The festive season is in full swing, meaning lots of nights out, dinners, drinks and less sleep than usual. The number of social engagements in the lead up to Christmas can mean we party a little too much and let some of our good habits go. Unfortunately, this over-indulgence can have a serious effect on our health, well being and take a toll on our skin.
Whilst many of us are aware of this, we often console ourselves with the promise we will get back to our healthy habits in the new year, but when the new year rolls in we feel bloated, exhausted and suffering from tired, stressed out skin.
Forget the promise of news year’s resolutions, instead make it through to 2020 looking and feeling your best.
Tips for healthy glowing skin the festive season:
Keep up Your Daily Skincare Routine
You cleanse, exfoliate and moisture your skin all year round, so it is important not to let socialising get in the way. Removing your make-up before bed is as important as ever, without it you may suffer from clogged pores which can quickly lead to break-outs. Keep your products in a handy place that mean no matter how late it is you won’t forget to use them.
Look After Your Gut
You are going to be surrounded by rich foods and Christmas cocktails, so it is important to take a moderate approach to how much you consume. Processed foods can play havoc on your gut microbiome. As a result, this can affect other aspects of your health such as an upset stomach, fatigue and skin issues.
It is believed that when there is an imbalance in gut bacteria (when bad bacteria overrule) your immune system fights back which contributes to inflammatory skin conditions such as acne. Additionally, a poor diet and food allergies may cause certain proteins to leak out of the gut and irritate the skin, causing conditions such as eczema.
Over the Christmas season, try to eat more fibre, a wide range of plant-based foods, probiotic foods such as yoghurts and avoid highly processed foods and over indulging on alcohol.
You can also benefit from probiotics in your skincare. All five AMPERNA® products are full of anti-inflammatory anti-bacterial ingredients and contain our probiotic complex. The products and ingredients are inspired by Kiri’s learnings on Holistic Skin Health and the link that she found between gut health and skin health.
Manage Your Stress Levels
Whether it’s work parties, a long list of social events or family obligations, juggling our activities throughout December can get pretty stressful. If your stress levels stay high for long periods of time it can cause a variety of symptoms that affect your overall well-being. Symptoms include poor gut health, irritability, depression, insomnia and skin issues.
When we get stressed our cortisol levels – commonly referred to as “stress hormones” rise. This imbalance may trigger or aggravate existing skin disorders such as acne, rosacea, hives and eczema. Prolonged stress can also make it harder for skin problems to heal.
Hydrate More Often
Drinking water is important all year round. It helps prevent dehydration that can lead to skin becoming dry, flaky and wrinkled.
Remember that water will reach all our other organs before it reaches the skin, so you may have to drink a large amount for the water consumption to be effective. Drink at least eight glasses per day.
Have a Multi-tasking on-the-go Moisturiser
You may be jumping from one event to the next so its important to have a hard working moisturiser that can come along on the journey with you. Choose one that has active ingredients such as UV protection or ingredients to help repair, hydrate, rejuvenate, protect and nourish your cells. Pop a travel size tube in your handbag so you can moisturise whilst on the move.
Get Some Rest
There is a lot of truth to the saying ‘get your beauty sleep’. If we suffer from sleep deprivation our bodies produce the stress hormone cortisol which can have a detrimental affect on our skin health and can cause immune-related skin problems to get worse.
Dress in Skin-friendly Fabrics
If your skin gets easily irritated, it is best to choose natural fibres such as silk, cotton, linen, cashmere and wool. Natural fibres are derived from living organisms with little or no chemical changes. Clothing made using these fibres are hypoallergenic, resistant to every day allergens such as mould/dirt, anti-bacterial and help regulate temperature.
If you find your skin is suffering this party season, Kiri Yanchenko, founder of AMPERNA® is here to help you. If you are interested in learning more about your skin health, you can contact Kiri or sign up for skin coaching.
Sources:
https://www.healthline.com/health/stress/effects-on-body#2
https://swirlster.ndtv.com/beauty/5-beauty-tips-to-get-your-skin-party-ready-1964517
https://www.whowhatwear.com.au/worst-fabrics-for-skin
