The holidays are fast approaching and with the celebratory cheer may come some not-so-nice beauty blunders; stress, overindulgence and improper skincare can wreak havoc on our bodies! Here is how to survive.Prevention is key.
Hydrate! If you have not switched your lightweight moisturizers to something more emollient, now is the time. You do not want to wait until you are flaky, dry and sensitized. Apply moisturizer to your entire body within the first three minutes after stepping out of the shower to ensure you are sealing in the water left on the surface of the skin.
Do not forget about your lips. I love a bright cherry lip this time of year. With a pout gaining so much attention, chapped lips are a no- go! Exfoliate with either a store bought lip exfoliant, a dry tooth brush or make your own with organic sugar and coconut oil. When not wearing lipstick, remember to apply a nourishing lip balm throughout the day.
If you are not already using probiotics, now is the time! Research shows that probiotics are effective in treating acne and rosacea. Probiotic skincare comes in many forms- cleansers, moisturizers, masks and peels. Whether topical or ingested these beneficial microorganisms decrease inflammation. When looking for a probiotic supplement, do not skimp and go with what’s the cheapest on the drugstore shelf. You are just throwing away your money. If the probiotic does not have the correct delivery technology, the bacteria will never make it past your stomach acids and into your intestines where they do the real work. Having your gut flora well balanced will prevent the sluggish digestion and bloated feeling that comes along with over indulging and over eating.
Do not go to bed without washing your face. So you were out late celebrating and now all you can think about is your head hitting the pillow, don’t skip cleansing your face and removing your makeup. If you really cannot bring yourself to use a makeup remover, followed by a cleanser and exfoliant, then at the very least keep facial wipes by your bed. That way you have no excuse and you may be able to avoid a ruddy complexion and clogged pores the following morning.
Be careful of your alcohol consumption. Aside from the obvious dreaded hangover, alcohol can exacerbate rosacea. Alcohol dilates blood vessels triggering the flush of redness at the skin’s surface.
Eat clean between parties and get-togethers. We know that the corn syrup in pecan pie is bad for us, but that is not going to stop us from having desert! I do not believe in depriving ones self, but be selective in your food choices when away from holiday gatherings. Whether that is ordering your favorite macro plate from that place down the street or cooking wild caught fish and fresh veggies at home, eating clean means eating real food that is not processed or fried. This will allow you to feel a little less guilty when you go back for a second helping of stuffing or your forth potato latke!
Get adequate sleep. Recuperative rest is not only important for your mood and energy levels but can also keep you from having dark circles for your holiday family photo. Sleep on your back slightly propped up to prevent blood from pooling, causing those purplish under eyes and puffy lids.
Hit the gym. So, 30 minutes of cycling does not justify eating a dozen sugar cookies, but it may give you an edge. People who exercise regularly and experience fitness progress are more likely to make healthy food choices. Having exercise as a regular part of your routine may help you from packing on the holiday pounds. If prior to the holidays, fitness is already part of your routine, you are less likely to be a statistic. By the beginning of February many people have broken their New Years resolution of going to the gym or loosing weight.
Stress can lead to breakouts. The cells responsible for sebum production have stress hormone receptors! Everyone has more to juggle this time of year; the shopping, the hosting, the cooking and cleaning can have you feeling more Bah-humbug than very merry. This is the best time of year to be practicing mindfulness, getting to that yoga class, or volunteering time to your favorite charity. Remember what this time of year is really about- being thankful, love, family and friends. Once you learn to let go of the idea that your home needs to be ripped from the pages of a home catalog, you will be better able to focus on what’s truly important and you may just be able to save yourself from a few pimples.
While this information may not keep your drunk uncle from embarrassing you in front of your new boyfriend you brought home to meet the family for the first time, these tips may keep you off the beauty naughty list! Cheers!
Get adequate sleep. Recuperative rest is not only important for your mood and energy levels but can also keep you from having dark circles for your holiday family photo. Sleep on your back slightly propped up to prevent blood from pooling, causing those purplish under eyes and puffy lids.
Hit the gym. So, 30 minutes of cycling does not justify eating a dozen sugar cookies, but it may give you an edge. People who exercise regularly and experience fitness progress are more likely to make healthy food choices. Having exercise as a regular part of your routine may help you from packing on the holiday pounds. If prior to the holidays, fitness is already part of your routine, you are less likely to be a statistic. By the beginning of February many people have broken their New Years resolution of going to the gym or loosing weight.
Stress can lead to breakouts. The cells responsible for sebum production have stress hormone receptors! Everyone has more to juggle this time of year; the shopping, the hosting, the cooking and cleaning can have you feeling more Bah-humbug than very merry. This is the best time of year to be practicing mindfulness, getting to that yoga class, or volunteering time to your favorite charity. Remember what this time of year is really about- being thankful, love, family and friends. Once you learn to let go of the idea that your home needs to be ripped from the pages of a home catalog, you will be better able to focus on what’s truly important and you may just be able to save yourself from a few pimples.
While this information may not keep your drunk uncle from embarrassing you in front of your new boyfriend you brought home to meet the family for the first time, these tips may keep you off the beauty naughty list! Cheers!
