Enjoy this festive season with a beautiful skin

For South Africans looking forward to the festive season and enjoying a well-deserved break from the stresses of everyday life, this is your annual reminder: taking a holiday from your skincare routine is not an option.

Caring for your skin and maintaining a healthy, hydrated glow is a full-time job, and with December one of the hottest and (in many parts of the country) driest times of the year now is the crucial time to pay closer attention to how you care for your skin.

That said, with these helpful tips and essential skincare plugs to help maintain and build a great skincare regime this December, you might change your perspective from skincare to self-care.

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Go through your drawers and remove the expired products.

“Some ingredients degrade over time and not only become less effective but can cause skin irritation,” said Dr Bradley Wagemaker, the medical director at Lamelle Pharmaceuticals.

“Get rid of fragranced facial products, harsh exfoliants and alcohol-based products. These can do more harm than good.”

Setting up a proper day and night skincare regime to follow is vital.

As you’ll likely be lazing poolside or chasing adventure outdoors and exposed to UV rays, your daytime routine must include a good UV-resistant sunscreen – bonus points if it contains hydrating ingredients such as lipids, ceramides, and glycerine.

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Hyaluronic acid is incredible for hydration but might lead to irritation during sun exposure, making it a far better addition to your nighttime routine.

“Opt for rich, velvety-textured creams like Forteve’s Soothing Cream, an especially miraculous product for dry and sensitive skin, to fortify and restore barrier function while soothing irritation,” added Wagemaker.

Between spending time with loved ones and partying with friends, try to make time for much-needed self-care.

Take the time to properly cleanse your skin with a rich foaming cleanser containing natural ingredients, massaging it into your face and neck for a relaxing experience.

Use a gentle exfoliator once a week – chemical exfoliants tend to be the gentlest for more sensitive skin prone to irritation, dryness or breakouts.

Masks containing clay, sulphur, or mud are great for lifting dirt and excess build-up in the pores, as well as hydrating masks to improve skin barrier health and lock in more moisture.

Your mom was right – it’s always a good idea to wear sunscreen, regardless of how much exposure to the sun’s rays you expect to have, even indoors.

Remember that frequent exposure to harmful UV rays can cause a skin condition called actinic keratoses (also called solar keratoses), resulting in dry, scaly patches or bumps appearing on the skin due to environmental damage.

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Sunscreen can help prevent, reduce, and even eliminate actinic keratoses, making this another good reason to start and keep wearing sunscreen daily.

Just as summer bodies are made in winter, glowing, healthy, and hydrated skin is made year-round, especially in the hotter months.