We are spearheading towards the end of 2022 and truly in the thick of all things festive with social gatherings galore. We’re feeling it here in the AMPERNA® office.
For people who suffer from skin concerns such as acne, rosacea, dry, itchy skin and eczema, the Christmas period can be a time when these conditions flare.
The main triggers for these ‘skin-mares’ being:
- a change in diet
- drinking alcohol
- wearing more make up
- less sleep
- less exercise
- increased stress
So, we decided to throw together our collective tips and tricks we do to ensure we look after our skin (and our sanity, lets be honest) during the Christmas and New Year countdown.
Hopefully there are some ideas that resonate with you to make sure your skin woes do not ruin your festive fun.
Kiri – AMPERNA® Founder
Skin Concern: Allergic reactions & sun protection
Skin Tips: Running a business takes a lot of work which is why it is imperative that I always prioritise looking after myself both mentally and physically. During the end of year celebrations is really no exception for me. I implement my holistic living 365 days of the year which help the health of my skin and my overall wellness.
This includes:
- Staying hydrated
- Avoiding alcohol
- Eating an anti-inflammatory diet
- Maintaining my fitness routine which consists of Pilates, strength training and walking.
- Applying SPF and wearing appropriate sun protective clothing every single day
- Forward planning (especially at the tail end of the year)
- Saying ‘no’ to unexpected plans if it is going to create any unwanted stress or strain to my schedule.
Kiri's hero AMPERNA® product: Probiotic+ DS Soothing Serum (100ml)
The first product I ever formulated to help my own skin when I had severe pustule acne and perioral dermatitis will always hold a very special place in my heart.
The DS Soothing serum is AMPERNA®'s bestselling product. It is renowned as our ‘no-nasty topical steroid alternative’ and has helped thousands of people with their sensitive skin concerns. I always have the DS serum on hand, in my bathroom vanity, my gym bag and at the office.
I find using the 100mls goes a longer way as I use it on my face and body if/when my allergic reactions may appear.
Wesley – AMPERNA® Director
Skin Concern: Minor breakouts and ageing skin
Skin Tips: This year I have made a conscious decision to limit drinking alcohol and watch my sodium intake. I also stay consistent during the festive season with hitting the gym and training with a personal trainer twice a week.
I keep on top of my skin by implementing a quite simple routine. I use the AMPERNA® Ultra Gentle Soothing Cleanser morning and night. Our 10% Pro+ Resurfacing Lotion every second night (to keep those annoying breakouts at bay). And the Pro+ Vitamin C Hyaluronic Serum every night.
Wesley's hero AMPERNA® product: Ultra Gentle Soothing Cleanser. It cleanses my skin really well without leaving it feeling tight or irritated.
Eleni – Social Media Coordinator
Skin Concern: Hormonal Acne and redness
Skin Tips: Before I started working at AMPERNA® I suffered from both cystic and hormonal acne. The Acne Plus bundle has completely saved my skin! And I now use these products religiously every day and every night in a regime that Kiri created specifically tailored to my needs.
I suffer from PCOS so I avoid inflammatory foods that can cause painful bloating and discomfort. Things like dairy, fried foods and too many carbs are my culprits. So, I avoid these especially around Christmas time.
I also make sure I up my water intake – I have a 1L reusable bottle at my desk, on my bedside table, in my bag and I’m constantly refilling all of them. I avoid using harsh chemical exfoliants during the summer season too as I have sensitive skin and prone to redness.
Eleni's hero AMPERNA® product: Hands down the Probiotic DS+ Soothing Serum
This was the first product I’ve ever used that has repaired my skin barrier and made a huge visible difference to my skin. I no longer get cystic acne, my breakouts are under control and it just feels so nourishing and calming on my skin.
‘SPECIAL SHOUTOUT’ to the Hydrating Gentle Lotion with Ceramides. I accidentally got a little sun burnt on my arms and chest the other day at the beach & this lotion was a game changer. It immediately soothed my red skin & kept my skin feeling cool and comfortable during the night.
Alison – Administration and Office Support
Skin Concern: Sun protection and ageing skin
Skin Tips: I am a busy mum of two young children so I need to have a simple and effective skincare routine all year round. I religiously use AMPERNA®’s The Essential Bundle followed by the Pro+ Bio Soothing Mineral CC SPF15 during the day to protect my skin against UV rays. We all know that sun damage accelerates visible signs of ageing so wearing an SPF every day is necessary.
I only wear makeup for special occasions. I like allowing my bare skin to breathe, so I will go makeup free most days or keep it to a light tinted moisturiser. Our skin cops a barrage of pollutants each and every day, so the less additional product we use on our skin the better.
In terms of my overall health during the end of year festivities I make sure I prioritise exercise, keep up my water intake, limit alcohol consumption and only have 1-2 glasses on special occasions and try to eat a balanced diet (where possible 😉)
Alison's hero AMPERNA® product: Pro+ Vitamin C Hyaluronic Serum
This serum has two dream-team ingredients combined for ageing skin. Vitamin C and Hyaluronic acid (#chefskiss). The added bonus is it has AMPERNA®'s unique probiotic complex so it also delivers good bacteria to the skin. It deeply hydrates and gives my skin a lovely glow.
Rei – Fulfilment Assistant
Skin Concern: Sun protection and wrinkles
Skin Tips: I have a quite simple skincare routine. I like to use AMPERNA®'s Essential Radiance Plus bundle alongside our Pro+ Bio Soothing Mineral CC SPF15
I enjoy a mix of exercise like pole dancing, yoga and swimming and eat a lot of seafood and fresh vegetables. Quality sleep is very important to me, so I ensure I get a minimum of 8 hours a night.
Rei's hero AMPERNA® product: Pro+ Bio Resurfacing Retinol RX I use this a couple of times a week and I’ve really noticed a difference in fading some slight pigmentation on my skin as well as softening of fine lines. It is a gentle leave on granactive retinoid serum that contains AZA, niacinamide, liquorice root extract and zinc & copper gluconates to help calm redness and improve the skin’s appearance.
