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The festive season is great for many things – fashion, food, movies – but it’s not so good for your skin.
Central heating, cold air, Prosecco, stress and layers of makeup all add up – and if you’ve ever found yourself Googling “how to fake a glow before a Christmas party”, you’re not alone.
But experts agree: The key to glowing, party-proof skin isn’t a quick fix. It all lies in preparation, prevention and smart recovery.
Start your glow cycle early
According to dermatologist Dr. Nora Kayakalp ClinicThe best festive skin starts long before December.
Ideally, start four to six weeks before the festive season as this is the time when your skin goes through a ‘skin cycle’. [on average 5-6 weeks] And your hard work shines,” she explains, “Consistency always wins over last-minute improvisations.”
She recommends focusing on “gentle exfoliation daily, twice a week.” spf and glow-enhancing actives like vitamin C and niacinamide.
dermatologist Dr EjikemeWho was acclaimed Medical Aesthetic Practitioner of the Year in 2024, says consistency is everything. “The sooner the better. If you haven’t been working out consistently, start four to six weeks earlier for visible improvements.”
Their festive preparation includes hydration and barrier support, specifically serums that are packed with peptides, ceramides and hyaluronic acid, which “support renewal overnight and improve skin texture over time”.
Garnier Brightening Serum, 4% vitamin CNiacinamide and Salicylic Acid, £9.33 (was £13.99), Boots
Bioma Brightening Toner, £7.20 (was £11.99), Sephora
Revolution Pro Miracle Night Rescue Serum Advanced Complex, £12
Hydration, not highlighter
If your complexion looks flat or dull in the middle of winter, both dermatologists agree that the solution isn’t makeup — it’s moisture.
“Hydration is your immediate solution,” says Dr. Nora. “Apply a layer of humectants like hyaluronic acid and glycerin, then seal it in with a rich moisturizer.”
For at-home results that mimic in-clinic treatments, she suggests “PDRN-based serums like Anua or Medicube for glassy, glowing skin,” while La Roche-Posay’s Hyalu B5 Serum is a more affordable plumping option.
Dr. Ejikem agrees, and says, “Hydrating Eye Patches [can quickly and visibly] Reduce puffiness and brighten. “It gives instant softness and visible glow.”
Uclash Hydra-Gel Eye Patch, £40
Aroma Zone Hyaluronic Acid 3.5% Serum, £6.50
After Party Recovery That Actually Works
After a night of makeup, alcohol, and very little sleep, many of us turn to scrubs or acids to “reset” our skin. Don’t do it, says Dr. Ejikeme.
“Avoid excessive cleansing or exfoliating, which can damage the barrier,” she explains. “Focus on gentle cleansing, rehydration, and skin recovery. Apply serums and moisturizers to soothe and restore.”
Dr. Nora goes even further: “Don’t over-exfoliate! It’s tempting to cleanse the night before, but that only increases irritation and dehydration.”
“Instead, use barrier-repairing ingredients like ceramides or panthenol to gently cleanse, rehydrate, and replenish. Your skin needs soothing, not peeling.”
Aveeno Face Calm & Restore Nourishing Oat Cleanser, £9.50, looks fabulous
Lancaster Golden Lift Sculpting Cream, £85, Look Great
Cold weather changes that save your skin
Winter’s dry air and indoor heat can wreak havoc on even the best skin care routine. Both experts recommend making subtle seasonal adjustments.
“Swap foaming cleansers for cream-based cleansers and upgrade to a rich moisturizer or facial oil,” says Dr. Nora.
,winter Both air and central heating remove the blockage. Weleda Skin Food is a celebrity favorite for a reason – it deeply nourishes when skin feels tight or flaky.
If your usual retinol feels too harsh in the colder months, she adds, “switch to azelaic acid for a gentle glow boost.”
Dr. Ejikeme’s advice is simple and says to prioritize texture if you don’t know where to start with seasonal changes.
“Swap light textures for creams rich with ceramides or squalane, and use a hydrating serum under your moisturizer to prevent water loss.”
She also reminds patients that “SPF is still essential in the winter” to maintain the skin barrier.
Naturium Azelaic Acid 10%, £22, SpaceNK
sorting out the holy grail from publicity
This time of year always brings a new wave of gadgets and “miraculous” solutions – but not all are created equal.
“LED masks really help skin health when used consistently. There’s solid science behind them,” says Dr. Nora. “Ice rollers give short-term depuffing, but they are more cosmetic than corrective.”
She says that “collagen drinks may help, but only if they contain hydrolyzed collagen peptides – that’s the only form your body can actually absorb”.
Still, “omega-3 and zinc supplements do more for your barrier and inflammation in the long run”.
Silk’n Facial LED Mask 100 LEDs, £99.99 (was £160), look great
Makeup habits that harm your skin
Party season is all about glow and full coverage, but heavy, long-wearing formulas come with a price.
While Dr. Ejikem says it’s important to clean brushes and sponges at least once a week to avoid breakouts and pigmentation, Dr. Nora focuses on removing makeup.
“Heavy, long-wear or clogging formulas can clog pores if not removed properly,” she says. “Double cleansing is essential – micellar water alone won’t cut it.”
She also points to the importance of barrier care, and advises to “avoid sleeping in makeup, even ‘non-comedogenic’ ones, and be careful of overly matte or alcohol-based products, as they strip the skin”.
ISOCLEAN Makeup Brush Cleaner with Spray Top, £12.75 (was £17), Look Great