The holidays as much fun as they are, can be a stressful time as well. Cooking, shopping, cleaning, decorating and more! All during a time when you want to look your best. The truth of the matter is that it’s actually when your skin tends to look its worst.
This stress is all due to a lack of sleep which can manifest as wrinkles, skin laxity, dryness, rosacea and even acne. The problem is that stress increases the production of hormones that damage collagen and elastin. Too much stress also takes some of the joy out of life, so you are more likely to frown or scowl, which adds to the production of wrinkles.
Follow these five steps to re-energize your skin for a glowing New Year:
1. Exfoliate: A buildup of debris, oil and dead cells can affect your skin’s ability to absorb the active ingredients in your skin care products.
Exfoliation is key to maintaining healthy glowing skin. If you have oily skin use a pore clearing mask once a week. Instead of the beads and scrubs which can sometimes be too harsh for the skin try a chemical exfoliation. Peels are very safe and can address many skincare concerns and the penetration is much more effective than any other methods of exfoliation.
For your body, try a lotion high in glycolic acid, not just a typical scented body lotion. Glycolic acid the AHA of choice and it really works hard to exfoliate and rejuvenate the skin.
2. Treat yourself to a facial: If you are not sure what to choose from the menu of services, sign up for a skin consultation with an aesthetician and let him or her choose the best treatment for you. based on your skin care needs. If you prefer to do an at-home facial, try a clay mask such as GlamGlow Mud Mask. Natural clay refines pores, cleanses, exfoliates, moisturizes and rejuvenates the skin. Clay or mud-based masks are best for maintaining balance, especially in oily or acneic skin.
3. Stay hydrated: Too much alcohol and not enough water can really dehydrate your skin, making wrinkles more noticeable. Drink at least eight glasses of water throughout the day and reduce your intake of coffee and tea. Increase the amount of fresh fruits and veggies you eat as they have high water content.
4. Keep skin active: Retinol based products will work to rejuvenate your skin, produce more collagen and accelerate cellular turnover. Apply thirty minutes before bedtime. Retinol based products works best while you sleep.
5. Exercise: When you work up a sweat, you are moisturizing your skin from the inside out. Avoid the use of saunas and steam rooms; although they may seem refreshing, they will actually dehydrate your skin. Also, avoid using hot water on your face, hands or in the shower in the Winter, as it will dry out your skin faster.
