How to Look and Feel Your Best During the Holidays
By Sarah Resnikoff

The holiday season is upon us again. In the midst of a whirlwind of parties, budget-straining shopping and diabolically fattening foods, we find ourselves with the daunting expectation to look and be our best, most merry selves.

If you are like most Americans, the jolly winter months bring enough time-strapping stress to make even the most consummate hostess consider hiding under her down comforter until January. As schedules fill up and daily routines get tossed aside, personal maintenance is usually the biggest casualty.

But it doesn’t have to be this way.

Before you let the rigors of the holiday season overwhelm you, take a deep breath. One of the biggest issues for most people is that during this time they are harder on their bodies yet spend less time taking care of them. This is an obvious contradiction. With just a little more self-TLC, you might actually enjoy the festivities again.

Here’s how.

SKIN

The most common (and noticeable) skin complaint is an increase in breakouts.

“People are not as disciplined with their skin care routine because they’re tired,” says Donna Thompson, Esthetician and Massage Therapist at award-winning Spa Gregorie’s.  “They’re just doing the minimum.”

This decrease in skin care diligence coupled with the influx of fatty foods and high-stress situations can wreak havoc on normally gorgeous, healthy skin.  Additionally, winter weather has a tendency to dry out skin. The key, says Thompson, is to drink water – gallons of it. This will help keep you hydrated and flush out toxins. It is also important to use a good cleanser and toner to take off makeup every night, regardless of how tired you may be.

“And remember to use a moisturizer with SPF,” adds Thompson. Just because summer is over doesn’t mean the sun’s harmful rays are gone.

Another way to restore a healthy glow is through exfoliation.

“Skin tends to get dull in the winter,” says Claire Canales, Spa Gregorie’s Makeup Artist and Esthetician.

Her solution: exfoliating facial scrub and a hydrating face mask once a week.

HAIR

Just like skin, hair gets dried out in the winter months. Throw in the increase in the use of hot tools to create holiday hairstyles, and strands barely stand a chance. 

“A lot of people suffer from brittle, dry hair this time of year,” says Spa Gregorie’s Hair Stylist Jasmine Turner.  “It is important to use lots of moisturizing products.”

Deep conditioning treatments and hair masks are extremely helpful and can be done at home or in a salon. Turner recommends custom prescribed Kérastase conditioning masques for maximum results.

Another option to consider is getting a hair glaze.  Glazing, a temporary solution, is a non-ammonia product that a hair stylist applies to refresh existing hair color. It adds high shine and immediately improves the look of your locks.  Glazing usually costs between $50-$70 and lasts about eight weeks.

Avoid daily use of hot styling tools and take a more natural approach. Turner has a healthy styling alternative she suggests for any event: apply moisturizing shine serum to your hair and tie hair back in a sleek ponytail. Or to create beautiful waves, start off with damp hair, add wave or curl enhancing spray, scrunch the hair in sections and finish off with hairspray.

JUST BREATHE

Overall, the most important beauty tip is to take all the action in stride and stay calm.

“When people are stressed they tend to forget to breathe,” says Thompson. “Make a mental note to relax.”

“Take time – even 10 minutes every day – as time you set aside for yourself,” encourages Thompson. “Go someplace by yourself and take a deep breath and relax.”

Going outside for even a short walk will increase the oxygen flow to your brain and any exercise will release calming endorphins.

Remember that the holidays are meant to be fun – there’s no point in looking fabulous if you aren’t enjoying yourself.

Happy Holidays!

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