How to look after your body post-holiday

There’s nothing quite like a holiday, am I right? The anticipation in the lead-up, the excitement of discovering a new destination, and the satisfaction of knowing how jealous all your friends and workmates will be – it’s all pretty fab! On the flip side though is the post-holiday comedown. I’ve just arrived back from a month in Europe and while it was an amazing trip, my skin, hair and body are paying for it! From loads of time in the sun to endless swims in saltwater and very little in the way of exercise, my holiday has well and truly caught up with me. Luckily, I’ve got some beauty know-how up my sleeve to get it all back on track. Here’s my guide to a post-holiday body overhaul…

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Hair

It would have been a great idea to use a hair treatment to refresh and restore my locks while I was away but alas, I didn’t have the foresight! Whether you’ve just returned from a tropical getaway or a trip to the slopes, the changes in climate can wreak havoc on your hair. Plus, it’s likely you didn’t wash it as often as usual or use your regular arsenal of products while on holiday. First things first, use a super hydrating treatment to deliver all the moisture and goodness back into your locks. For the weeks after your trip, apply a nourishing oil after each wash to ensure your tendrils remain in tiptop shape!

We love: A’kin by Al’chemy Ginkgo & Jojoba Intense Moisture Masque, Moroccanoil Hydrating Shampoo and Conditioner, Lady Jayne TanglePro, Natura Siberica Oblepikha Oil Complex For Damaged Hair

Skin

Changing from one climate to another can also have an adverse effect on your skin. While I was away, I used a Dermalogica Skin Kit which was super convenient and helped to keep my skin in check. However, if you neglected your usual skin care regimen on your trip, it’s likely your skin is looking dull, dry and in need of a little TLC. Luckily, it’s nothing a face mask can’t fix. I recommend a detoxifying mask to get rid of any unwanted build-up followed by a hydrating mask to reinvigorate your complexion.

Try these: 7th Heaven Green Tea Peel-Off Masque, Swisspers Cucumber Facial Cleansing Wipes, Swisse Manuka Honey Detoxifying Facial Mask, Neutrogena HYDRO BOOST Mask

Body

No matter where you went on your trip, it’s likely that the weather, daily activities and other factors (like sleeping in different beds and sheets and spending hours on planes) have caused some unwanted changes in the skin on your body. I’m much more tanned than I was before my holiday but my skin is also a whole lot drier and flakier! I’ve been piling on the moisturiser and making sure I exfoliate at least once a week to get rid of those dead, flaky skin cells while keeping my holiday glow looking fresh. Here are a few of my favourites for getting the job done:

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Vaseline Intensive Care Spray Moisturiser Advanced Strength, Manicare Exfoliating Gloves, Dermalogica Exfoliating Body Scrub, NIVEA Body Rich Nourishing Body Moisturiser

Feet

I don’t know about you but my feet need weekly TLC in my daily life, let alone when I’ve been gallivanting overseas. On top of the regular stresses your feet go through, a different climate, a heap of walking and most likely less care than usual – and they’re in pretty dire straits upon your return. You can head to the nail salon and get a professional pedicure to bring them back to life, or you can DIY from the comfort of your own home. If you pick the latter, here are a few tools you need in your kit: