What happened to that summer glow?
Nothing beats the look of dewy, subtly sun-kissed summer skin. But it’s much harder to maintain that look in the winter when all the elements are against us. The cold, dry air and harsh wind and rain outside can affect your skin barrier. And when you head indoors and crank up the central heating, these extreme changes in temperature can cause skin conditions to flare-up.
Skin irritation, redness and flakiness – the struggle is real! Trying to hydrate your skin and lock in that moisture can feel like a never-ending battle in winter. And with Christmas party invitations sliding into your inbox, the pressure is on to turn the tide and get your glow back in time for the celebrations. But don’t worry, it is possible!
Top tips to maximise your glow this party season
Party season is a time to let loose, but that doesn’t mean healthy habits should go out the window. If they do, it’ll soon start to show on your skin. Here are a few simple suggestions to keep in mind:
- Drink plenty of water: You should aim to drink 2 litres a day to keep your skin hydrated, and you’ll see for yourself how it improves elasticity, reduces inflammation and boosts your complexion.
- Go easy on the alcohol: The corks will be popping and the fizz will be flowing freely, but just remember that alcohol dehydrates your skin and causes redness and inflammation. Reduce those effects by alternating your alcoholic drinks with water, or opt for alcohol-free alternatives (there are plenty on the market these days).
- Remove your make up: Yes, even if you’ve crawled through the door after a big night out, head straight to the bathroom to give your face a thorough cleanse. Sleep in your foundation and your pores won’t thank you for it in the morning.
- Eat a balanced diet: The best nights out are always rounded off by grabbing a takeaway on the way home. And nothing cures a hangover quite like leftovers the next day! But just make sure you balance out that pizza and chips with plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables throughout the week to nourish your skin from within.
- Get a good night’s sleep: Partying until the wee small hours is what Christmas is all about, right? And we’re not here to spoil your fun. Just make sure that if you’re partying all weekend you stick to a routine during the week and aim for around 8 hours of good quality sleep to give your skin time to repair and rejuvenate.
- Don’t skip the SPF: You need to wear SPF every day of the year, come rain or shine, even in the Scottish winter. The sky might look grey and dull, but those UV rays can still cause damage, so protect your skin with a good quality sunscreen.
- Don’t scrimp on skincare: Have you stocked up on essential skincare to see you through the winter months? I recommend the DRVICTORIA™ Ultra Hydrate - it's a must-have for locking in moisture. This 4-in-1 hydration serum is lightweight and fast absorbing to instantly hydrate. Or try the Obagi Hydrate Facial Moisturizer which contains lots of natural ingredients such as shea butter so soothe and smooth your skin.
The season of self-care
Make an effort to include the steps listed above in your everyday life, and you’ll soon notice a difference in your skin health. But if you need an extra boost to give you the wow factor in time for party season, the team at the DRVICTORIA™ Clinic are here to help.
Christmas can be chaotic – there are so many things to organise, presents to buy and people to visit. With so much to do, it’s more important than ever to remember to be kind to yourself and make time to invest in a little self-care. Here’s why booking a facial is the ultimate self-care present to yourself this Christmas:
- Enjoy time to unwind: Setting aside time to enjoy a facial will give you the headspace to relax and unwind, helping to reduce your stress levels and improve your mental health, so you can actually enjoy the festivities instead of stressing about them.
- Remind yourself that you are worthy: So often we prioritise work, commitments, responsibilities and the needs of others above our own. A soothing facial can be a very mindful way to remember that you too are deserving of care and attention.
- Improve your understanding: Allowing a skin expert to analyse your skin and explain their product and treatment recommendations is the best way to gain a fuller understanding of your skin health, so you can make more informed choices in future.
- See and feel the positive results: A facial will make an instant difference to how your skin looks and feels, which in turn will boost your confidence. You’ll be dying to hit the dancefloor when you see the results!
Which treatment is right for you?
There are so many treatments available these days, it can be hard to know which one is right for you. So save yourself the hassle of choosing and let us help you.
Book our in-depth skin analysis with our advanced OBSERV® technology. It takes just seconds to complete, but the results will highlight any underlying problems before they even reach the surface.
“The OBSERV® device uses up to ten light modes, including polarised and UV light, to reveal underlying skin issues invisible to the naked eye. It captures high-resolution images from adjustable angles to identify problems such as pigmentation, vascular conditions, collagen loss, and hydration levels. This comprehensive analysis allows skincare professionals to diagnose and treat skin conditions more effectively and offer patients personalised treatment plans designed for optimal results.” (Ref 1).
I, or a colleague, will use the OBSERV® information to recommend the most suitable treatment for you and tailor it to target your main concern.
Two of our most popular treatments include the HydraFacial® and the Red Carpet Facial. Here’s why…
HydraFacial®
The HydraFacial® treatment uses a patented vortex wand, which acts like a vacuum, to open your pores and cleanse deep within by extracting impurities. (We’ll show you the ‘gunkie’ containing all the impurities, blackheads, debris and excess oil at the end of your treatment – it’s so satisfying to see!)
It also gently exfoliates your skin to reveal brighter, fresher skin below. It nourishes your skin with intensely moisturising serums, then saturates your skin’s surface with antioxidants, peptides and boosters to lock in that hydration and maximise your glow. Plus, we can tailor these boosters to your specific needs.
The end result is a clearer, more even skin tone, minimised pores, intense hydration and a glow like no other. But don’t just take it from us “In clinical studies, participants showed immediate and long-term benefits after receiving a series of five or more HydraFacial® treatments” (Ref 2).
- 100% of participants had clearer skin with 65% achieving acne-free skin
- 100% reported visibly cleaner, clearer skin
- 95% reported less oil and congestion
- 85% of those with acne saw fewer blemishes and less inflammation
- 70% reported a significant increase in hydration
We are a verified HydraFacial® partner. You can relax knowing that your treatment uses real products and that a practitioner trained by HydraFacial® delivers it.
Red Carpet Facial
We all want that A-list look, so give your skin the celebrity treatment with a Red Carpet Facial. At its core is a special 20% salicylic acid, 2% glycolic acid and 2% lactic acid formulation that is highly effective at decongesting clogged pores and exfoliating dead skin cells.
It’s great for smoothing out rough skin patches and fine lines, minimising enlarged pores, and boosting your skin’s firmness.
Plus, we’ll finish off your treatment with Dermalux red and infrared light to stimulate the natural production of collagen and Vitamin D. This LED phototherapy session energises your cells “To accelerate natural regeneration and repair processes, without discomfort or downtime” (Ref 3).
If tighter, smoother, brighter looking skin plus a reduction in open pores and blackheads is at the top of your Christmas wish list this year, choose the Red Carpet Facial.
Now’s the time to start party prepping
I recommend having your facial 1-2 weeks before your Christmas party - so you can see the full effects in time for your big event. To keep that glow going right through to the New Year and beyond consider a course of facials spaced every 4-6 weeks . Book your skin analysis now and let’s start the party prep!
Rachael
PS: Want to make someone’s day truly special? Explore our gift card options and give the gift of radiant skin and confidence! And remember, a little hint never hurt — treat yourself or someone you love!
Author's experience
Rachael has an ITEC qualification in skin analysis and facial skincare. She is committed to tailored treatment plans to ensure every patient achieves glowing, radiant skin.
References
Resource Links:
- British Skin Foundation: Learn How to Look After Your Skin in Winter, Dr Adil Sheraz, 2023
- Harvard Health: Ward Off Winter Skin Woes, 2018
- Harpers Bazaar, What Dermatologists Want You to Know About Your Skin in Winter, March and Thompson, 2021