Post-Holiday Skin Recovery Guide

The holidays were a blast, but let's be honest, your skin might be feeling a little... rough. Too many late nights, one too many glasses of bubbly, maybe a few too many cookies, and perhaps a whirlwind vacation?  

It's officially time to ditch the holiday hangover and get back to that radiant, glowing skin we all know and love. First things first, let's give our skin some serious love and attention. 

Hydrate to Replenish

After a month of holiday parties, your body is probably craving some serious replenishment.  And while guzzling water is definitely a good start (and essential for overall health!), sometimes our skin needs a little something extra to really bounce back. 

Topical products, like serums, help to boost your skin's moisture levels. Something like iS Clinical’s Hydra-Cool Serum not only hydrates with hyaluronic acid in order to penetrate deeper into your skin, but also calms irritation with centella asiatica and kojic acid. (However for family-gathering-induced-irritation, we recommend a different approach 😉)

Soothe & Reset

Alright, so we've rehydrated our skin and calmed any post-holiday irritation. Now, let's go deeper and focus on repairing that precious skin barrier. 

Your skin barrier is like a protective shield that keeps the good stuff in and the bad stuff out. But right now, it could be compromised, leaving your skin feeling dry, sensitive, and prone to breakouts.  

A good face mask is like a reset button for your skin barrier (and for your mental well-being!). It can help to replenish moisture, strengthen its defenses, and promote overall rejuvenation. My favorite, fast acting mask is DMK’s Foamy Lift Mask^*. It’s infused with antioxidants like cinnamon oil to reduce inflammation, and amino acids to promote repair, so your skin barrier is neutralized and your complexion is revitalized. 

With this strong foundation, your skin also needs to get rid of dead skin cells, leftover makeup, and general dullness. By gently exfoliating, we can sweep away those impurities and reveal the fresh, radiant complexion hiding underneath.

^{*Available to existing clients only} 

Starting Fresh

Exfoliation is like a gentle "detox" for your skin. And while there are many ways to exfoliate, we're big fans of enzymes.

Enzymes gently nibble away at dead skin cells without causing irritation. They're a great option for all skin types, even sensitive skin, and they can leave your complexion looking smoother, brighter, and more even-toned. DMK's Enzyme Therapy^* infuses your skin with oxygen and nutrients to gently exfoliate, increase circulation, and stimulate collagen production for a more youthful appearance. This professional skin revision treatment is available exclusively in-office. 

• Expert Advice! Winter is the perfect time for skin revision—think of it as a period of hibernation and regeneration for your skin! We can address deeper concerns now without the worries of summer sun, humidity, and increased social activities that can often hinder healing and compromise results.

And here's a little secret…exfoliation not only reveals smoother, brighter skin, but it also preps your skin to better absorb targeted treatments, for areas that need extra attention. By removing that layer of dead skin cells, you're creating a clear pathway for those serums and creams to penetrate deeper and work their magic more effectively.

^{*Available to existing clients only} 

Targeted Treatments

Now, for the finishing touches! This is your chance to really address those specific areas that might need a little extra love after the holidays. Whether it's brightening tired eyes, tackling the occasional breakout, or soothing chapped lips, we've got you covered.

• Banishing Breakouts: Holiday indulgences can sometimes lead to a few unwanted blemishes. Our secret weapon: sulfur! This natural ingredient helps to clear congestion and banish breakouts. DMK's Acu Masque^* purifies pores, reduces inflammation, and prevents future breakouts, while Face Reality's Sulfur Spot Treatment provides targeted relief for existing pimples. Together, they'll be your superhero team for achieving clear, healthy skin.

  ^{*Available to existing clients only} 

• Bright Eyes: Late nights and holiday stress can leave your eyes looking tired and puffy. Revive your radiance with an eye treatment! iS Clinical's Youth Eye Complex is packed with peptides, antioxidants, and hyaluronic acid to hydrate, reduce fine lines, and brighten dark circles for a more youthful and refreshed appearance. For an extra boost of rejuvenation, try AnteAGE Eye Cream, which harnesses the power of stem cell technology to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, puffiness, and dark circles.

• Lip Service: Don't forget about your lips! Winter's chill can leave your lips feeling dry and chapped. A good lip balm is essential to keep them soft, smooth, and hydrated. GlyMed's Hydrating Lip Balm contains jojoba oil, shea butter, and a hint of spearmint, to soothe, nourish, and refresh chapped lips.

Beyond the Reset: Enhance Your Routine

Want to take your post-holiday skin recovery to the next level? Here are a few more of my favorite products to add to your routine and enhance that gorgeous glow:

• A Cleanser for Everyone: iS Clinical’s Cleansing Complex is a gentle yet effective cleanser that's perfect for all skin types, providing a deep clean without stripping your skin's natural oils.

• Vitamin Boost: iS Clinical’s Poly-Vitamin Serum revitalizes and brightens all skin types with its potent blend of essential vitamins, bionutrients, and antioxidants. It deeply hydrates, improves texture and tone, and helps reduce the appearance of scarring and hyperpigmentation.

• Dewy Skin Sluggers: If you're about to slap Vaseline on your face, please don’t. GlyMed's Cell Protection Balm offers the benefits of an occlusive, to prevent water loss, along with the added nourishment of purposeful ingredients like shea butter and squalane. Use this as the very last step in your routine to seal in all the goodness.

There you have it! Your complete guide to say “goodbye” to that holiday skin hangover and “hello” to a fresh, radiant complexion. Show your skin some love as you settle into the new year, and embrace that healthy glow!

Best, 

Maria