ere’s no denying that the festive period is the most wonderful time of the year – but all the food, drink and general excesses of the party season can quickly begin to take their toll on your skin. Alcohol consumption over Christmas can lead to a dry and dehydrated complexion while the late nights can give you the unwanted gift of dark circles under your eyes – and that’s before we even get started on the sugar, which in the short-term can result in breakouts and over time, can lead to sagging.
If all of the celebrations have left you looking dull, tired, and far from your best, then it’s time for a spot of pampering, and with a few simple steps, radiance will be restored. Here, we take a look at some of the top tips you need up your sleeve to waltz into 2025 feeling nothing short of fabulous.
Hydration is key
Dehydration can take hold quickly when you’re swapping water for wine on a daily basis over the Christmas period, and it won’t just leave you feeling tired and lethargic, but your skin, too. The quickest way to start looking and feeling better is to restore that lost hydration, so start drinking plenty of water and ensuring you get the minimum six to eight glasses per day that experts recommend. As they say, beauty comes from within, and all the masks and night creams in the world won’t fix the problem without starting with the basics.
Once you’ve done that, get back on track with your daily skincare regime and be religious with it. If you haven’t made a few swaps for the winter season to make sure your skin is getting the extra nourishment it needs, then now is the time to do that, too; the added pressures of the elements and central heating, which can further accelerate dehydration, need to be counteracted, so put away that lightweight lotion until the spring and bring in a heavier duty moisturiser in the meantime.
Add a collagen supplement to your routine
One of the most effective ways to support your skin’s natural healing process after the holiday season is by adding a collagen supplement to your daily routine. As we age, the skin’s natural collagen production slows down, leading to the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles as well as sagging – and the pressures of party season can further exacerbate – and accelerate – all of these things, but taking a regular supplement can help to restore your skin to its former glory.
As well as giving it an instant boost and a much-needed shot of hydration, it will support the skin over time, so it isn’t just a quick fix, but a long-term essential.
Collagen can be consumed in powder, capsule, or liquid form and is easily added to smoothies, teas, or even coffee. Carry a marine collagen sachet in your handbag and add it to a glass of water for an easy, on-the-go solution.
Detox and nourish
Drinking lots of water will go some way towards detoxing after the festive excess, and will help to flush out all of the toxins that are bringing you down. But to support the process further, fill your plate with fresh fruits and vegetables at mealtimes; they’re packed with antioxidants that will give your immune system a boost, and it’ll show from the outside in your skin.
Adding a weekly detoxifying mask to your skincare routine is a great way to provide targeted nourishment directly to the skin itself, so introduce one now and keep using it until the end of the winter. A concentrated dose of skin-loving ingredients on top of your usual products will make all the difference when it comes to getting your skin back to its best quickly and keeping it there.
Get some quality sleep
You’ve likely been scrimping on sleep during the festive season, staying up later than usual for parties and get-togethers – and this in itself can quickly start to show in your complexion. Inflammation, acne and dullness are all telltale signs that you’re in dire need of some shut-eye, so if you’re noticing any of them then start prioritising quality sleep now, making sure to get your recommended seven to nine hours each night.
Something that many people don’t know about not getting enough of it is that late nights and irregular sleep patterns can lead to an increase in the level of stress hormones in the body, which in turn, can trigger all sorts of skin issues – so introduce some practices designed to help you manage stress and implement a good sleep hygiene schedule to ensure that you’re ready to drop off instantly when bedtime rolls around. Try daily meditation and mindfulness techniques, take a warm bath before bed, and turn off your screens at least an hour before you aim to sleep, as blue light can negatively impact the body’s natural circadian rhythm. Read a few chapters of a good book before light’s out instead, and you’ll instantly notice a difference.
