Written by Vera Coetsee, Health and Nutrition Coach
27 November 2023
Taking care of our skin is essential for maintaining its health, radiance, and youthful appearance. The holidays are a great time to enjoy the company of friends and family, indulge in delicious foods and splurge on a dream vacation. That said, the festive season can also have a tremendous effect on the skin. During the holidays, travelling, increased stress, and seasonal food and drinks can wreak havoc on even the clearest skin.
Here are some holiday skin care tips to keep your skin healthy and glowing during the holiday season.
Hydrate
It’s easy for skin to get dehydrated while travelling, particularly if you are visiting a drier climate. To keep skin free of fine lines and blemishes, drink plenty of water and use a quality hydrator or barrier cream regularly for a few weeks before travel. This will help to hydrate your skin from within and maintain its elasticity and overall health.
Limit sugar, fried foods and alcohol
Avoid holiday breakouts and bloating by keeping sugar, fried foods, and alcohol to a minimum. Instead, drink a fresh lime soda or kombucha, and seek out foods rich in omega 3’s such as salmon, walnuts, and flax seeds. Boost your antioxidant intake by eating plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables.
Moisturise
The cold weather can strip your skin of its natural moisture. Use a rich and hydrating moisturiser to keep your skin well-nourished. Since travel and stress make your skin more sensitive too, avoid starting new products as well as getting new or irritating facial treatments right before an event. Stick with your routine and use your own skincare products.
Use SPF
Even during winter, it’s important to protect your skin from harmful UV rays. Apply a chemical-free sunscreen with at least SPF 30 to shield your skin from sun damage. Using a moisturising sunscreen can also help to correct uneven skin tone and reveal brighter skin, while also providing sun protection.
Get enough sleep
Between food prep and party hosting, getting a good night’s sleep around the holidays can be quite the challenge. The restorative powers of sleep are essential not only to a bright and clear complexion, but also for a healthy brain. Try to maintain your bedtime routine while travelling or staying with family.
At Restore Integrative Medical Clinic, we offer a variety of aesthetic services and programs that will leave your skin feeling nourished and prepped for the holiday season. Make an appointment at our clinic here to learn more.
Sources:
Li H, Colantonio S, Dawson A, Lin X, Beecker J. Sunscreen Application, Safety, and Sun Protection: The Evidence. J Cutan Med Surg. 2019 Jul/Aug;23(4):357-369. doi: 10.1177/1203475419856611. Epub 2019 Jun 20. PMID: 31219707. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31219707/
Mahmud MR, Akter S, Tamanna SK, Mazumder L, Esti IZ, Banerjee S, Akter S, Hasan MR, Acharjee M, Hossain MS, Pirttilä AM. Impact of gut microbiome on skin health: gut-skin axis observed through the lenses of therapeutics and skin diseases. Gut Microbes. 2022 Jan-Dec;14(1):2096995. doi: 10.1080/19490976.2022.2096995. PMID: 35866234; PMCID: PMC9311318. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35866234/