With this lovely weather outside, you probably have your vacation already planned. Outfits, maps, camera and sunglasses, all are making their way into your suitcase. We understand that holiday is all about relaxing and enjoying the sun, but we also want to make sure you will take care of your skin as well. We have put together five solutions that will simplify your skincare process during your time off and will help your skin avoid dehydration and dullness, due to climatic differences or changes in diet.

1. Don’t spend too much time in the sun 

We all know that exposure to ultraviolet light can be very detrimental. Even though the melanin has the role to protect the skin from the sun’s ultraviolet rays, prolonged exposure can burn the skin, cause wrinkles, disturbing spots and reduce its elasticity, which will make a person age prematurely. What is more, people can burn easier early in the summer, because it takes time for the skin to get used to the sun.

Of course, you may ask what kind of holiday is that without sun bathing? To maintain the health of your skin and enjoy plenty of sun, make sure you:
- use sunscreen: buy products that contain a minimum SPF of 15. Apply it generously on the skin and try to put it on again every two hours, especially if you spend a lot of time swimming. Needless to say, Oxford Online can always help you if you don’t know what to buy;
- wear appropriate clothes: people with a light skin have the tendency to sunburn easily, therefore, they should protect themselves by covering up sensitive areas with thin layers;
- stay in the shade: try to walk in the shade as much as you can during the daily walks and limit the total time you spend sunbathing, in particular between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

2. Leave bad habits at home 

It is hard to follow rules during your holiday, but indulging too much can do more harm than good. You may think that having a cigarette from time to time is harmless, but studies proved it otherwise. Smoking narrows the blood vessels in the skin, decreasing blood flow and draining the skin of oxygen and nutrients that are important for its health. Even more, this bad habit also damages collagen and elastin, the fibers responsible for your skin’s strength and elasticity. Thus, you will look more tired after the holiday, rather than fresh and healthy. Our advice is to try quitting before going on the trip; if you need support, you can always talk to our doctor.

3. No splurging when it comes to food

You will now say that we are officially over the line with this advice. You may feel that fast food and a range of desserts can make you happier during the holiday, but they actually don’t. It is absolutely normal to want to try the local cuisine, but make sure you choose foods that contain fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins. Some studies say that meals rich in vitamin C and low in carbohydrates can sustain younger looking skin.

4. Prepare correctly for the flight

It may seem weird that you have to be careful with your skin during the flight as well, but this has a very rational reason behind it. You are the closest to the sun when you are flying and, sadly, the windows of the plane are not created to filter out the dangerous UV rays. Even more, the airline cabin contains less oxygen, which affects water retention and damages the skin. So every time you travel by plane, try to apply a moisturiser that has an SPF rating, close the blinds and choose an aisle seat over a window seat whenever possible. 

5. Choose your drinks carefully

When we are talking about hydration, we are referring to being careful with the types of drinks you consume. While serving a glass of wine or two during your dinner is acceptable, replacing water with sugary or other appealing drinks during the holiday can really harm your skin. Because our skin is made of 64% water, make sure you keep yourself hydrated. Water intake improves skin density, thickness and increases the blood flow to the skin. Even more, when your skin is hydrated, it is less likely to crack and to allow external factors to cause irritations.

Here you go, five elements that can really help with your skincare during the holiday. Furthermore, following these easy steps will make the effects of your holiday last even longer and will add up to your efforts of adopting a healthy lifestyle.