applying SPF before boarding the plane is probably not in your clients travel plans, however it's imperative to protect skin from UV radiation ahead of take-off as Clare O'Hanlon, explains: “Amazing for applying SPF on holidays but don't wear any on the plane? This is starting of a holiday on a bad skin note; firstly [your client is] very high up in the air, the closest [they] will ever be to the sun and the UV radiation will reach the plane cabin, especially if [they] have a window seat.”

In-cabin air conditioning can also be disruptive to skin health, as Dr Simon Ourian outlines: “Even with SPF, skin is vulnerable to dehydration, inflammation and pigmentation due to increased oxidative stress and disrupted barrier function. Air travel is particularly dehydrating; recycled cabin air strips moisture from the skin, often leaving it feeling tight and dull. Heat and humidity can trigger increased oil production and flushing, while UV exposure - even through clouds or windows - can accelerate premature ageing and pigmentation.”

To address this, David Sneddon urges the application of intensive moisturising, soothing and calming ingredients during flights. “Encourage the use of hydrating face masks, under-eye patches, or serums that offer a moisture surge, especially in-flight. Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, and vitamin C to fight fatigue and dryness.”

Although clients may be meticulous with SPF application when on their holiday, skin can still be vulnerable. “Even with SPF, UVA and HEV (blue light) can penetrate the skin, contributing to premature ageing, pigmentation and flare-ups and when [the] skin carrier is compromised this will happen even more,” says Dr Hall. “Heat and humidity can worsen redness particularly in sensitive or rosacea-prone skin whilst oily skin is more likely to suffer breakouts. That's why hydration, calming actives and antioxidant protection are essential, not just SPF alone.”

She continues: “Recommend lightweight serums with hyaluronic acid or niacinamide to layer under SPF and prevent trans-epidermal water loss. For redness, ingredients like centella asiatica and azelaic acid calm inflammation, support repair and are ideal for travel stressed or sensitive skin. To prevent and treat pigmentation, pair broad-spectrum mineral SPF with antioxidants like vitamin C or tranexamic acid.”

“Post-holiday skin often shows signs of dehydration, redness, and uneven tone. Sheet masks with calming, cooling ingredients like chamomile, centella asiatica, and collagen help rebalance and soothe the skin,” says David Sneddon. 

With the right professional guidance and products, before, during and after travel, clients can maintain skin health and avoid unnecessary damage. “Ultimately, summer skincare should focus on prevention, hydration, and calming the skin,” concludes Dr Simon Ourian. “By using science-led formulations and staying consistent with daily rituals, clients can enjoy their travels while keeping their complexion fresh, balanced, and protected.”

+maskology^® Professional Sheet Masks deliver a boosts of intensive ingredients that address skin concerns generated through travel such as dehydration, redness and uneven skin tone. Look out for their Vitamin C Brightening Mask with  Blueberry, Yuzu Citrus and Sea Buckthorn, or the +maskology^® Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Mask with Chamomile and Wild Rose. 

The +maskology® range is certified by the Vegan Society and 100% plant-based.

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Suitable for all skin types, the serum delivers an intense dose of long-lasting hydration, tackling the effects of stress on skin and super-charging cellular activity for brighter, healthier, plumper-looking skin. Skin is calmed and soothed, appears more radiant thanks to nourishment at a cellular level.

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