The Christmas party has arrived but don’t fret if your skin isn’t quite ready to sparkle with your sequins during the festive celebrations. Skincare regimes are often pushed aside in the whirlwind of present buying, social events and last-minute preparations, but there are plenty of easy skincare tips to help you look and feel your best.
Expert dermatologist, Dr Nathan Holt of the UK’s leading skincare group offers his advice on how to get your skin looking radiant and ready for Christmas.
TOO MANY TIPPLES… can lead to dry patches and redness.
As we raise a glass to mark the year gone by, we can be in danger of damaging our skin. Drinking alcohol depletes vital skin nutrients, especially Vitamin A, so to avoid the impact of over-indulgence keep a hydrating moisturiser on hand. This is essential for restoring and revitalising the look and feel of your skin. Look for moisturisers that contain Hyaluronic Acid as this will help prevent skin from drying out. Also, try putting your moisturiser in the fridge. When you apply it each morning, the cool temperature will help to refresh your skin, and soothe any dry patches and reduce redness and puffiness, often caused by one too many mulled wines.
SLEEPING IN YOUR MAKEUP AFTER THE CHRISTMAS PARTY… can lead to acne problems.
During the Christmas party season it’s easy to fall asleep without taking off your make-up – the cardinal sin of skincare! This clogs up your pores and can increase the risk of acne and blackheads developing. Although it may seem tedious at the time, making sure to cleanse before bed will save your skin in the long term. A good cleanser will keep your skin looking radiant. Try a vitamin-rich product with lots of Vitamin A, which will do your skin the world of good.
EXFOLIATION FAUX PAS… can lead to dull skin
Gentle exfoliation is the key to radiant skin, although we often skip this step of our skincare routine when rushed off our feet. Try to do this twice a week to remove the build-up of dead skin cells, makeup and oils to reveal glowing, fresh skin underneath. Regular exfoliation can also help minimise the appearance of pores. Try an exfoliator that contains Glycolic Acid as it will expose brighter skin and even lighten some dark marks. Don’t forget to exfoliate your lips with a sugar scrub, too. This will prep them perfectly for that festive red lipstick!
FESTIVE STRESS STEALING YOUR SLEEP… can lead to tired eyes
Rushing from pantomime to party, the busy festive season can disrupt our sleep pattern. Going to bed late and waking up with excitable children eagerly awaiting Father Christmas… it’s no wonder dark circles begin to appear! A refreshing eye cream will do wonders to prevent water loss in the skin and improve elasticity, therefore helping to reduce the appearance of dark circles and fine lines. Also, try to avoid caffeine if possible. Herbal tea is better for relaxing, especially before bed.
