The end-of-year usually equals time off and a slower pace, and what we miss in the structure of the work week we typically make up for with a less-than-perfect diligence with our skincare routine.
It’s all good festive fun but travel, change in climate, disrupted skincare regimen and indulgences can equate to breakouts, dullness, dehydration and irritation (or all of the above). However, with a few easy tweaks, you can maintain healthy, glowing skin all holidays.
We share six top tips, plus the ultimate Skinstitut holiday skincare routine, below.
1. Cleanse
This step sets your skin up for success (simple but true). A good double cleanse removes makeup, sunscreen and pollutants, reducing the risk of breakouts while allowing your serums and moisturisers to work efficiently. Even if you’re exhausted or home late, be sure to cleanse twice. We suggest you start with Expert Replenish Squalane Cleansing Oil to really break down that makeup and oil, but doubling up with a gel formula will also work in a pinch.
Try: Expert Replenish Squalane Cleansing Oil
2. Exfoliate
Another easy and effective skincare hack, exfoliation removes dull, expired cells. This makes for a smoother texture and brighter glow, as well as reducing the risk of bumps and breakouts.
How often you should exfoliate depends on your skin type. For oily skin, three to five times per week is good. Those with dry or sensitive skin might find that two to three times per week is plenty.
For breakout-prone or oily skin, try our Glycolic Scrub 9%.
Normal, dull, dry and/or mature skin will love our Expert Glycolic Refining Solution.
If you’re sensitive, choose our ultra-gentle Enzymatic Micro Peel.
3. Hydrate
Tight, dull skin is often caused by dehydration. Things like alcohol, lack of sleep, sun exposure and internal heating can all contribute, so be sure to use products that will replenish your skin’s moisture reserves. Our 1% Hyaluronic Complex Serum will plump and soothe all skin types, while our Expert Revitalise Hyaluronic Jelly Mask will instantly boost moisture for an event-ready complexion.
4. Protect
Whether you’re in the northern or southern hemisphere, UV protection is essential. This means applying a broad-spectrum SPF daily and, if you’re out in the cold, a nourishing balm or moisturiser to prevent dehydration and barrier impairment.
Try: Repair Balm
5. Travel with your skincare
Jetting off this festive season? Don’t let that be the reason you drop the ball on your AM and PM regimen. Fortunately, we’ve got some mini sets that are perfect for your holiday skincare routine (for glow minus the excess baggage).
Try: Hydrations Heroes
Your Christmas skincare routine
Morning
- Cleanse with Gentle Cleanser
- Treat with 10% Vitamin C Super Serum
- Hydrate with Moisture Defence Normal Skin or Vitamin C Ceramide Moisturiser
- Protect with SPF
Evening
- Double cleanse with Expert Replenish Squalane Cleansing Oil and Gentle Cleanser
- Exfoliate with Glycolic Scrub 9%, Expert Glycolic Refining Solution or Enzymatic Micro Peel
- Treat with a targeted serum: we love Retinol Serum for lines and breakouts, 1% Hyaluronic Complex Serum for dehydration and 10% Niacinamide Power Serum for redness/irritation
- Hydrate with your moisturiser of choice
Got your holiday skincare routine sorted, but need to finalise your Christmas shopping? Find our foolproof guide to gift giving right here.