Festive Skincare Solutions

Festive Skincare Solutions
Whether it’s the mix of mulled wine and mince pies or the stress of spending too much time with your family, here’s how to stop it from affecting your skin over the festive period.

Stress Face


The Cause: Usually an endless shopping list and the thought of spending concentrated time with the in-laws is enough to raise stress levels, but Covid-19 has taken them off the richter scale.

The Effect: “Dehydration, breakouts and often sensitivity and redness as a result of the inflammation caused by stress,” says dermatologist and brand founder Dr Howard Murad. “High levels of cortisol (stress hormone) can slow circulation around the eye area and lead to puffy eyes and dark circles too.”

The Fix: Curb breakouts with a gentle exfoliating formula, such as Medik8 Press & Glow Daily Exfoliating PHA Tonic with Enzyme Activator, £ 9,00, which sloughs away dry skin and cleanses pores. Our go-to moisturiser when our skin is playing up is Dr. Dennis Gross Hyaluronic Marine Oil-Free Moisture Cushion, £ 64,00. It lives up to its name and hydrates and soothes without feeling heavy. Give your eyes a boost with Murad Vita-C Eyes Dark Circle Corrector, £ 69,00.

Sugar Face


The Cause: Kicking off each day with an advent calendar chocolate and ending it with a slice of yule log, not counting the mince pies you’ve snacked on throughout the day.

The Effect: “Sugar is proven to cause inflammation and glycation,” says U Beauty founder, Tina Craig. “When glycation, aka excess glucose, occurs in the skin, it latches onto our collagen and elastin proteins, both of which we need to keep our skin firm and supple.” Tina also warns that “irritated skin and sporadic breakouts are also a sign of too much of the sweet stuff.”

The Fix: When it comes to firming and plumping, Oskia Super 16 Pro-Collagen Serum, £ 94,00 will give skin a helping hand. Layer with Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Cream, £ 62,00, which helps to supercharge collagen production, as well as instil a dreamy glow. And for those pesky breakouts, dab Paula's Choice Clear Regular Strength 2% BHA Exfoliant, £ 33,00 onto the area of concern.

Mulled Wine Face


The Cause: One too many Proseccos, snowballs, mulled wines, or whatever your chosen festive tipple is.

The Effect: “The number one side effect of alcohol when it comes to your skin is dehydration. Alcohol is a diuretic, so your skin cells, which absolutely love water, are likely to become dehydrated,” says Daniel Isaacs, Director of Research at Medik8. “The result can be dull and lacklustre looking skin.”

The Fix: Add some hydrating heavyweights to your routine to rehydrate, radiate and plump skin. Medik8 Hydr8 B5 Liquid Rehydration Serum, £ 45,00 and Charlotte Tilbury Charlotte's Magic Cream Moisturiser, £ 29,40 are the dream team. While the former quenches your skin’s thirst with a potent dose of hyaluronic acid, the latter locks in hydration and leaves it with a soft bounce. For a little extra boost of radiance, splash on onto skin after cleansing twice a day.

Thermostat Face


The Cause: Recreating Barbados-esque temperatures in wet and windy Winchester by dialling up the central heating.

The Effect: “Dehydration lines, tightness and even flaky patches can all be signs of a parched dehydrated skin that has been affected by central heating,” says Dr. Murad.

The Fix: contains a whopping five types of hyaluronic acid to seriously recharge your moisture levels. Follow up with the purse-friendly , which nourishes skin effortlessly. We also highly recommend sleeping in the iconic Summer Fridays Jet Lag Mask, £ 26,00 twice a week.

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