The Importance of Deep Moisturizing Your Skin During the Holidays

On top of cold weather, wind and stuffy houses—thicker makeup, lack of sleep and an overabundance of food and drink can also cause dry skin. Here are a few solutions to prevent or alleviate the problem.

Between Christmas and New Year’s, you should drink plenty of water, clean your makeup off well, exfoliate your face, then apply serum, a mask and moisturizing cream (in that order) to prevent tightness and chafing.

STEP-BY-STEP CARE OF FACIAL SKIN

Scrubs – Exfoliating your skin makes it smoother, gets rid of dead cells and helps it to better absorb moisturizers. It is an important step, which you should perform two to three times a week, using non-irritating products like Avène Gentle purifying scrub or Jouviance Purifying Exfoliator.

Serums – This form of ultra-concentrated care will be even more effective if it is applied before a mask as this will allow it to penetrate your skin and moisturize it more deeply. Go for Avène Soothing hydrating serum if you have sensitive skin or Biotherm Blue Therapy if your skin is beginning to show signs of age.

Masks – Integrate a mask into your beauty routine at least twice a week to give added shine and moisture to your skin. Apply Clarins HydraQuench Anti-Thirst Cream-Mask for 5–10 minutes. Those with intolerant skin can try Jean d’Estrées Soothing mask, which can also double as a night cream.

Creams – Finish off with a moisturizing cream. Those with sensitive skin can try La Roche-Posay Hydreane cream (light or rich formula) or BB cream which provides 12-hour moisturizing protection while unifying and illuminating your complexion. Those with very dry skin who require intensive moisturizing power can turn to Clarins HydraQuench Rich Cream.

AND DON’T FORGET YOUR EYES AND LIPS

To reduce under eye creasing, circles and bags due to fatigue or holiday excess; in the morning and evening, apply a serum or cream and lightly tap your skin with a finger to stimulate blood flow. Jouviance Revitalizing Eye Serum has a tensor and lifting effect, while Clarins Eye Revive Beauty Flash provides a quick lift for tired eyes.

And for chapped lips, try Jean d’Estrées High nutrition lip care or Nuxe Rêve de Miel lip balm—both with shea butter.