With summer holidays approaching, many people are booking beauty treatments before heading to the beach. However, Annabelle Taurua, beauty expert at Fresha, warn that some popular procedures can leave skin more vulnerable to sun damage, irritation, and other complications while travelling. They recommend carefully timing treatments such as laser hair removal, microneedling, and chemical peels before trips to sunny destinations. Getting the timing wrong can increase the risk of skin sensitivity, hyperpigmentation, and prolonged recovery, with cabin pressure, UV exposure, and environmental factors such as saltwater potentially making these effects worse.
Laser treatments: Allow 2–4 weeks before travelling
“If you’re completing a round of laser treatments, ask your technician to delay your appointments for a couple of weeks. Before and after laser treatment, your skin is much more sensitive to UV exposure, especially if you’ve got darker skin or treated sensitive areas like your face,” explains Taurua. “Your skin is much more prone to irritation and hyperpigmentation if exposed to strong sunlight, so it’s best to have your appointment a few weeks before travelling somewhere sunny and postpone your next session until after your tan has faded, as higher melanin levels can cause the laser to target the skin instead of the hair follicle, leading to serious skin damage.”
Clinical guidance supports this advice, noting that sun exposure before or after laser treatment increases the risk of burns and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Many practitioners recommend avoiding direct sun exposure for at least two weeks before and after treatment, particularly for people with darker skin tones or higher melanin levels.
Microneedling: Allow at least 5–7 days
“Microneedling is an incredible treatment for promoting collagen production by essentially creating tiny micro-injuries to the skin. It has hundreds of success stories and long-term results, but it’s a treatment where the skin needs time to fully recover,” says Taurua. “Doing it too close to a holiday will leave your skin red and more reactive to sun exposure.”
Dermatology experts generally recommend allowing the skin to recover fully before prolonged sun exposure, as the temporary disruption to the skin barrier can increase the risk of irritation and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
Chemical peels: Ideally 7–10 days before travel
“Chemical peels can leave your skin feeling baby smooth, but the process involves removing the outer layers of skin, which temporarily weakens your skin barrier,” Taurua explains. “During the recovery period, the skin will be a lot more vulnerable to sun damage, so definitely give it time to heal before travelling somewhere hot.”
Professional skincare guidance similarly recommends scheduling chemical peels at least 7–10 days before travelling to sunny destinations. During this healing period, freshly exfoliated skin is more susceptible to UV damage, irritation, and pigmentation changes, making diligent sun protection particularly important.
Dermal filler: Ideally 2 weeks before flying
“If you’ve recently had filler, flying can sometimes exaggerate any swelling, thanks to the combination of cabin pressure and dehydration during flights, which causes us to retain water. The swelling occurs because hyaluronic acid filler attracts water, so your swelling can temporarily look more pronounced,” Taurua says. She adds, “Heat can also worsen swelling after filler treatment, so I’d always advise people to keep treatments to a couple of weeks before travelling, especially on long-haul flights.”
A short recovery period before flying can help any initial swelling settle. Clinicians also advise protecting treated skin from excessive heat and sun exposure during the early healing phase, as these can aggravate inflammation.
Dermaplaning: Allow around a week
“Dermaplaning removes dead skin cells and fine facial hair, leaving your face very smooth but temporarily more sensitive,” says Taurua. “Giving your skin about a week before travelling helps reduce irritation and allows your skin barrier to fully recover before being exposed to sea, sun and sand.”
As dermaplaning temporarily removes part of the skin’s protective outer layer, freshly treated skin can be more vulnerable to UV exposure and environmental irritants. Allowing several days for the skin barrier to recover before travelling, alongside consistent sunscreen use, can help minimise irritation and sun-related damage.
Lash extensions: 2–3 days before travel
“With any lash appointment, you want them to last as long as possible, but lash extension adhesive needs time to fully cure,” Taurua explains. “If you get them done right before your travel day, exposure to swimming, sun cream and saltwater will likely weaken the bond and reduce how long they last.”
Hair colouring: 5–7 days before
“Freshly coloured hair can be more vulnerable to fading from UV exposure, saltwater, and chlorine,” says Taurua. “Giving it a few days before travelling will help the colour settle and minimise irritation to your scalp.”
Dermatologists broadly support allowing adequate recovery time before prolonged sun exposure, particularly after invasive or exfoliating cosmetic treatments. Travellers heading to Mediterranean or tropical destinations are advised to seek personalised advice based on their skin type and the procedures they have had.
As peak holiday season continues, salons are reporting increased demand for advice on scheduling beauty treatments before travel. Experts stress that while these procedures can deliver excellent results, careful timing, following aftercare instructions, and using a high-factor broad-spectrum sunscreen are all important for protecting treated skin and achieving the best outcome.