January may have holiday celebrations behind us. But our skin may still be showing the effects of all that holiday cheer. The good news: Our skin has amazing regenerative powers. With the help of skincare treatments like facials and microdermabrasion, we can help the skin combat the cumulative effects of the holidays and restore its healthy glow. Here are a few fixes to promote healthy skin for a post-holiday skincare glow:
The Culprit: Sugar
It goes without saying that sugar makes the holidays sweeter. But beyond the usual suspects like gingerbread men and candy canes, sugar’s hiding in way too many holiday foods. Whether it’s the cranberry sauce or the holiday punch, the New Year likely has many of us in need of a post-holiday detox for the skin.
Why Sugar is Bad for the Skin:
Refined sugar produces inflammation, which breaks down collagen and elastin in the skin. It can even bind to substances in the blood to create what are called sugar-protein complexes, which can lead to glycation. When this process happens, it can cause our skin to sag and wrinkle. Sugar can even cause skin conditions like acne and rosacea to flare.
Healthy Skincare Solution:
The first line of defense from the effects of the holiday is a good detoxifying facial. From cleansing to nourishing to moisturizing, a facial will help you and your skin make a fresh start for the New Year by creating a well-hydrated, clean and clear complexion. Plus, whether you’re struggling with puffy eyes or an unexpected breakout, a facial can be customized to meet your individual skincare concerns.
The Culprit: Salt
Just like sugar, salt is another ingredient that lurks in more holiday foods than you might expect. From partaking of too much of the cheese plate to that extra helping of cured ham, salt may be showing its effects on our skin, even though the holidays are over.
Why Salt is Bad for the Skin:
Too much salt causes skin to retain water, which can cause puffy eyes. That’s because the skin under the eyes is particularly thin, making it prone to swelling. Too much salt can also spike blood pressure, which can affect collagen production and weaken the skin.
Healthy Skincare Solution:
Look for a topical skincare serum with a powerhouse antioxidant like Vitamin C. It will offer a whole host of benefits from reducing puffiness and neutralizing free-radicals to boosting collagen production and minimizing fine lines and wrinkles.
The Culprit: Alcohol
According to research, New Year’s Eve is the biggest drinking day of the year, followed by Christmas — that just might explain why our skin is lacking a little bit more luster than usual this time of year.
Why Alcohol is Bad for the Skin:
It will come as no surprise that alcohol can take its toll on the skin. But you may be surprised to hear about the trifecta of damage it can do. First, it’s a diuretic, which means alcohol inhibits hydration of the skin. Dehydration can make skin look tired and dull with more pronounced lines, pores and wrinkles. Second, alcohol’s a vasodilator, which is a fancy way of saying it dilates capillaries and makes dark circles appear more prominent under the eyes. And, finally, consuming alcohol inhibits the body’s ability to absorb Vitamin A, a powerful antioxidant that’s responsible for promoting cell turnover and fighting off free-radicals.
Healthy Skincare Solution:
Add an oxygen treatment to your facial. It’s great for replenishing oxygen levels in the skin and promoting a general overall glow. Over time, the oxygen will continue to detox the skin, promote collagen production and increase cellular turnover.
The Culprit: Lack of sleep
We all know the many ways the holidays have us burning the midnight oil more than other times of the year. From late night gift wrapping to extra nights on the town, your skin may just now be paying the price.
Why Lack of Sleep is Bad for the Skin
Sleep is nourishment for both the brain and the skin. While you’re asleep, your body is working overtime to remove dead skin cells and repair the skin. Without an adequate amount of z’s, your skin just isn’t going to get its usual nightly cellular turnover and it won’t look as restored and refreshed as usual in the morning. Lack of sleep can also lower your skin’s pH levels, which can kick off a cascade of effects from drier skin to increased redness to uneven skin tone to acne or rosacea breakouts.
Healthy Skincare Solution:
Add microdermabrasion to your facial. Microdermabrasion is a noninvasive, nonchemical procedure that uses a spray of microcrystals to gently exfoliate the skin, remove the outer layer of dead skin cells and restore a youthful glow to the skin.
Call Smooth Synergy at 212-397-0111 to speak to an expert in beauty and learn more about our comprehensive menu of treatments to rejuvenate the skin. We take pride in our ability to customize a treatment plan to meet your individual skincare concerns. We look forward to hearing from you in 2018!
