The festive calendar is filling up fast, bringing a whirlwind of Christmas parties and social gatherings. While enjoying the celebrations, it's crucial to maintain your skin's health and radiance. The combination of late nights, alcohol, central heating, and winter weather can lead to dehydration, dullness, and breakouts.
Expert Advice for Party Season Skin
Consultant dermatologist Dr Alexis Granite emphasises the importance of internal and external hydration. "During party season, hydration is everything – and that starts inside. Drink plenty of fluids the morning after, then do a gentle but thorough cleanse to remove the night’s makeup and impurities," she advises.
Oculoplastic surgeon Dr Elizabeth Hawkes adds that protecting skin is key. "During the festive season, staying hydrated, avoiding smoking, and wearing sunglasses and SPF during the day will help." To combat specific issues, she recommends using "Vitamin C around the eyes during the day for brightening."
Top Picks for a Festive Glow
We've tested and curated a list of essential products and tools to see you through the season. The selection includes cleansers, targeted treatments, and high-tech gadgets.
The INKEY List Salicylic Acid Cleanser (£12): Dr Granite suggests formulas with salicylic acid to calm party-induced blemishes. This cleanser gently unclogs pores without stripping essential oils.
Purifide by Acnecide Skin Restore Pimple Patches (£9.99): These high-street patches use a 4-in-1 Hydrotech™ formula with salicylic acid and niacinamide to absorb, reduce, and restore blemishes over eight hours, even under makeup.
Ole Henriksen Banana Bright+ Vitamin C Eye Crème (£38): Designed to tackle dark circles, this eye cream uses a triple vitamin C complex to illuminate and minimise fine lines.
L'Oréal Paris Revitalift Laser Instant Eye Bag Eraser (£14.99): For immediate results, this new launch visibly reduces the look of bags and wrinkles in 15 minutes, with effects lasting up to eight hours.
Garnier Vitamin C Daily UV Brightening Fluid Sheer Glow, SPF50+ (£12.99): A tinted, lightweight moisturiser with high SPF protection that hydrates and shields skin from winter sun, promoting a radiant finish.
Paula's Choice Resist Intensive Repair Cream (£39): An overnight retinol cream that softens wrinkles, smooths texture, and protects the skin's barrier with antioxidants.
Caudalie VinoHydra S.O.S Hydrating Hyaluronic Serum (£29) This fast-absorbing serum with natural hyaluronic acid provides long-lasting hydration for all skin types and strengthens the skin's natural defence.
Beauty Tools and Advanced Treatments
StylPro Wavelength LED Face Mask (£99): A multi-tasking at-home device using red, blue, and near-infrared LED light to boost collagen, balance skin, and promote clarity.
TheraFace Depuffing Wand by Therabody (£99): A handheld gadget employing hot and cold therapy to decrease puffiness, reduce dark circles, and enhance glow on the go.
LANEIGE Lip Sleeping Mask (£21): An ultra-nourishing overnight mask that provides intense moisture to combat dehydrated, chapped lips.
Therapie Clinic Polynucleotide Injections (£195): This in-clinic treatment, favoured by celebrities like Kim Kardashian and Olivia Attwood, uses a formula derived from salmon sperm to trigger collagen production, restoring firmness and a youthful glow.
By integrating these expert-backed swaps and treatments into your routine, you can ensure your skin stays hydrated, protected, and radiant throughout the festive frenzy.
