How To Prep Your Skin For The Holidays
It’s that time of year again when the lights start twinkling, the parties start mingling and the weather starts tingling! It’s festive (and busy), and hectic (and fun!), and because it’s my job to do so, I’m here to tell you that the holiday season has the power to wreak havoc on your skin! After a long year of investing in your skin by using better products, popping in for a facial and prioritizing self-care, it would be a shame to throw it all away for the month of December — but let’s face it, this month can be a lot of fun, too.
With a few simple reminders and some of my key winter skincare tips, we should all be able to celebrate the season while keeping our skin in check! Here are my top three skincare saviours to keep in mind this month, and maintain your overall health.
Balance Overindulgence With Antioxidants
The holidays are all about getting together with loved ones and celebrating the joy of the season — which usually includes a boozy toast and a platter of frosted treats! I believe skin health is all about balance, not restriction, so here are my top tips for maintaining your skin’s healthy glow throughout the get-togethers.
Keep your gut health top of mind, even with a shortbread cookie in both hands. Make sure you’re taking a quality probiotic supplement and eating a mostly nourishing diet full of antioxidants. New in the studio, I am so excited to now be offering an all-natural supplement line called ‘Advanced Nutrition Programme’ specific for skin health. Stop by to learn more about the power of these incredible supplements!
Increase your omega 3 intake with a daily supplement and a diet rich in omegas. This will balance any inflammation caused by your extra indulgent food and drink choices, as well as help to boost your skin’s internal hydration and lipid levels.
Drink more water than ever before. This daily practice not only keeps you properly hydrated, but also helps to flush toxins from your system. In turn, you’ll feel less sluggish from all the indulging.
If the sugar, alcohol and rich foods cause some puffiness in your face, I would highly recommend incorporating an at-home Gua Sha ritual into your routine. Detox your skin and system by increasing the lymphatic flow! Not sure how to use one of these tools? Stop by the studio on Tuesdays, make an appointment for a facial, or ask me on Instagram and I can show you!
Reduce Stress By Squeezing In Some ‘Me Time’
Even when you love your family and friends, everyone needs a little guilt-free break from constant socializing! I would recommend prioritizing self care more throughout the holidays than any other season.
Try going for a quiet beach walk in the morning, or do the grocery run solo to catch a moment of ‘me time’. Clearing your mind is an act of self care that your nerves and your little skin cells will thank you for.
Take my word for it: sugar and your skin are not friends! Manage your sugar intake (I know it’s extra hard this time of year) by trying not to have more than one type of treat at each gathering. Sugar loves to spike our insulin levels, which can then trigger a reaction (AKA: naughty, not nice, breakouts, just in time for that big Christmas party…)
Schedule a rejuvenating facial! Take an hour away from the hustle and bustle to focus solely on your self at The Sound. Take the chance to de-stress and get radiant skin just in time for party season. This month only, I’ll be offering an extra decadent facial, rich with aromas of chocolate, cherry and spice, and packed with skincare superpowers. Book today before I fill up :)
Up Your Moisture Intake
Cold weather signals it’s time to change out some of your everyday facial products for more moisturizing alternatives!
Cream: Switch out your go-to moisturizer to one that’s more nourishing. I always recommend Elaspa’s hydrating line because these actually work in sync with your skin’s barrier to improve moisture retention rather than just moisturizing your top layer of skin. I also always carry a hydration spritz with me, which you can apply anytime for an added hit of moisture (I recommend Rhonda Allison Cucumber Spritz).
Serum: Add a hydrating serum to your daily routine, and you can fend off a lot of winter moisture loss before it even begins! Boost your moisturizer with hyaluronic acid, oxygenating or moisture boosting serum — come into the studio to shop my go-to’s. For next level hydration, incorporate a nourishing oil into your night time routine (try: Pumpkin E Serum, Essence Hydration Drops, or Infuse 7 serum from Rhonda Allison).
Cleanser: Regular cleansers can often be stripping and drying to your skin. Depending on your skin type, opting for a gentle or creamy cleanser during the winter months can often make a huge difference in your skin’s hydration level.
Exfoliation: Rather than use harsh physical exfoliants like heavy scrubs, try switching to a weekly enzyme mask. These little enzymes help to digest dead flaky winter skin build up, revealing fresh, dewy, smooth skin.
One final winter skincare tip is to be mindful of taking extra-hot showers and using base heaters in your home and office, as these also contribute to dry winter skin.
Pop into the studio this month to select the best new product options for your skin type. Looking forward to feeling festive with you this month, and helping all of you achieve glowing holiday skin!