9 effective skincare tips for a glowing skin this Christmas
It's no secret; nurturing that summer glow throughout the winter months can be difficult. However, at Poko, we always want to help you look your best. Therefore, we've come up with a list of skincare tips for the Christmas season. From reinforcing your natural moisture barrier, to tackling dull skin, and handling those pesky pre-party breakouts, we're here to help.
Sometimes, you might want to revolutionise your entire skincare routine just before the festive season. You might also just want to address specific concerns. In both these situations, we can help! Here's how to better care for your skincare routine throughout Christmas (and into the new year)!
One of our favourite skincare tips is to avoid hot water - even at Christmas!
Throughout the winter, it can be so tempting to reach for that hot water tap. After all, hot water is far more effective at removing makeup than cold water is! However, one of our favourite skincare tips for the Christmas season is to avoid hot water (yes, at all costs). If you're anything like us, you like your water far too hot - and that isn't exactly a good thing.
When you use hot water to cleanse your skin, it actually strips your skin of its essential, natural oils. While this might feel like a deep cleanse at first, it can actually compromise your natural moisture barrier over time. This, in turn, will make your skin feel tight at first, before your complexion teeters towards dry and flaky. Therefore, one of our favourite skincare tips at Christmas is to forego the hot water.
Washing your face with ice-cold water might not sound like fun, but we wouldn't recommend this, either. Instead, opt for lukewarm water; comfortable enough to wash your face in, but not hot enough to harm your skin. By doing this, you'll be able to ensure healthy skin, no matter the season. After all, a good cleanse is the start of a good skincare routine!
Make sure that you're getting enough sleep
We know, we know - this one is far easier said than done. In fact, many of us neglect our sleep cycles, especially in favour of other, more pressing matters. For example, parents might forego their sleep cycle for some much-needed me-time. However, if you're trying to up your skincare game this Christmas, it's important to draw the line somewhere.
Therefore, one of the most crucial skincare tips is to get enough sleep - especially around Christmas. While the idea of staying up late might be tempting, remember that when you go to sleep, your skin heals itself. That's right, just seven or eight hours of sleep a night can help with your collagen levels, addressing those fine lines you might recently have noticed. Additionally, your skin heals from UV damage while you sleep.
Due to this, it's extremely important to help your skin along, on its healing journey. Plan your Christmas schedules early in advance, factoring in Christmas shopping, events, and even travel time (if you plan to travel, that is). By doing this, you'll be able to enjoy a proper night's sleep, and help your skin look its best over Christmas - no skincare tips needed!
This Christmas, follow our cleansing skincare tips!
Over the warmer months, you might find that an active-heavy cleanser, or one with a physical exfoliant does the job. After all, summer is all about layering your SPF. At the end of the day, you'll need some help with cleansing your skin! However, these cleansing methods might not translate as well to the colder season. In fact, harsh and heavy cleansing methods can often dry out your skin. Coupled with hot water, it's a recipe for disaster!
Instead of a harsh primary cleanser, opt for the double-cleansing method. First, use a cleansing balm or oil to remove makeup, built-up grime, and the rest of the day (we've all been there!) from your skin. Then, follow this up with a gentle, pH balancing cleanser for truly clean skin. By utilising this method, you won't strip your skin of its natural oils. However, this will effectively help remove makeup and cleanse the dirt and grime - no makeup wipes necessary!
Skincare tips 101: this Christmas, swap your physical exfoliant for a chemical one
One of the most important tips this Christmas lies at the heart of your skincare routine: your choice of exfoliant. Sure, there's a time (never on your face) and place (only on your body) for a physical exfoliant. However, as we mentioned earlier, you should refrain from using a physical exfoliant on your face. Over time, a physical exfoliant can cause micro-abrasions in your skin, exacerbating inflammation and signs of ageing.
Conversely, chemical exfoliation can help hit pause on these issues - especially when done correctly. Furthermore, it can also help with your complexion this winter. AHAs and BHAs work to slough off dead skin cells, leaving your skin brighter and fresher than before. With regular use, you should also see a reduction in scarring and fine lines - something we all want! Therefore, switch to a chemical exfoliant before winter hits, and never look back.
A proper face mask routine can go a long way!
Lately, you might have heard of the multi-masking trend. While this might sound like a bit of a hassle, it's a great way to tackle specific issues - especially if you have combination skin. In fact, this could turn into one of those essential skincare tips, coming up to the Christmas season.
For example, why not tackle your dry forehead with a soothing, hydrating mask? Conversely, use a gentle AHA mask on your nose, or other blemish-prone areas. For more oily areas, try multi-masking with a clay mask, as this could help stem excess sebum production. With a regular masking routine, you'll be able to treat your skin and get a little time for yourself. Plus, with consistency, you'll see a positive, healthy change in your skin.
No matter how tired you are, get that makeup off
While the festive season is fun, it can also be just as exhausting. Because of this, we should mention one of the most important skincare tips at Christmas. It's fairly simple, but sometimes, it can feel extremely difficult. This festive season, remember to take your makeup off at the end of the day.
We get it, Christmas is time to break out that glam look you've been dying to try. However, after a party (and an after-party for some!), taking your makeup off can sound like an extra, unnecessary step. While it might certainly feel difficult, it's best to get it over with. After all, leaving your makeup on overnight can clog your pores, causing breakouts anywhere from the next day to a few days later.
Therefore, no matter your exhaustion levels, take some time to double-cleanse your skin after you get home. For a minimalist skincare routine, pop on a layer of our Light Hydrating Moisturiser, and head to bed!
Why not treat yourself to a professional facial?
If you've done all your shopping, wrapped all the presents, and finished decorating, then you're completely prepared for the festive season. In this case, it's time to treat yourself; you deserve it! For truly glowing skin at Christmas, ditch those skincare tips for an evening and turn to a professional. Book yourself in for a professional facial, and let them do the rest.
They'll address blemishes, tackle dryness, and work their magic on an oily T-zone. In fact, you'll walk out of there feeling your best. A few days later, you can expect a reduction in redness, smoother skin, and the beginning of your Christmas glow!
All Christmas skincare tips begin with good hydration!
You might have noticed a common theme in all our Christmas skincare tips - hydration! Whether we've highlighted the importance of a hydrating cleanser, or suggested stripping down your routine with a moisturiser, hydration is crucial in skincare. At Christmas, the weather itself can dry out our skin. Combined with the constant alcohol-fuelled parties, the low hydration levels can wreak havoc on our skin.
The easiest way to remedy this is to make sure you're drinking enough water. Swap one of your cups of coffee with a large glass of water. While this might feel like a big commitment at first, your skin will thank you! By staying hydrated, you'll see a big difference in your skin's health and hydration levels. Plus, you can also reinforce this with a good-quality, occlusive moisturiser.
Get familiar with your skin!
This one's our final suggestion in our list of Christmas skincare tips. While it might sound easy enough, getting to know your skin is vastly underrated. In fact, by doing this, you could avoid any unhappy accidents in the lead-up to Christmas. During your PM routine, take some time to gently give yourself a face massage.
This will help familiarise yourself with your skin's normal texture, and with any incoming spots or dry patches. Once you know your skin, you'll be far better equipped to handle these issues. For example, you'll be able to pop on a hydrocolloid patch at the slightest threat of a pimple. You'll also be able to address dry skin patches with a little more TLC - and some moisturiser.
By utilising these skincare tips before Christmas, you're sure to embody that festive glow! Now, go forth and party to Mariah Carey; just don't forget to take off your makeup when you get home.