The festive period is all done and dusted with and I’m sure you’ve all had an overdose of food and alcohol like myself! Unlike our cravings, our skin isn’t quite as in love with sugar, cheese and alcohol. So, if your skin is proving to be unhappy with your dietary choices and is looking a little “shabby”, today’s post is all about bringing back the glow.
The saying ‘You are what you eat’ is absolutely true so before you head over to the beauty salons for your routine treatments, the first and most important step is to sort out your diet. Exchange your overindulgence with vegetables and anything that looks like the colours of the rainbow…your skin will thank you for it in the long run!
My second tip is to adopt an antioxidant-rich skincare regime for at least a month.
“Antioxidants protect skin by limiting the production of free radicals, which can damage skin cells”.
Use skincare products with Vitamin E, C or Ferulic Acid as they’re all ingredients high in antioxidants and have anti-inflammatory properties that will help with puffiness. A personal favourite is the Advanced Génifique Sensitive Antioxidant Serum by Lancôme. This product blends the two most needed ingredients, Ferulic acid with Vitamin E and instantly calms distressed skin protecting it against air pollutants, free radicals, infrared radiation and UVA rays. Another product which I like to use is A-Oxitive Antioxidant Defense Serum by Avène. It includes Vitamin E, Glucoside and an advanced form of Vitamin C to help restore the skin and brighten the complexion.
Thirdly, hydration should be your new best friend. Increasing your hydration levels post-Christmas is vital. Toleriane Ultra Night Face Moisturizer by La Roche-Posay is my current go-to cream. Since I have very dry skin this gel/cream is a great moisturizer making my skin feel fresh and quenched when I get up in the morning. Its ingredients include shea butter (love…love…love), glycerine, and antioxidants that all work together to offer an intense hydration.
The last and by far my most favourite thing to do in restoring the glow is a home facial massage. Although it’s a ritual I do regularly during the year, a facial massage after the Christmas holidays removes the unwanted toxins and gives a boost to the lymphatic system.
Stimulating your facial lymph nodes gives your body’s natural detox process a boost, reducing bloating and promoting a sense of wellbeing.
I like to do it using Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm by Elemis because it is a powerful, deep cleansing balm and it dissolves make-up, daily grime and pollutants. I try to do it twice a week for 10-15 minutes using upward motions.
Try to go as make-up free as possible to give your skin room to breathe. If you don’t have plans for going out take your make-up off as soon as you get home and let your face stand “naked”. Also, make sure you stay hydrated to maintain that healthy glow you are trying to bring back and lastly, try to “catch up” on all the lost sleep. A good night’s sleep definitely helps the skin!
Till next week…
