June always feels like the unofficial start of the holiday season in our house.

As soon as the weather warms up, conversations turn to summer plans, family trips and all the excitement that comes with getting away.

While I love travelling and making memories with my family, holidays can sometimes bring a few challenges for me too… particularly when it comes to my skin.

Because I have sensitive skin, changes in the environment can sometimes trigger flare-ups.

On our last holiday, I developed red, blotchy patches across my skin that left me feeling uncomfortable and frustrated.

Looking back, it was probably a combination of the chlorine in the pool, the heat, the sun and the different laundry products used on hotel sheets and towels.

It was a reminder of just how much our skin can react to things we don’t always think about when we’re packing for a trip.

Over the years, I’ve learned that a little preparation goes a long way.

One thing I always do before we go away is give myself a full day to get organised.

I wash all the bedding before we leave, make sure the house is tidy and get everything packed without rushing.

It might sound simple, but knowing that I’ll come home to fresh sheets after travelling makes such a difference.

After a busy holiday, there’s nothing better than climbing into your own freshly made bed.

When it comes to my skin, I’ve developed a few holiday habits that I never skip.

The first is hydration.

Flying can be incredibly drying, so I make a conscious effort to drink plenty of water before, during and after a flight.

I do the same around the pool and on the beach.

When we’re busy enjoying ourselves, it’s easy to forget, but I always notice the difference when I stay hydrated.

The second is making sure I’ve packed a trusted SPF and a nourishing aftersun.

I never like experimenting with new products right before a holiday.

Between the sun, sea, swimming pools and air conditioning, skin can become dehydrated very quickly, so keeping it protected and replenished is really important to me.

Another lesson I’ve learned is to shower or rinse off after swimming whenever I can, especially after spending time in chlorinated pools.

It’s a small step, but one that helps keep my skin feeling much more comfortable.

As I am the Brand and Lifestyle Consultant for the laundry brand Surecare, I’ve spent a lot of time learning about the connection between our skin and the fabrics that surround us every day.

We often focus on the products we put on our skin, but what we sleep in, dry ourselves with and wear against our bodies matters too.

Fabric really is our second skin, which is why I’m always mindful of the products I use at home and why changes when travelling can sometimes affect me.

Of course, preparation is only half the story.

The biggest change I’ve made over the years is what I do when I get home.

In the past, I’d return from holiday, leave the suitcases sitting in the hallway and dive straight back into work and family life.

Days later, there would still be piles of washing waiting to be sorted.

Now, I always keep a day free after a holiday. It’s my reset day.

I unpack everything, get all the washing done, put clothes away and get the house back in order before normal life resumes.

It means laundry doesn’t pile up, the holiday feels properly finished and I can ease myself back into routine without feeling overwhelmed.

I’ve realised that those two days – the day before a holiday and the day after – are just as important as the trip itself.

One helps me leave feeling calm and organised, and the other helps me return feeling refreshed rather than stressed.

So if you’re getting ready for a summer break, my top advice would be this: stay hydrated, wear a good SPF, keep your skin moisturised, be mindful of the fabrics your skin comes into contact with and give yourself time to prepare and recover.

Because the best holidays aren’t just about where we go.

They’re about how we feel when we’re there… and how we feel when we come home.