Between company parties, neighborhood gatherings, family get-togethers—and, of course, running around town finding gifts and outfits for all these festivities—December is a wonderfully busy time of year. And all that fun can take its toll on your skin. Here are our tips for making it through the holiday season with your glowing complexion intact!
Before the party
It’s the day of your big holiday party! You’re peering through your closet, trying to find the perfect outfit, and wrapping up your host gift. Next comes hair and makeup. But wait! You should take a few preventative measures, so your skin doesn’t suffer too much for your holiday festivities.
First, make sure you’re drinking water. We know we should stay hydrated, but it’s easy to forget amid the holiday hustle. Set a reminder on your phone, if you need to, or bring a reusable bottle with you wherever you go.
Before you start applying makeup, massage a layer of moisturizer into your skin. If the party is indoors, you’ll be safe from the frigid winds, but the dryness of the air will sap your skin of moisture and leave it looking dull in the morning.
Before you leave for the party, set out your makeup remover and cleanser as a reminder for later.
After the party
We know all you want to do is rip your shoes off and collapse into bed. But it’s crucial that you wipe your face and eyes with a makeup-removing product. If you don’t, all of that party makeup will cause bacteria to form and clog your pores. Some lipsticks contain chemicals that will leach the moisture out of your lips, leaving them dry and cracked. Mascara has a similar effect on your eyelashes; if it is not removed regularly, it will cause your eyelashes to become brittle and thin.
After removing your makeup, cleanse thoroughly with a product like Garnier SkinActive Micellar Foaming Face Wash, which is effective on all skin types.
In the days following the festivities, continue to cleanse and moisturize regularly, and try a soothing face mask if you want to give your skin even more TLC. The other part of the equation is your diet. You’re probably a bit sleep deprived, so it’s tempting to reach for coffee, but caffeinated beverages will only dehydrate you more. Instead, drink as much water as you can; we recommend aiming for at least two liters a day.
Your skin’s appearance often reflects your internal health, so fill your diet with nutrient-dense foods to restore your healthy glow. For vitamin C, try citrus fruits; for Vitamin A, milk or eggs; Vitamin E, nuts or seeds. And if you hit the eggnog too hard, pile your plate with green leafy vegetables like spinach and kale, which provide liver support.
The holidays are a time for indulging, but by following these tips, the evidence of your fun won’t show up on your face. From all of us at Coastal Dermatology, we wish you a happy holiday season!