With Christmas quite literally on our doorstep, most of us have a very busy social calendar lined up over the coming weeks. Whether it’s a wedding, Christmas drinks, New Year’s Eve, or work celebrations, the party season is officially here!
While all the late nights, festive indulgences, and toasts with friends make for unforgettable memories, they can also wreak havoc on your skin. From dehydration to breakouts, to dry patches and puffiness, the combination of rich food, increased alcohol intake, and stress can leave your skin looking dull, tired, and lifeless. But don’t worry – we have collated some tips and tricks that will help ensure your skin stays looking its absolute best and brightest throughout the season.
Stay Hydrated – Inside and Out
Hydration is your skin’s best friend, especially during the holiday season. It might seem simple, but drinking plenty of water is one of the easiest ways to maintain healthy, glowing skin. Alcohol, a party-season staple, is notorious for dehydrating the body and leaving skin dry, dull, and tired. Aim to alternate your festive cocktails with glasses of water to offset the effects.
For topical hydration, make hyaluronic acid (HA) your go-to skincare saviour. HA-packed serums and sheet masks are excellent for replenishing lost moisture and plumping up dehydrated skin. As a powerful humectant, hyaluronic acid draws water into the skin, instantly revitalizing your complexion and leaving it feeling soft and supple.
Exfoliate for That Coveted Glow
Glowing skin starts with exfoliation. If your complexion looks lacklustre, it could be due to a buildup of dead skin cells, dirt, or grime – especially if you’re coming out of cooler weather. Exfoliating removes these barriers, revealing fresh, rejuvenated skin that’s a perfect canvas for makeup.
Look for exfoliants containing alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) like glycolic or lactic acid. These ingredients gently dissolve the bonds between dead skin cells, speeding up cellular turnover and leaving your skin smooth and radiant. For newbies, try incorporating an AHA-infused cleanser into your routine for a gentle introduction.
Pro Tip: Don’t forget your lips! Use a sugar scrub to exfoliate away dry patches and follow up with a hydrating lip mask. Hydrated lips not only feel great but also create a flawless base for lipstick.
Treat Yourself to a Facial
Give your skin an extra boost by booking a professional facial or skin treatment. Treatments like hydrodermabrasion are perfect pre-party options for achieving a glowing complexion. Hydrodermabrasion machines work by combines gentle exfoliation with deep cleansing to remove dead skin cells, unclog pores, leaving your skin looking refreshed and radiant.
Hydrodermabrasion also stimulates collagen production and improves circulation, making it a great choice for reducing fine lines, dullness and congestion. The results are immediate – skin feels softer, looks smoother and boasts a healthy glow that’s party-ready.
“Hydrodermabrasion is suitable for all skin types and can address multiple concerns, including sun damage and fine lines,” explains Elise Andrews, Head of Education at The Global Beauty Group.
For an extra skin pick-me up before a big event, consider a carbon facial. Otherwise known as the “Hollywood Peel” or “China Doll Facial”, these treatments are a big celebrity favorite for their ability to deeply cleanse, exfoliate and brighten the skin in a single session.
During a carbon facial, a layer of liquid carbon is applied to the skin and allowed to penetrate deeply into the pores. An IPL device then uses a laser to target the carbon particles, blasting them off and effectively removing dead skin cells, excess oil and impurities during the process.
The result is smooth clearer skin with a radiant glow – perfect for achieving a party-ready complexion. The best part is carbon facials are non-invasive with no downtime, making them an excellent choice for the festive season when time is precious. Plus, they can help stimulate the production of collagen, help to reduce the appearance of fine lines, minimise pores and even improve pigmentation, leaving skin looking refreshed and rejuvenated.
Breakout Emergency? Here’s What to Do
There’s nothing worse than a breakout just as the party season kicks off. Holiday stress, indulgent eating, and makeup can all trigger spots at the worst possible time.
For a quick fix, spot treatments containing sulfur or benzoyl peroxide can help reduce inflammation and clear blemishes. However, these can be drying, so apply them sparingly and only on the affected areas.
For more persistent acne, consider Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy. IPL machines work by targeting acne-causing bacteria deep within the skin while reducing redness and inflammation. It also helps regulate sebum production, minimizing the chances of future breakouts. Plus, IPL treatments can fade post-inflammatory pigmentation and scars from past breakouts, leaving your skin clearer and more even-toned.
Stick to Your Routine
While it’s tempting to let your skincare routine slide during the busy holiday season, now is the time to double down on self-care. Your skin will need extra attention to counteract the late nights and festive indulgences, so stick to your cleansing, moisturizing, and treatment rituals as much as possible.
And no matter how tired you are after a night out, always remove your makeup before bed. Keeping micellar water or makeup-removing wipes on your bedside table is a lifesaver for those nights when a full skincare routine feels impossible. Trust us—your skin will thank you in the morning.
Party-Ready Skin, All Season Long
With the right preparation and a few simple adjustments to your routine, your skin can look and feel its best throughout the party season. From staying hydrated and exfoliating to treating yourself to professional care, there are plenty of ways to keep your glow intact while enjoying all the festivities. So raise a glass (of water!), enjoy the celebrations, and let your radiant complexion be your ultimate accessory this holiday season!
This article is in partnership with beauty salon suppliers, The Global Beauty Group. To learn more about IPL machines or Hydro dermabrasion machines or to find a treatment provider in your area, visit their website.
