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Protect your skin against winter cold and stress
Central heating, cold winds and an excess of Christmas parties can all play havoc with your skin. These factors coupled with the added stress and pressure at this time of year can take their toll on the skin, leaving it dry, dehydrated and dull! Take the following steps to combat this and keep your skin throughout the party season:
The famous three steps
Always cleanse, tone and moisturize daily. Don’t be tempted to fall into bed without first removing your make-up – you will regret this in the morning when you wake up with blotchy skin and irritated, puffy eyes!
Exfoliate regularly
Twice a week use a facial polish or peel to slough off dead skin cells. This will also allow your moisturizer to sink deeper into the skin as the surface barrier will have been removed. I like: Circaroma Geranium & Vanilla Polish (www.circaroma.com) or Living Nature Peep Cleansing Day Peel (www.livingnature.com).
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Drink more water (of course!)
If you know you will be drinking more alcohol in the evening step up on your water intake during the day. Also try to drink at least two large glasses of water before you go to bed, so that your body will rehydrate as you sleep.
You are what you eat
Your skin is a mirror of what is inside your body, so if you are eating rubbish it follows that your skin will look rubbish too! Try to eat a balanced diet and include plenty of fruit, vegetables, lean meat and fish (organic if possible). Try to also include foods that are rich in EPA and GLA oils, such as avocadoes, oily fish and nuts and seeds – this will help to lubricate the skin from the inside out. If you know that you won’t be organised enough to eat properly at this busy time take supplements to ensure you get enough vitamins and minerals.
Moisturize while you sleep
For extra nourishment apply a facial mask before bed and leave on until morning. I like: Living Nature Rich Hydrating Mask (www.livingnature.com) or Dr Hauschka Moisturizing Mask (www.drhauschka.co.uk).
Get enough sleep
Lack of sleep will show on your face. So try to get a few early nights (in between the late ones!)
Seek professional help
Treat your skin to a facial once every four to six weeks. A regular facial will keep your skin in tip-top condition, increase circulation and moisture levels and prevent premature ageing.