‘Tis the season of feasting, delicious foods, yummy treats…and, unfortunately, festive breakouts.
We’re all aware of the impact Christmas can have on our waistline. But what about our skin? Wine, cheese, chocolate, mince pies, sweets, puddings, more wine. When combined with increased stress levels and winter weather, these can have a hugely detrimental effect on the appearance of our skin.
This year, with COVID-19 restrictions still in place, this effect is likely to be exacerbated by the continuous use of face masks. So, as the celebrations begin, we thought we’d offer a few tips on how to ward off those yuletide spots and keep your skin looking clear and fresh over the festive season.
3 tips to keep skin clear this Christmas
1. Choose food and drink carefully
December is a time for complete and utter, care-free indulgence. There’s no need to avoid festive goodies altogether. After all, it’s been a tough year and you deserve a little treat. But if you wish to maintain clear skin, there are a few foods and drinks that you should try to enjoy in moderation.
For example, alcohol is a diuretic and will quickly dehydrate your skin. Sweet cocktails and sparkling wines also tend to be high in sugar, which can also have a negative impact. So why not switch out your glass of prosecco for a light spirit instead? Or perhaps alternate your favourite tipple with a glass of water? That way, you can still be merry, but your skin will thank you for it later.
You should also be mindful of how much salty party food you’re eating (as this can add to your dehydration), as well as sweets, toffees, chocolates etc. It’s all about getting the right balance.
2. Resist the urge to over-cleanse
This one may seem counter-intuitive. But washing and cleansing your face too often can have an adverse effect. Lipids and oils will be stripped away, disrupting the skin barrier and drying out the skin. Therefore, it’s important to establish a good routine and stick to it over the festive period.
Ideally, you should wash your face just twice a day, using only a mild soap. And to clean away any excess bacteria and hydrate the skin, we recommend GLO Clarifying Toner and Conditioning Spritz.
3. Always remove your make-up
If you’re hitting the hay in the early hours of the morning, it may feel like the last thing you want to do. However, taking off your make-up is essential to prevent clogged pores and keep the skin clear. Nobody is expecting you to perform a five-step cleansing and toning regime at 3am. But simply using a ‘do-it-all’ cleansing wipe will quickly clean the skin, with very little effort on your behalf.
It’s also worth keeping in mind, our skin needs a little more TLC at this time of year. The cold weather and indoor heating systems can both have a negative impact on its look and feel. So, before you jump into bed, be sure to give it a little hydration using a moisturiser and serum.
Book a treatment to banish your festive breakout
With a little awareness and a few careful choices, you can help to minimise the impact of Christmas celebrations on the appearance of your skin. But some breakouts are inevitable and, if you fall victim to festive spots and pimples, there are various acne treatments available for you to try.
For example, salicylic acid and topical treatments can be bought over-the-counter and antibiotics can be prescribed by your GP. Several non-pharmaceutical treatments – including LED light therapy and chemical skin peels – are also available, here at the Aesthetics of Essex. These are a really effective way to restore a clear, glowing complexion and the perfect pick-me-up for the new year.
So, why not get in touch? If you’d like further tips on how to keep your skin clear, or have a question about any of the acne treatments available at our clinic, please feel free to get in touch. We’re always happy to help. Either give us a call on 01708 225 555 or send an email to info@aestheticsofessex.co.uk and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
