Top skincare tips for the Christmas Party Season

What ingredients should be included in seasonal skincare products? 



"Incorporate retinol into your night-time skincare regime, and use vitamin C serum during the day,” said WOW Facial chief executive Claire Williams. “Investing in regular in-clinic skin peels and micro-needling is also great when it comes to maintaining a healthy, glowing complexion. Some of my favourite skin-boosting ingredients at this time of year are lactic acid, vitamin C as 3-0 ethyl ascorbic acid and retinaldehyde. And, as always, all year round... SPF!"

"During the winter months - and during Christmas, the season of excess, hydrating masks & serums will be your best friends. Select a hardworking SPF; such as our Synergy 6, which is proven to reduce fine lines and wrinkles by 20% - and increase elasticity by 14%!"



Dr Dev Patel, aesthetics doctor at Perfect Skin Solutions and founder of CellDerma Skincare, added "If you're looking to achieve glowing skin, you'll need to consider pigmentation of the skin - as this is the primary factor in causing dull-looking skin. Some of my favourite ingredients to reduce or prevent pigmentation are nonapeptide-1, resveratrol, retinoids (e.g. retinol), kojic acid, rumex occidentalis extract and vitamin C. CellDerma’s Pigment Correct Serum incorporates many of these and is a powerful single serum solution for pigmentation. To enhance results, I would consider Retin-ACE, Collagen Restore and Vitamin C Complex, for the ultimate in skin brightening."






Aesthetic doctor and founder of the Enhance By Tara clinic Dr Tara Francis said: “For brighter, glowier-looking skin during the Christmas Party Season it's important to try and keep your complexion healthy. Sleep well where possible, stick to your skincare routine (even on those nights you're tempted to sleep with your makeup on after a few too many!), drink more water and keep up with your in-clinic skin treatment appointments. Ingredients such as vitamin C, niacinamide, retinol, hyaluronic acid, glycolic acid and squalene are great to incorporate into your home skincare regime."



"It's peel season as well as Christmas Party Season right now,” added Williams, “so get yourself booked in for a facial that uses acid and microneedling (such as the WOW Facial) for a healthier, glowing complexion."




Dawn Attewell, aesthetic nurse practitioner and founder of Dawn Attewell Aesthetics at Therapy House advised: "The best and most important way to keep skin healthy during this hectic time of year is to ensure you stay hydrated by drinking as much water as possible. Drinking alcohol will dehydrate your skin!"

Patel added "Increasing your water consumption during this time of year is key! Dehydration is not healthy for any cell... including skin cells. Secondly, give your body time to recover between parties! This means some nights of good sleep, healthier eating, some exercise, plenty of water and no alcohol. Winter also means central heating and cold weather so increase hydration with humectants (attract water) and emollients (lock in moisture); Stress Defence or Hyaluronic Cream by CellDerma are ideal and should not encourage spots or feel unduly greasy," he concludes.






As a skin expert, are there any post-party skin survival tips you can share with us that we should know about?

"Be prepared!"  Patel recommended "Using growth factors daily eg GF5 or Youth Restore will ensure your skin can handle whatever your partying throws at it. Post-party, just keep using one of these and although you may not feel great inside, your skin will not show it to the outside world!"

Claire shares the following hacks, "Use an acid-based face wash and then use a sheet mask to hydrate and add an extra glow to your skin. The Mask by WOW Facial is the perfect pre-party prep as it really soothes, hydrates and brightens the complexion... plus, if you pop the mask back in its packet and into the fridge, you can reuse it the day after your Christmas party as a post-party perk up. Reviving dehydrated skin with the coolness of the mask will help with any bloating caused by excessive alcohol consumption the night before!"





What treatments would you recommend for luminous party-ready skin?

"ZO Skin Health has a new illuminating kit out which includes a brightening mask - perfect for this time of year!” said Attewell. “I'd also recommend the ZO AOX Illuminating Serum which is great for the skin and also looks fabulous under makeup."



And when it comes to in-clinic treatments? "Dermaplaning, injectable skin boosters (such as Profhilo), mesotherapy and regular facials are all great in achieving a luminous, healthy-looking complexion," said Francis. 

“My favourite in-clinic treatments for brighter, party-ready skin are Lumecca (Intense Pulsed Light) combined with my Pigment Correct serum. However, for those with darker skin I would favour other options such as chemical peels or carbon laser facials (PicoMax laser)," concluded Patel.