The Bounce Back

Start 2020 Right! Christmas, a time for reflection, time spent with loved ones, and cheese... so much cheese. If healthy eating and drinking in moderation didn’t feature high on your priority list over Christmas (solidarity), your skin is probably not looking its best. Whether the festive period gifted you dull skin, dryness or fine lines that definitely weren’t there in November, we’ve got the solutions to help you start the year looking fresh-faced. 

Cleanse, cleanse and cleanse some more

Ok, three times might be overkill, but cleansing your face twice every night, aka ‘double cleansing’ is a super important part of any skincare routine. The first cleanse removes the layer of makeup, moisturiser and SPF, while the second cleanse addresses the skin itself. Without thorough cleansing, those expensive serums and moisturisers won’t be half as effective as much of it will stay above the surface of the skin. Unsurprisingly, there are different cleansers designed for each stage of the process, with hard-working cream cleansers removing oil-based products, and gel or foam cleansers removing water-soluble dirt on the skin. If you’re still using a single product to remove makeup and clean your skin, try one of these products for the second stage of your nightly cleanse.REN Clean Skincare FaceRosa Centifolia Cleansing Gel 150mlRRP £18.00 (Save 20%)Our Price: £14.35GuinotLait Hydra Beaute Comforting Cleansing Milk RRP £21.50 (Save 30%)Our Price: £15.05

Hydrate those skin cells!

Winter plays havoc with skin. Cold blasts from wind and rain, significant changes in temperature and dry central heating all play a part in creating a dehydrated complexion. Add too many glasses of wine or cups of tea into the mix (both are diuretics, expelling water and salt from your system), and you’re in for trouble.The good news is, if you feel like you’ve suddenly aged overnight, it’s probably just dehydration. Make sure you have hyaluronic acid on hand to quickly replenish those skin cells to help banish fine lines and patchy skin.

Swap the moisturiser for a facial oil

Another key way to combat winter dryness is by regularly feeding the skin with a facial oil. It might seem counterintuitive, but water dries out the skin, and its presence in winter cosmetics can severely impact your complexion especially if the temperature drops below zero. By using a facial oil a few times a week in place of your regular moisturiser, you’ll help to seal in moisture, plump the skin and protect it from environmental damage - all while keeping those flaky patches at bay.With extracts of rosewood and patchouli, the Blue Orchid Treatment Oil by Clarins is sure to become a winter favourite. 

Use an acid toner

To buff away those dead cells and resurface your skin, there’s no better product than a chemical exfoliator. After cleansing, apply a few drops to a cotton wool pad and run it over your face to let the acid work it’s magic. Just be sure to wear an SPF under your makeup the following day as that newly exposed, baby-soft skin is more susceptible to sun damage. We have a selection of acid toners available at allbeauty, but the one we’re in love with at the moment is The Organic Pharmacy Rose Diamond Exfoliating Cleanser. 

Netflix and chill

Now I don’t know about you, but to me, ‘Netflix and chill’ involves fleece pyjamas, a cosy blanket, the largest block of chocolate I can find, and a glass of vino. In these post-Christmas months we’re all trying to reduce our spending, so why not indulge in some at-home indulgence by adding a face mask to your Netflix binge sessions?We love the Recovery Powerfoil Mask by Estee Lauder, and as it comes in a 4-pack, you could even invite a friend… if you don’t mind sharing your snacks of course.There we are readers, everything you need to bounce back from Christmas and meet 2020 head-on. Bring it!