The holiday season can take a toll on the skin. ‘Tis the season for too much of everything–eating treats; drinking libations; planning holiday events; going to holiday events; figuring out what to get for everyone on your list; shopping for everyone on your list; decorating the tree and home; baking cookies; listening to family and friends’ drama…. And all of this has to fit into your normal activities. Wow. The skin can pucker and crinkle right up just at the thought of your to-do list.
So, let this also be the season to give your skin extra attention. Really, you don’t want your skin to age or breakout because of a few weeks of cheer. And since, we don’t want to add to your holiday burdens…um…fun, these are simple and quick things you can do.
Ten Holiday Tips for the Skin
1. Water – Make sure you are drinking plenty of water everyday, especially after drinking alcohol. Water hydrates cells, reduces fluid retention and flushes out toxins, such as alcohol. Alcohol is very dehydrating and interferes with the liver’s process to remove toxins. In addition, reduce sugary carbonated drinks and replace them with water. Consuming sugar is not good for the skin, using it as an exfoliator is a different story. Want to spruce up water? Buy some sparkling water and add lemon, lime, and/or orange slices.
3. Supplements – Consider increasing the amount of vitamins you take for the holiday period to boost your immune system. Vitamin D is one vitamin many healthcare practitioners think people do not get enough of.
4. Eat More Green Leafy Vegetables and Eat Fresh Fruit – Increasing fresh vegetable and fruit intake will help balance the effects of eating some of the holiday foods and drinks that are not so good for you.
5. Avoid Salty Foods – Salt draws moisture from the cells and leads to water retention that can result in puffiness around the eyes and drier skin.
6. Legs Up the Wall/Cool Cloth – Lack of sleep during the holidays is common and forget trying to sneak in a nap. But ten minutes lying on the floor with your legs resting up against a wall will rejuvenate you so you can go on to the next thing. Place a cool cloth on your eyes while in the pose. Legs up the wall is also good to do prior to going to bed; it will help you get a better night’s sleep.
7. Breathe – During busy and stressful time most people breathe shallowly from the chest. This can tire you, make your more prone to emotional outbursts, and will cheat your cells of some oxygenated nutrient rich blood. Breathe deeply and slowly; expand the belly on the inhale and deflate it on the exhale.
8. Just Say “No.” – Say “no” to some of the sugary treats; you don’t need to eat everything that’s put in front of you. Sugar affects collagen production, and collagen is very important for healthy skin. While on the topic of no, also say, “no” to people and situations that will tax you and make you even more tired or stressed. Remember the holidays come every year like clock work; there’s always next year….
9. Exfoliate – Take time to exfoliate your skin at least once a week. Exfoliation removes dead skin cells leaving the skin smooth, soft, and ready for regeneration of new skin cells. Don’t forget the feet. Here’s a treat your feet will love: Sit on the edge of the tub and run some warm water (as warm as you can stand it) into the tub, enough to cover the feet. Pour some body scrub on the bottom of one foot; take a body brush and now scrub your foot. Do the same with the other foot. Afterwards, just sit for a few minutes with your feet in the water. You can also rinse the feet in cool water if you like. It’s incredibly relaxing and really softens the feet.
10. Laugh – Laugh, sing, dance, find things to appreciate everyday. You will glow and when you glow, your skin glows.
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