The festive season is nice for loads of issues – the style, the meals, the movies – however it isn’t so nice for your skin.
Central heating, chilly air, prosecco, stress and layers of make-up all add up – and for those who’ve ever discovered your self Googling “how to fake a glow before a Christmas party”, you’re not alone.
But the consultants agree: the key to radiant, party-proof skin isn’t a fast repair. It all lies in the preparation, prevention and good restoration.
Start your glow cycle early
According to dermatologist Dr Nora at Rejuvenation Clinicthe greatest festive skin begins lengthy earlier than December.
“Ideally, start four to six weeks before the festive season as this is the time it takes for your skin to go through one ‘skin cycle’ [on average 5-6 weeks] and your hard work to glow through,” she explains. “Consistency always wins over last-minute fixes.”
She recommends specializing in “gentle exfoliation twice a week, daily SPF and glow-boosting actives like vitamin C and niacinamide.”
Dermatologist Dr Ejikemewho was recommended for medical aesthetic practitioner of the 12 months in 2024, says that consistency is all the pieces. “The earlier the better. If you haven’t been consistent, begin four to six weeks ahead for visible improvements.”
Her festive prep staples embody hydration and barrier help, significantly serums which can be filled with peptides, ceramides and hyaluronic acid, which “supports overnight renewal and improves skin texture over time”.
Garnier Brightening Serum, 4% Vitamin C, Niacinamide and Salicylic Acid, £9.33 (was £13.99), Boots
Byoma Brightening Toner, £7.20 (was £11.99), Sephora
Revolution Pro Miracle Night Rescue Serum Advanced Complex, £12
Hydration, not highlighter
If your complexion seems to be flat or uninteresting midwinter, each dermatologists agree the resolution isn’t make-up – it’s moisture.
“Hydration is your instant fix,” says Dr Nora. “Layer humectants like hyaluronic acid and glycerin, then seal it in with a rich moisturiser.”
For at-home outcomes that mimic in-clinic therapies, she suggests “PDRN-based serums like Anua or Medicube for glassy, luminous skin,” whereas La Roche-Posay’s Hyalu B5 Serum is a extra inexpensive plumping choice.
Dr Ejikeme agrees, and says “hydrating eye patches [can quickly and visibly] reduce puffiness and brighten. It gives immediate softness and visible radiance.”
uklash Hydra-Gel Eye Patches, £40
Aroma Zone Hyaluronic Acid 3.5% Serum, £6.50
Post-party restoration that really works
After an evening of make-up, alcohol and too little sleep, many people attain for scrubs or acids to “reset” our skin. Don’t, says Dr Ejikeme.
“Avoid over-cleansing or exfoliating, which can damage the barrier,” she explains. “Focus on gentle cleansing, rehydration and skin recovery. Apply a serum and moisturiser to calm and restore.”
Dr Nora is much more emphatic, stating: “Don’t over-exfoliate! It’s tempting to scrub away the night before, but that only worsens irritation and dehydration.
“Instead, gently cleanse, rehydrate, and replenish with barrier-repairing ingredients like ceramides or panthenol. Your skin needs soothing, not stripping.”
Aveeno Face Calm and Restore Nourishing Oat Cleanser, £9.50, Look Fantastic
Lancaster Golden Lift Sculpting Cream, £85, Look Fantastic
Cold-weather swaps that save your skin
Winter’s dry air and indoor heating can wreak havoc on even the greatest skincare routine. Both consultants advocate making refined seasonal changes.
“Swap foaming cleansers for cream-based ones and upgrade to a richer moisturiser or facial oil,” says Dr Nora.
“Winter air and central heating both strip the barrier. The Weleda Skin Food is a celebrity favourite for a reason – it’s deeply nourishing when skin feels tight or flaky.”
If your ordinary retinol really feel too harsh in the chilly months, she provides, “switch to azelaic acid for a gentler glow boost.”
Dr Ejikeme’s recommendation is easy and says to prioritise texture for those who don’t know the place to begin with seasonal swaps.
“Swap lightweight textures for richer creams with ceramides or squalane, and use hydrating serums under your moisturiser to prevent water loss.”
She additionally reminds sufferers that “SPF is still essential in winter” to scale back skin barrier harm.
Naturium Azelaic Acid 10%, £22, SpaceNK
Sorting the holy grail from the hype
This time of 12 months at all times brings a brand new wave of devices and “miracle” fixes – however not all are created equal.
“LED masks genuinely support skin health when used consistently. There’s solid science behind them,” says Dr Nora. “Ice rollers give short-term depuffing, but they’re more cosmetic than corrective.”
She provides that “collagen drinks can help, but only if they contain hydrolysed collagen peptides – that’s the only form your body can actually absorb”.
Even then, “omega-3 and zinc supplements tend to do more for your barrier and inflammation long-term”.
Silk’n Facial LED Mask 100 LEDS, £99.99 (was £160), Look Fantastic
Make-up habits that sabotage your skin
The occasion season is all about shimmer and full protection, however heavy, long-wear formulation include a value.
While Dr Ejikeme says cleansing brushes and sponges at the least as soon as per week is essential to keep away from breakouts and pigmentation, Dr Nora hones in on eradicating make-up.
“Heavy, long-wear or occlusive formulas can clog pores if not removed properly,” she says. “Double cleansing is essential – micellar water alone won’t cut it.”
She additionally factors to the significance of barrier care, advising to “avoid sleeping in make-up, even ‘non-comedogenic’ ones, and watch out for layering too many matte or alcohol-based products, as they strip the skin”.
ISOCLEAN Make-up Brush Cleaner with Spray Top, £12.75 (was £17), Look Fantastic