How to Destroy Your Skin on Holiday: A Cautionary Tale

We’ve all been there: a well-earned holiday turns into a skincare nightmare. Sun, cocktails, late nights, what’s meant to be relaxing can end up wreaking havoc on your skin.

At nüseoul, we believe it’s much easier to protect and maintain your skin than to rebuild it after damage. Here’s what happens when good intentions meet bad holiday habits, and how to avoid the most common mistakes this summer.

Natasha's real-life before and after

☀️ Excessive Sun Exposure

Nothing feels more indulgent than a day under the sun, but in destinations like Bali, where the UV index regularly soars above 10, prolonged exposure without diligent sun protection can lead to pigmentation, dehydration, and long-term skin damage. Whether lounging by the pool, relaxing on the beach, or sipping cocktails at rooftop bars, the temptation to skip reapplication or stay out “just a little longer” is real.

Avoid it: Reapply SPF 50+ every two hours, seek shade whenever possible, and wear protective clothing or hats (UPF 50+ rated) during peak sun hours.

🍸 Excessive Alcohol (and Sugar)

Holidays often come with cocktails, desserts, and late nights. Unfortunately, both alcohol and sugar can dehydrate the skin, trigger inflammation, and exacerbate breakouts.

Avoid it: Alternate alcoholic drinks with water, stay hydrated with coconut water or fresh fruit, and prioritise water-rich foods to support your skin from within.

🧴 Over-Exfoliating with Harsh Products

Travel-sized skincare often feels like a convenient solution, but some “peeling pads” and exfoliating treatments can be far too harsh, especially when containing high concentrations of AHAs, BHAs, and retinoids. Using these without a proper acclimation period (or layering them while exposed to intense sun) can leave the skin red, irritated, and sensitised.

Avoid it: Stick to your usual skincare routine while travelling, and avoid introducing new actives or high-strength exfoliants in unfamiliar climates.

🏍️ Excessive Pollution Exposure

Exploring a city or island by motorcycle or scooter is part of the adventure, but it also exposes skin to high levels of pollution, exhaust fumes, and road dust. Combined with sweat and sunscreen buildup, this creates a perfect storm for clogged pores and congestion.

Avoid it: Prioritise a gentle double cleanse each evening to thoroughly remove pollutants and buildup, and consider wearing a light scarf or mask in highly polluted areas.

💆‍♀️ Overly Harsh Facials

Booking a facial abroad can feel like the ultimate self-care moment. But not all treatments are created equal, some clinics may use overly aggressive ingredients or techniques that aren’t suited for sensitised, sun-exposed skin. The result? A compromised skin barrier, redness, and prolonged irritation.

Avoid it: Research clinics thoroughly, opt for hydrating or calming facials rather than extractions or peels, and always check ingredient lists and protocols before treatment.

💄 Frequent Makeup Application and Over-Cleansing

Special events, dinners, and photo opportunities can lead to multiple makeup applications, and multiple cleansing sessions, each day. Repeatedly layering, removing, and reapplying full-coverage makeup puts stress on the skin, often leading to barrier damage, dryness, and irritation.

Avoid it: Minimise makeup reapplication when possible, use gentle cleansing methods, and avoid over-washing to maintain the skin’s natural oils.

💤 Sleep Deprivation

Late nights and early mornings can quickly disrupt the skin’s repair cycle. Lack of sleep impairs the skin’s ability to recover from sun, pollution, and dehydration, often leading to dullness, puffiness, and increased breakouts.

Avoid it: Prioritize quality sleep wherever possible to allow the skin time to heal and regenerate. Rest is truly one of the most underrated skincare tools.

✈️ Dehydration from Air Travel

Skin dehydration often begins before arriving at the destination. Long-haul flights expose skin to dry cabin air, reducing moisture levels and leaving skin feeling tight, flaky, or inflamed by the time the plane lands.

Avoid it: Prepare skin for flights by applying hydrating serums or masks pre-boarding, opting for minimal makeup, and drinking plenty of water throughout the journey.

The Takeaway

Holiday skin damage doesn’t have to be inevitable. By avoiding these common mistakes; excessive sun exposure, harsh exfoliation, pollution buildup, aggressive treatments, and over-cleansing, it’s possible to return home glowing, not recovering.

Remember: skin thrives on balance, hydration, protection, and consistency. This summer, give your skin the care it deserves, even while you’re sipping that poolside cocktail.