6th December 2022

Dr Firas’ Top Christmas Skincare Tips

Christmas is such a magical time of year that is loved universally by so many people. It serves as an opportunity to unwind and indulge after another 12 months of hard work. While Dr Firas encourages you to take advantage of the festivities, he’s also on hand with some Christmas skincare tips to remind you that you can enjoy yourself while maintaining a healthy routine.

Combat The Cold

The most noticeable change at this time of year comes in the form of dropping temperatures, which are being felt even more so than usual amid the current energy crisis. While minimising the use of your central heating system at home will help to keep your winter bills at a more manageable level, this can have a knock-on effect on your skin. On the opposite end of the spectrum, blasting your central heating when you come in from the cold can also cause havoc for your complexion.

If you’ve noticed that your skin feels tight, dry and sensitive at this time of year (more so than usual), the key likely lies within sudden temperature fluctuations. Harsh winds, freezing temperatures and low humidity outdoors can strip the skin of natural moisture, while indoor temperatures that are too high can completely dehydrate the skin and lead to irritation. That’s why you’ll often hear that lukewarm showers are much better for your skin than ones that are too hot.

To try and combat all of these effects and find a happy medium within your Christmas skincare regimen, be sure to protect and repair your skin with a daily moisturiser and perhaps a hydrating cleansing oil. Don’t forget to protect your skin from harmful UV rays by incorporating a daily SPF, too, as most people don’t realise that these damaging effects can sometimes be worse in winter due to reflective snow and ice. Finally, drink plenty of water to maintain hydration.

The Effects Of Alcohol

Dr Firas can’t stress the importance of water enough, especially at a time of year when alcohol consumption skyrockets. Keep an eye on your alcohol intake over the festive period as, no doubt, you’ve got plenty of Christmas parties and get-togethers in the diary. Alcohol is a diuretic, which means that it draws water out of the body and deprives your skin of essential nutrients. Without these, it’s hard to maintain a youthful, healthy complexion.

As well as adding to dehydration, alcohol congests the skin and increases natural oil production, leading to an increase in acne and inflammation. As your blood vessels open up, blood flow increases and this results in redness, flushing, puffiness and fluid retention. If you suffer from rosacea, you might notice a sudden flare-up in your symptoms. These are just some of how alcohol affects your skin, so be sure to keep these in the back of your mind if you want to maintain control over your Christmas skincare regimen. Find out more here.

Festive Feasting

Finally, food. Food is such a huge part of Christmas and so it should be. By all means, indulge in your favourites as you savour the holiday season, but be sure to do so in moderation or choose the options that are going to be most beneficial to you. Turkey, the staple of Christmas dinner, is a very lean meat that is packed full of protein and B vitamins. Both of these help your body to maintain healthy skin cells.

When it comes to the trimmings, certain vegetables are more favourable for Christmas skincare than others. Brussel sprouts, broccoli, and cauliflower are all rich in Vitamin C and antioxidants, which promote the production of collagen proteins, which are one of the fundamental building blocks of healthy, youthful skin. When it comes to what you eat, it’s about making smart choices that still allow you to enjoy the things you love most while also benefiting your overall health.

Beyond Christmas Skincare

Dr Firas is a world-leading dermatologist with decades of training and experience. If you’re at all worried about your skin and your symptoms, don’t hesitate to get in touch and schedule a skin health assessment here at his Harley Street Clinic in London. He offers so much more than Christmas skincare advice, boasting some of the most groundbreaking, state-of-the-art aesthetic and laser technologies in the world. From debilitating skin conditions to premature ageing concerns, trust in Dr Firas to find a solution that works for you and your skin.

Call 07494 764 201 or get in touch here.