These Pre-Vacation Skincare Tips Will Have You Glowing

Vacation is for exploring new places, taking time to relax, and forming memories to last a lifetime… many of which will be captured in photos to share with friends and family for time immemorial. For those of us wanting to look our best while still living in the moment, it may be worth it to indulge in a little pampering before departure. Christine Cabrera, Director of Spa and Fitness at La Quinta Resort & Club, shared her best tips. 

“For those looking to refresh their appearance ahead of a vacation, consider indulging in beauty treatments that are both low-maintenance and quick to recover from, so you can travel with confidence and glowing skin,” she told us. 

So how far ahead in advance should preparations begin? That depends on what you want to accomplish. “A month ahead of a vacation is an ideal window for medispa treatments that may take a bit of time to show full results,” Cabrera said. “Treatments such as CoolSculpting, for body contouring, require recovery time for maximum results, so skin has time to heal and glow naturally.”

If you’re hoping to rock a new ‘do, Cabrera advises making any cut or color changes a week in advance: “You’ll have a few days for the color to settle in and for any adjustments if needed.”

T-minus one week from take-off is also a great time to nourish the skin. Though a hydrating facial is a great choice, Cabrera advises us to “think beyond the face.” For example, she recommends Spa La Quinta’s Cucumber Melon Body Therapy for soft and radiant skin head to toe. “The refreshing cucumber melon blend not only soothes the senses but also enhances your skin’s natural glow—perfect for vacation photos!”

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Courtesy of Amazon

The last few days before your trip are the time for finishing touches. “Treat yourself to a relaxing mani  pedi—perfect for beach-ready toes and polished travel photos,” Cabrera recommends. 

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Some treatments, however, are best to avoid before travel. “Invasive or aggressive treatments such as microneedling, laser resurfacing, or deep chemical peels are best to avoid before travel, as they can leave the skin red, sensitive, or peeling, and exposure to sun or new environments may interfere with healing.”

In terms of hair removal, Cabrera recommends scheduling wax appointments no later than 28-72 hours prior to departure, to avoid any sensitivity or redness spoiling your stay. 

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The key to keeping treatments intact throughout your trip, Cabrera says, is hydration. “Beautiful skin starts from within, so be sure to drink plenty of water leading up to and throughout your trip,” she said. “Staying hydrated helps maintain that radiant, post-treatment glow and supports overall skin health, especially in sunny or dry climate.”

And don’t forget to keep drinking water after your trip ends. “After a fun-filled trip, your skin, hair, and body might need a little extra TLC to bounce back from travel stress, sun exposure, and disrupted routines. My number one recommendation after a trip is to rehydrate, inside and out.”

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Courtesy of Amazon

Above all, do NOT forget about sunscreen! SPF, Cabrera says, is imperative, especially when travelling to sunny destinations: “Pack a broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) and reapply regularly—especially after swimming or sweating. For a touch of vacation glam, opt for SPF shimmer oils that provide protection with a tinted or radiant finish.”

Courtesy of Amazon

Courtesy of Amazon

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