Holiday Skincare, Haircare & Nailcare Tips for Women Over 40

Whether you're jetting off to the Med or enjoying a staycation by the pool, holidays can be both rejuvenating and challenging for your skin, hair and nails, especially for women over 40. As oestrogen levels drop, collagen production slows, and skin becomes thinner and more prone to dryness, UV damage, and environmental stressors like salt and chlorine.

But with a few smart habits (and the right support from within), you can glow all holiday long and beyond.

Here’s your expert holiday beauty game plan:

SKINCARE IN THE SUN: PROTECT & PLUMP

1. Never skip SPF — even on cloudy days.
UV rays accelerate ageing and degrade collagen. Choose a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher and reapply every 2 hours, especially after swimming. Remember not to skip the ears, neck, hands and feet as these areas are just as vulnerable to sun damage and ageing.

2. Layer antioxidants under your SPF.
Vitamin C helps prevent pigmentation and supports collagen. Apply a serum before sunscreen to double your defence.

3. Don't rely on SPF in moisturisers.

We’ve all done it, seen our foundation or moisturiser has a built-in SPF and thought that was enough. Unfortunately, it’s rarely a shortcut say the experts. SPF in moisturisers or foundations is rarely applied in sufficient quantity to offer meaningful protection. It can support your routine, but it should never be your only defence.

 

4. Hydrate deeply, inside and out.
Flying, salt water, and pool chlorine all dehydrate skin. Apply a hydrating mask post sun and boost your water intake. Our collagen face mask increases skin hydration by 45.2%.

5. Dry, irritated skin. 

When the outdoor air is hot and humid, you can still have dry irritated skin. The biggest culprits are spending time in the sun, pool, and air-conditioning. If your skin starts to feel dry and irritated despite the humidity, try these tips

• Shower and shampoo immediately after getting out of the pool, using fresh, clean water and a mild cleanser or body wash made for swimmers.

• Use a mild cleanser to wash your skin. Soaps and body washes labelled antibacterial or deodorant can dry your skin.

• Take showers and baths in warm rather than hot water.

• Slather on a fragrance free moisturiser after every shower and bath. Moisturiser works by trapping water in your skin, so you’ll need to apply it within 5 minutes of taking a shower or bath.

• Carry moisturiser with you, so you can apply it after washing your hands and when your skin feels dry.

• Turn up the thermostat if the air conditioning makes your hotel room too dry.

6. Vitamin D3 levels.

If you wear SPF daily, make sure you also take a vitamin D3 supplement and have your levels checked twice a year. Vitamin D is essential for strong bones, a healthy immune system and overall wellbeing, so don’t compromise that just to slow skin ageing.

It’s far safer to supplement than to expose yourself to UV rays just to boost your vitamin D naturally.

7. Stay consistent with your routine.

While on holiday, it’s essential to stay consistent with your skincare routine to maintain healthy, glowing skin. Set aside time each day to cleanse, moisturise, and protect your skin, even when you’re busy exploring new destinations or relaxing by the pool. Consistency is key to achieving and maintaining beautiful skin throughout your holiday.

 

HAIRCARE BY THE WATER: SHIELD & SHINE

1. Wet hair before swimming.
Saturate your hair with clean water first, this prevents it soaking up as much salt or chlorine.

2. Use a leave-in conditioner or hair oil.
These act as a protective barrier. Tie your hair in a loose braid to reduce breakage from wind and water.

3. Cover up.
A wide brimmed hat protects your scalp and reduces UV-induced dryness and fading for colour treated hair

4. Trichologist Expertise :  Washing your hair too often strips away natural oils. But not washing enough can cause build-up. In summer, tweak your routine:

• Use sulphate-free shampoos

• Add a hydrating conditioner

• Avoid hot water

5. Folliculitis. 

Every hair on your body grows out of an opening called a follicle. When follicles get infected, you develop folliculitis. Infected hair follicles look like pimples, but they tend to be itchy and tender. To reduce your risk of getting folliculitis this summer:

• Immediately after your workout, change out of tight workout clothes like biking shorts, gym kit and shower.
• Stay out of hot tubs and whirlpools if you’re unsure whether the acid and chlorine levels are properly controlled. Many people get folliculitis from a hot tub that there is actually a condition called hot tub folliculitis. 
• Wear light-weight, loose-fitting clothes when it’s hot and humid.

NAILCARE ON HOLIDAY: STRENGTHEN & SHIELD

1. Avoid back to back gel manicures.
While they’re holiday-proof, they can leave nails brittle, especially if nails are already thinning with age.

2. Moisturise cuticles daily.
Use a nourishing oil or balm after swimming to prevent dryness and peeling.

3. Supplement for strength.
Post-menopausal nails often need internal support to reduce splitting and slow growth. Beauty Collagen – With a high dose of Verisol® collagen, Biotin, and Vitamins C, B6, and E, this daily powder helps strengthen brittle nails, keeping them smoother and less prone to breakage.

Bonus Tips:

• Cool down after sun: Take lukewarm showers and apply a soothing after sun or aloe-based gel to prevent peeling.

• Exfoliate gently every few days: Buff away dry, flaky skin to keep your tan even and your skincare absorbing properly.

• Sleep smart: Skin regenerates overnight — pack a silk pillowcase and a nourishing night cream to maximise your beauty sleep.

Being over 40 means your skin, hair, and nails need a little extra TLC, especially on holiday. With consistent sun protection, hydration, and collagen supplementation, you can maintain your glow from the inside out.

So pack your sunhat, sip your collagen, and soak in the sunshine , beautifully protected.