Go for the glow all year long

Want to prolong your skin’s radiance once the summer getaway is over? Beauty editor Laura Mulley finds out how

Amid the laundry loads, piles of post and 2,437 unread work emails, there is one good thing about coming back home after a summer holiday: smugly receiving those “you look well” comments from family, friends and co-workers.

Despite having a fair, easily irritated complexion, being without my fanciest skincare products and surviving on a diet of bread and ice creams, when I’m away on a sunny holiday my skin never looks better. And I’m not just talking about that glow from having a hint of a tan – my skin feels more hydrated, I get fewer breakouts and even my dark circles look lessened.

If this sounds familiar, here’s what else could be contributing to that getaway glow – and how you can keep it up once your plane touches down.

to dilate, which means your skin gets a richer supply of oxygen and micronutrients – this stimulates fibroblast cells, helping skin to repair itself,” says Dr Shotter.

At home hacks: When you’re cleaning your face in the evening, soak a flannel in warm water and place it over your face for a minute or two. You can also buy face gadgets with thermal therapy functions.