Whether it’s a work Christmas function, New Years Eve, drinks with friends, or a family get together– the party season is well and truly upon us! With all that celebrating we need to be mindful when it comes to looking after our skin. Our skin experts at Amie Rose have put together some of our top tips to keep your skin glowing this festive season.
Protect your skin with SPF!
As skin therapists we talk a lot about the importance of SPF, it is hands down the most important step of your skin care routine not only to protect against damaging sun exposure but also prevent skin ageing. A vital part of your morning skincare routine should always include applying sunscreen, it is the most effective way to protect your skin from the damaging effects of the sun. Apply your sunscreen 20 minutes prior to sun exposure and where possible re apply every 2 hours.
Hydrate
With a few extra alcoholic beverages plus late nights our skin can quickly show the signs of dehydration. Keep your body hydrated from within by focusing on your water intake during the day, start your morning off with a large glass of lemon water and keep up the good habit by aiming for 2L per day. If you are at an event try to replace some of the glasses of champagne with sparkling water to keep hydrated through the evening (your skin and your head will thank you in the morning!) If you are seeing the effects on your skin like fine lines, flakiness or dull skin we recommend to pack your skin with as much hyaluronic acid as you can. Serums and masks are always a quick way to plump up dehydrated skin. As a humectant and hydration-hero product, Hyaluronic acid will immediately plump up skin that’s in need of a good drink, helping to hydrate and replenish lost moisture.
Be careful with sugar overloading and nourish your inner health
The festive season means delicious food and extra indulging, this can mean we don’t follow as much of a balanced diet as we normally would. While indulging in treats is perfectly fine and we don’t believe you should restrict yourself, we do recommend you try to nourish your body when you can to help keep your body healthy, increase your energy levels and keep your skin glowing. We are fortunate that in our climate we have an abundance of wonderful fruit and vegetables that are in season during summer (hello mango’s!) Add some of this beautiful fresh produce to the menu to treat your skin to antioxidant healing powers every day.
We also recommend being extra mindful with your sugar consumption. We all know that sugar is bad news for our skin. However, did you know that over time it creates an unflattering skin condition called, “glycation?” Glycation occurs when sugar molecules attach themselves to proteins, setting in motion a devastating chain of chemical reactions that end in the proteins binding together or cross-linking. When the body breaks down sugar, it creates an “Advanced Glycation End Product” (referred to as AGEs). AGEs is the cross-linking of proteins such as collagen and elastin, resulting in a toughened pillow-like effect within the skin! This, of course, is something that we don’t want as the damage is permanent!
We’re not going to say “ban all sugar,” but to just be more aware of how much you’re consuming during the silly season and be skincare-wise!
Relax and breathe
While this time of year is full of joy and happiness it can also be an exhausting time. Between the social engagements, shopping for gifts and prepping for the big day we can often forget to take some time for ourselves. Take some time out to stop, breathe and relax. Treat yourself to a massage or facial treatment, yoga session, long walk or read a book. This will help you feel relaxed and allow you to actually enjoy this special time.
Don’t neglect your skin care routine
Finally, try not to get lax when it comes to your skincare routine over the coming festive season. If anything, your skin is going to need extra TLC so try to stick to your regular cleansing, serums and most importantly SPF!”