It’s almost a given that most of us will overdo it this Christmas with festive food, booze, shopping and parties aplenty. As a result there is a strong possibility that any amount of overindulgence will take its toll, reflecting poorly on our skin health.
The look, as in glow, tone and elasticity of the skin is influenced by many factors of our lifestyle habits, it is central to our social and visual experiences, when our fac
e is fresh, youthful and radiant we feel great and confident. When our skin is dull and lifeless we feel low and miserable. It clearly mirrors how we are taking care of ourselves. If you are suffering from lack of sleep, puffy eyes, grey skin tone and ongoing sore throats this is a clear sign that lifestyle stresses are getting the better of you.
But there are ways to overcome the demands of the festive season and maintain a glowing look without compromising on all the joyful activities. The answer may lean towards ‘everything in moderation’ … finding the balance between excessive and unnecessary.
If you do intend to ‘party party’! Make sure you manage your diary to include some down time amidst social engagements. Refrain from booking events back to back by giving yourself some space between them.
Ditch the hangover! Avoid excessive drinking and take the option of mixing spritzers to dilute alcohol with soda or tonic. Keep a glass of water going with a glass of wine. Stay off the spirits and don’t mix the grape with the grain. In the event you wake up with a fuzzy head and feel groggy. Pick yourself up with a cleansing drink of fresh lemon steeped in hot water, then pop out for a 30 minute run. Fresh air and exercise is a great way to clear your head, revive and brighten your skin.
Beauty sleep! Even though there may be a busy schedule ahead, make sure you have a few early nights. You can uphold your loveliness by sleeping around 7-8 hours a night to help repair and restore the skin cells.
You are what you eat! Too much rich food will cause skin outbreaks, redness and lines. Be sure to have a one-day detox during the week. Try a Pineapple and Cucumber smoothie to cleanse the system. Pineapple contains a powerhouse of valuable enzymes, such as bromelain, and minerals renowned for aiding digestion, reducing inflammation, and curbing appetite, while the cucumber helps reduce the sugar content of the juice, hydrate the body, and cleanse the skin.
Pamper yourself! Make time for a relaxing facial or full body massage to support skin health and wellbeing. If you are staying in for an evening’s recovery, take a long therapeutic bath adding an aromatic blend of essential oils such as 5 drops each of Lavender and Rosemary. The properties of the oils will help relax muscular tension and calm the mind. 
Skin rituals! Whether your late to bed or rushing off in the morning, always make time to cleanse and moisturise your face. Remember to exfoliate your body once or twice a week before you shower, finishing with a rich body moisturizer to keep the skin toned, supple and youthful.
Feed your skin! with Argan oil, extracted from the kernels of the Moroccan Argan tree, rich in fatty acids and vitamin E. Not only does Argan oil act as an effective moisturiser, it can also restore elasticity, leaving the skin feeling plumper and softer, giving a youthful glow and reducing the visibility of wrinkles. Its anti-oxidant effect makes Argan oil the perfect anti-aging ingredient in current skin care products. Could it be on your wish list this Christmas?
Annie Moore Massage and Aromatherapist, Reiki practitioner and Yoga teacher at Vidatherapy Spa, Teddington, Middlesex
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