3 ESSENTIAL HOLIDAY SKIN CARE TIPS TO MAINTAIN YOUR GLOW

Between travel, celebrations, and hectic schedules, the holidays are the season for stressed out skin. The following tips are designed to minimize the effects of that stress on your skin while helping you maintain your glow and enjoy everything the season has to offer.

1.PRIORITIZE SLEEP AND COMBAT STRESS

With all the holiday preparations and evenings out, getting a good night’s sleep during the holiday season can be quite a challenge. But prioritizing sleep and keeping your stress level as low as possible is key for healthy-looking skin. Here’s why. When our bodies are asleep, the lymphatic system works to flush out toxins. Our brains also produce body-repairing hormones, such as growth hormones, which are required for cellular regeneration and repairing tissues.

In addition, lack of sleep and chronic stress elevates cortisol levels, which is a stress hormone that can take a major toll on your skin. The skin is the body’s largest organ and it’s often the first place to show signs of stress and sleep deprivation, including dark circles and breakouts. The body needs at least 7 - 8 hours of sleep for optimal function and repair. 

If you’re struggling to get a good night’s sleep, consider creating a bedtime self-care routine to relax your body and mind, get you ready for sleep, and lower your stress levels. Meditation, yoga, a relaxing bath, and performing your nighttime skincare routine are all healthy ways to de-stress at the end of a hectic day.

2. KEEP YOUR SWEET TOOTH IN CHECK

While there’s no denying that delicious treats go hand in hand with the holidays, they can also wreak havoc on your skin. Too much sugar lead to a process called glycation, which happens when sugar binds to proteins and lipids in the body.

Glycation can prevent your cells from functioning properly, contributing to increased free radical damage. As a result, the functions that keep your complexion looking youthful and glowing, namely collagen and elastin production, are compromised. Your skin will also be more vulnerable to environmental stressors, like sun and pollution.

If you struggle to keep your sweet tooth in check during the holiday season, opt for healthier ways to satisfy your cravings. For example, berries and other fruits are sweet, yet healthy options that are full of antioxidants to combat free radical damage and protect the skin from premature aging.

3. MAKE TIME TO REMOVE YOUR MAKEUP BEFORE BED

Feel free to up our makeup game for holiday parties, just be sure to remove it before bed. Leaving makeup on the skin overnight can clog your pores and create a breeding ground for bacteria, two major contributors to breakouts and uneven skin texture.

Doing a double cleanse before bed is the best way to ensure that your skin is makeup free, but sometimes you’re just too tired. Keep a bottle of micellar water and some cotton rounds next to your bed for those nights when you just can’t be bothered to stand at the bathroom sink.