How to revive your skin in the new year after an overindulgent festive period

After all the fun of the Christmas and Hogmanay revelry, you may be feeling the January blues. On top of this, your skin may also now be showing the effects of the festive period's excessive boozing and eating

Through the indulgence of the season we have been exposing our bodies to high levels of glucose (sugar). This intake can damage the collagen and elastin proteins that make up the skin's structure, causing it to sag and appear dull.

On top of the skin looking deflated it may also take on a rougher texture, become dehydrated or deal with an increase in sebum production - an oil that can lead to acne. However, instead of adding this to your January blues list, dermatologists and skincare experts have shared their hints and tips for reviving your skin.

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Dr Ross Perry, medical director of Cosmedics Skin Clinics, said: “Heavily processed foods often lack vital vitamins and nutrients which go towards keeping the skin looking more youthful. Not only that, they often contain high levels of refined sugars and fats which can break down collagen and elastin leading to fine lines and wrinkles.”

He also noted that alcohol can have similar effects: “Alcohol is what’s known as a diuretic which causes the body to lose fluid, this means our skin in turn lacks moisture and hydration which can make it appear lacklustre, dry, flaky and overall lines and wrinkles look more obvious.”

Lack of sleep is also seen to have an impact on the health of your skin. Dr Perry explained: "The skin is the largest organ on the human body and getting a good night’s sleep is vital for healthy skin as sleep is when our skin repairs itself, producing more collagen and reducing dark under eye circles.

"Poor sleep can lead to fine lines, uneven pigmentation and overall lacklustre skin. Ultimately, lack of sleep can weaken the skin’s ability to repair itself overnight.”

He advises to try and get into a routine of a minimum of 7 - 8 hours of sleep a night, with the aim of going to bed at the same time each night. He also suggests using Vitamins A and C to help your skin repair overnight as they assist with skin cell production.

An excessive consumption of sugar can also lead to raised cortisol in the body - otherwise known as the stress hormone. This can cause inflammation, leaving the skin looking puffy, red or flaky.

Anti-aging specialist Dr Ed Robinson recommends: “Ingredients like niacinamide and ceramides are particularly good for calming inflammation and moisturising. This will encourage the skin to renew, repair the skin barrier and slough off damaged skin cells.”

One helpful tip to reduce puffiness and stimulate blood flow is to gently massage your face in the morning and evening with a moisturiser or a serum.

In order to combat your skin appearing dull, experts have a few ingredients they would highly recommend. Vitamin C can be used for brightening the skin and promoting a more radiant complexion. However, Vitamin C serums can increase the skin's sensitivity to sunlight so a SPF should be used afterwards.

Holly Mason, founder of The Skin Investment Clinic, also recommends: "Hyaluronic acid is a powerful humectant that attracts and retains moisture, providing deep hydration and plumping the skin. Glycerin is another effective humectant that draws moisture into the skin, helping to maintain hydration levels.”

Additionally, Dr Perry advises that you should keep exfoliating during the cold winter months. He said: “During winter you should give the skin a good exfoliation a couple of times a week (this can easily be done at home and cheaply) to get rid of dead skin cells for a brighter complexion and stick with a regular skincare regime twice daily.”

It will take time for your skin to bounce back after the festive period and this will also vary from person to person. However, experts say that routine and repetition is key is speeding up the reviving process.

Charlotte Yau, traditional Chinese medicine skincare expert and founder of Muihood, said: "Skin recovery varies, typically taking two to four weeks to rebalance after indulgent periods.

"To speed up the process, adopt a consistent routine comprising of cleansing, hydrating and protecting the skin with skin-nourishing products. To support detoxification, use gua sha or try gentle herbal teas like dandelion to clear heat and nourish the body.”

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