Jetting off for a European summer? I’m beyond jealous, but I’ve enjoyed quite a few Euro Summers in my time. So, I know that the heat, travel and all those cocktails and delicious meals can really take their toll on the skin.

I chatted with beauty expert and founder of Amatus Skin, Amy Zapantis, who shares her tips for your Euro Summer skincare.

Get set to come back glowing!

Euro Summer skincare —  Pre-flight skincare

Amy says, “when we factor in flying for 20+ hours on top of a complete climate, our skin might struggle to find hydration or keep up with the long travel days. By the time we reach our destination, it may appear and feel completely different. To balance this, Amy suggests starting your Euro Summer skincare routine before you check in.

Gentle Cleanser

You want your skin to feel fresh and well-hydrated for the flight. Amy recommends, “using a gentle cleanser before heading to the airport. Avoid harsh products that might strip your skin of moisture.”

Opt for a light formula, like Amatus Purifying and Balancing Cleanser. The vegan formula whisks away surface debris while also providing a deep cleanse. With green tea and turmeric, it helps calm irritations, as well as provide antioxidant nourishment.

Amatus Skin Gentle Cleanser

Inner Hydration

When it comes to glowing skin, drinking plenty of water every day is essential. Amy recommends upping your daily water intake a few days before you fly.

“Start drinking plenty of water a day or two before your flight,” she says. “It will help keep your skin hydrated while you’re flying and upon landing.”

Be sure to continue drinking lots of water on the plane, as well as when you’re living it in Europe.

Euro Skincare Moisture

Invest in a great moisturiser that will serve you well before, during and after the flight, while you’re tripping around Europe.

“Apply to your face before flying, and reapply as soon as your skin feels thirsty in-flight.”

Try Amatus Hydrating and Restoring Gentle Daily Moisturiser. With Shea butter, almond oil, vitamin E, rose oil and squalene, it has all the hydration g ingredients you need for your Euro Summer skincare.

Amatus Gentle Moisturiser

Euro Summer en-route skincare

Unless you forget to apply and reapply sunblock when you’re frolicking in the Mediterranean Sea, the flight is likely to cause the most damage to your skin on your holiday. The lack of hydration in the (recycled) air can leave your skin super-dry, dull and lacklustre. Here are Amy’s tips to combat in-flight skin woes.

Skip Heavy Makeup

I like to at least check in with a natural made up face, but Amy advises to keep it to a minimum. I’ll add to that, pack some cleansing wipes to remove it once you’ve boarded and settled into your seat.

“If possible, minimise makeup during the flight to allow your skin to breathe,” says Amy. “If you need some coverage, opt for a tinted moisturiser or BB cream.”

Hydration and nourishment

The Golden Rule when flying is to continually hydrate your skin.

“Bring a moisturiser or serum to refresh your skin throughout the flight,” stresses Amy. “Look for soothing ingredients like rose water, jojoba, shea butter and hyaluronic acid.”

Try Amatus Anti-Ageing and Rejuvenating Super Serum and Amatus Hydrating and Restoring Gentle Daily Moisturiser, which perfectly fit the criteria.

Amatus Super Serum

Sip, sip…

No, not the bar cart! Water. It’s a no-brainer, but Amy reminds us, “Of course, drink plenty of water!”

On-the-ground Euro Summer skincare

Don’t skip the skincare with the excitement of the adventure ahead.

“Upon arrival, cleanse your face to remove any dirt and pollutants accumulated during your journey,” says Amy. “I always recommended to cleanse twice, again with something gentle that has antibacterial properties.

“Apply a hydrating and rejuvenating serum and moisturiser (combo effect!), followed by a good moisturiser to replenish skin moisture. Treat yourself to a hydrating mask to help revive and soothe your skin after traveling. An express mask even for 10-15 minutes is perfect to give your skin a boost before exploring.

And of course, the Number One, Golden Rule of Euro Summer skincare, is to protect your skin with the best quality sunblock you can find.

I’m crazy about Ultra Violet Fave Fluid SPF50+. It’s light, easy to apply and absorbs beautifully. It also leaves a soft glow and is the perfect primer for foundation. I also love another Aussie brandThe Kind Sunscreen. It’s gentle on the skin and the planet, as well as the critters we share it with.

Check out more travel essentials for your Euro Summer here.

Happy travels!

Shonagh Walker is one of Australia's most prolific and respected lifestyle writers, covering everything from health and beauty to travel and entertainment. In her 30+ year career she has interviewed some of the world's most famous faces, covered stories from the lighthearted to the very serious, all with the aim of somehow helping her readers feel better about themselves, or arming them with information to enjoy life to the fullest. Shonagh is the recipient of several prestigious awards for her work. On the rare day she is not at her computer, she can be found walking her dogs or trying to improve her gardening skills.