Our skin has a lot to contend with at this time of year. First there’s all the holiday parties (praying they still go ahead) that cut chunks out of our designated sleep time and up the ante on our alcohol intake – espresso martinis, we’re looking at you. We also tend to consume more sugar (and note: there’s no shame here) in the form of mince pies or tins of Miniature Heroes and ditch our regular routines as travelling or our social lives get in the way. Then, of course, there’s the increase in stress. Trying to fit everything in pre-Christmas is always a struggle, and that’s even without the daily Omicron updates.

Sure, these things are all fun and there’s no way we’d ever tell you to curb that. But they can manifest in skin changes you might not be so fond of. So how do you rescue your skin after life gets in the way? We have a little advice.

We get it: they sound miraculous. A mask that will rid you of all signs of decadence? Wonderful! The problem is, the cold weather means that skin is more prone to dryness and sensitivity, so it’s best to swerve clay masks that can leave skin feeling tight.

Stress and broken sleep can hinder the all-important skin barrier, causing skin to leak moisture left, right and centre. That’s why you should increase the usage of your hydrating serum to two times a day and make sure you’re sipping on water in between the glasses of mulled wine. Some of our favourite hydrating products include Pestle & Mortar’s Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum, Dr.Jart+’s Ceramidin Facial Barrier Mask and Exuviance’s Anti-Pollution Renewal Mask.

Incorporating a facial oil into your evening regime will help nourish the skin and form a blanket that keeps the rest of your formulas below right where you need them – on (and in!) the skin. Lion/ne loves Biologi Rosehip Oil, Monday Muse’s The Nectar, Wild Source’s Miracle Oil and Omorovicza’s Miracle Oil.

Dehydrated skin = dull skin, so when stress and a lack of sleep take their toll, you can expect to see a reduction in brightness too. To fake the glow, we love (on the right skin!) Exuviance’s Skinrise Bionic Tonic pads, which come soaked in a blend of gentle PHAs. Then there's always Glossier’s oil-serum hybrid Future Dew, Laura Mercier’s Radiance Primer or Jones Road’s Miracle Balm for an instant flash of glow.

Want a qualified skin expert to help you navigate your complexion through the festive season? Book a Holistic Skin Session with one of our trained Skin Mentors today.