'I'm a doctor - keep your skin radiant and healthy during the festive season with 3 tips'
A doctor shared advice for caring for your skin in winter
GETTY
December is often a month of socialising and parties, so it is natural for our routines to change during this time.
However, it can lead to bad habits that will show up on our skin. A doctor has shared some tips on how to minimise the damage.
Late nights, wearing makeup to bed and being exposed to harsh weather conditions can dry out and irritate the skin, according to Dr Vanita Rattan. She also shared an update on the festive dietary choices that could be ageing you.
Late nights
The expert explained: “Sleep is vital for your skin’s repair process. During sleep, skin regenerates and repairs itself, helping your complexion to look refreshed the next day.
Remember to remove makeup and get plenty of sleep, even after a night out
GETTY"When your sleep cycle is disrupted, the skin becomes stressed, inflamed and prone to breakouts. It’s called ‘beauty sleep’ for a reason - late nights and binge drinking not only leave you feeling tired and hungover but also make your skin look tired.
"Prioritise getting eight to nine hours of sleep during the festive season to keep your skin radiant and healthy.”
Sleeping in makeup
Most women will have their evening skin routines down to a tee, but it is easy to forget to do this after a big night out. However, the doctor stressed the importance of always removing your makeup.
She continued: “After a long night, it can be tempting to skip removing your makeup. But when makeup is left on whilst you sleep, it penetrates the sub-layers of the dermis and prevents your skin from rehydrating, resulting in dry and irritated skin the next day.
"Eye makeup can also clog the hair follicles and sebaceous glands on the eyelids, which could result in infection.
"Use a non-comedogenic, oil-melting cleanser that does the hard work for you after a late night, so your makeup slides off easily with a wash towel and doesn’t irritate the skin.”
Winter weather
The contrast between cold and damp winter weather conditions, and warm central heating can dry out your skin. Dr Rattan explained: “In many countries, Christmas coincides with the cold winter weather.
"As temperatures drop, the harsh winds and dry air can strip our skin of its natural moisturising oils, leading to dryness and flakiness.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
Women should continue to wear SPF every day
GETTY"As well as this, we turn our heating up high indoors during winter, which reduces humidity and affects how much moisture is available to the skin.
"This can further dry out the skin and cause damage to the skin’s barrier, such as increased sensitivity and redness.
"Protect your skin during winter by wearing protective clothing, such as a scarf around your face, and apply a barrier cream to lock in moisture.
"Remember to always apply your broad-spectrum SPF50+ all year round to protect your skin from UV damage which can further irritate the skin.”
You may like
