The holidays are here and I am looking forward to celebrating with my friends and family over the next month. What I am not looking forward to are the changes in diet, potential lack of sleep, and travel that can impact my skin this time of year. The higher level of stress around the holidays can start to show on your skin -- stress can raise cortisol levels which can increase inflammation. Additionally, our favorite holiday foods and the sugary drinks during the holidays are usually high on the glycemic index and can lead to breakouts.
My best advice for the holidays is to enjoy yourself but try to get a sufficient amount of sleep, drink lots of water, and stick to a routine that includes cleansing (especially for that holiday makeup) and moisturizing daily. A simple hack I also like to add to stay refreshed is freezing green teabags and wearing them over my eyes to help with puffiness and dark circles. I also recommend regular exfoliation (exfoliation peel pads, solutions, or cleansers) ranging from 1-3 times per week depending on your skin type and the strength of the exfoliant. And even though the weather is cooler, don’t forget your sunscreen! I have rounded up a few of my favorite products so you don’t have to sacrifice great skin during this crazy time of year.
Makeup Removers
Going to bed without washing your makeup off is one of the biggest mistakes you can make. Wash your face every day, especially in the evening to ensure you are washing off all the makeup, grime, and dirt from the day. Here are a few of my favorite makeup removers!
IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Makeup is your 3-in-1 sulfate-free cleansing balm, instant makeup remover and skin-softening anti-aging serum - all in one step. The gentle formula melts away even waterproof makeup.
The Omega+ Complex Cleansing Balm from Paula's Choice is a triple-action balm rich in omegas 3, 6 and 9 to thoroughly cleanse and noticeably soften skin. This fragrance-free cleansing balm melts into the skin to effortlessly dissolve stubborn makeup and sunscreen.
Micellar Water from La Roche-Posay is enriched with the brand's soothing Thermal Spring Water, its delicate formula eliminates dirt, make-up and impurities from the face, eyes and lips, without over-drying or uncomfortable tightness. 25% off with code MAMINA
The INKEY List Oat Cleansing Balm is a luxurious cleansing balm that gently dissolves makeup and excess oil without stripping sensitive, irritated skin of the moisture it needs.
Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm dissolves make-up, daily grime and pollutants. 25% off with code MAMINA
Emergency Breakouts
You've probably tried emergency pimple treatments which give an extra-strong dose of salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide and using hydrocolloid pimple patches. They do work and can actually get rid of pimples overnight. Remember to not pick at skin — this leads to prolonged healing along with more damage and scarring. Here are a few of my favorite emergency breakout products!
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo penetrates deep into clogged pores to eliminate blackheads and white heads. Utilizing 5.5% Benzoyl Peroxide with 0.4% LHA, this treatment helps to reduce inflammation caused by acne while providing skin exfoliation. 25% off with code MAMINA
Neutrogena Stubborn Acne AM Face Treatment with 2.5% Benzoyl Peroxide works all day to help eliminate stubborn acne breakouts and redness.
Hero Cosmetics hydrocolloid acne patches protect blemishes for faster healing overnight. Each pimple patch acts as a protective cover and prevents touching and picking. 25% off with code MAMINA
Peace Out Salicylic Acid Acne Healing Dots combine healing hydrocolloid polymer technology with salicylic acid to minimize breakouts overnight.
Add skincare stocking stuffers to your list!
One of my favorite gifts to give (or receive) are skincare kits. They make it so easy to stick to a routine. The A-Team Duo Kit includes the Alto Defense Serum and the AlphaRet® Overnight Cream. The serum defends against free radicals and the visible effects of skin aging and the AlphaRet is the latest innovation in retinoid renewal. Shop all skincare kits here.
Forget Black Friday, let’s talk Black Head Friday…
No Pore Strips! Even if you remove blackheads and unclog pores on the nose with pore strips, they become clogged again soon after. They may even make the area oilier if dried out. Pore Strips won’t prevent the buildup of blackheads from occurring in the first place. I recommend using a salicylic acid product and a retinoid product. Start with one product if you have dry/sensitive skin. Shop all my picks for black head treatments here.
I hope you have a relaxing and peaceful holiday season! Cheers.
