Skincare might not be high on your list of priorities when it comes to planning a holiday, but it's more important than you might think.

From airless planes to scorching heat, taking a trip to the sun can leave your skin dry, irritated and gasping for some TLC.

If you're heading away this summer, get prepared with a beauty regime that'll take you from the airport to the beach and back without so much as a breakout. Here are a few tips to get you started…

Before you go
Preparing your skin for travel is key, especially if you'll be spending time in harsh sunlight while you're away.

1. Prep your skin for the heat
If you'll be outdoors a lot and hoping for a tan, make sure your skin is ready by exfoliating at least a week beforehand.

2. Give yourself a moisture boost
You don't need to wait until your trip starts to get hydrated. A few days before you travel, use a hydrating mask or treatment to really boost your skin's elasticity and keep it soft and supple.
 

On the plane
Sitting in a moistureless tube for several hours is a surefire way to dry out your skin, as the air pulls water from anywhere it can get it. So be ready to keep your skin hydrated as best you can.

1. Use a serum
The low humidity on a plane can wreak havoc with your skin, so use a serum before you fly to ensure your skin gets deeply hydrated. Depending on the length of your flight, you should be moisturising with a cream or serum every 3 – 4 hours.

2. Go barefaced
If you have a long-haul flight ahead, bite the bullet and clean your face of make-up before you fly. Otherwise you'll risk dry skin and blocked pores. If you're self-conscious, bring your make-up on board (in bottles under 100ml!) and reapply before you get off the plane. Simple.

3. Keep hydrated
It can be tempting to raid the free drinks trolley, but don't forget to top up on H2O too. After passing security, buy a big bottle of water and aim to have it finished an hour or two into your flight. For longer flights, drinks will always be available at your request so be sure to keep drinking water as the flight goes on.
 

When you get there
Sunshine, sand and seawater are not your skin's best friends, so keeping up a good beauty regime while on holidays is key.

1. Use SPF
We may be stating the obvious here, but protecting your skin from UV rays is SO important. Look for make-up that includes SPF so you know you're protected at all times.

2. Use a light moisturiser
Your skin doesn't need a heavy day and night cream when you're in the sun, so use a serum or a light lotion instead.