So the big day is over and the lack of sleep and indulgence of rich food and alcohol has left you feeling less than human, I am sure you wont be the only one. I thought it would be beneficial to talk about ways to make you feel better, and to help repair some damage.

Excess Sugar, alcohol and rich foods can make us feel tired and sluggish the next day, our skin can look dull and dehydrated. I know I have advised avoiding these things to keep a healthy skin and body, but it is ok every now and again to let your hair down and enjoy, especially at Christmas time.

I think the key is to keep hydrated throughout the day, so try and drink plenty of water in between alcoholic or sugary drinks, that way you won’t feel the after effects as severely.

Lack of sleep over the Christmas period for some can leave you reaching for sugary foods and can leave us feeling exhausted, so post-Christmas party, try and get some extra sleep, you skin will love you for it and you will feel so much better. 

Lack of sleep can discourage you to have the motivation to exercise, so even if you go for a nice walk, it will boost your circulation and lift your mood and help your skin to get its glow back. 

Getting the family out in the fresh air will do you all good, or if you are on your own a peaceful walk can be a nice too. Exercise can be great for your mental health, and it will get teens off their devices and have a little family time.

How to look and feel human again

  • Apply an overnight mask before you go to bed, if you can remember, you don’t need to spend hours, just a quick routine and an application of the mask will minimise that hang over skin, if you can apply Hyaluronic acid underneath for intense hydration and to draw your mask in to the skin. I love the Elemis  Peptide Plumping Pillow Facial mask, it really makes your skin look well rested, plump and hydrated, even if you do have the  hangover of the year!
  • Hydrate: When you first wake up after a night’s festival indulgence, boxing day morning can for some make you feel like you have been through ten rounds in a boxing ring. The need for coffee may be alluring, but this will only dehydrate you more.  Drink plenty of water instead, and if you do have the luxury of a lie in then get some more sleep.
  • Moisture mask time: Once you have managed to peel yourself out of bed, do a quick cleanse of your skin and apply a creamy moisture mask to your skin if it feels dry, and leave on while you eat your breakfast. If you have an oily blemished skin and your skin has had a break out, use an appropriate detoxifying mask. Caudalie Instant Detox Mask or their Purifying mask would be great or their Glycolic Peel Mask will brighten a tired and dull skin.
  • Eat yourself well: As tempting as it may be to have a greasy fry up, or to not eat at all, there are foods that will help your body to recover more quickly and to help your body feel well and hydrated again. Alcohol dehydrates the body and hinders the bodies ability to hold on to water, thus leading to the loss of electrolytes such as sodium and potassium. Bananas are potassium rich, so try and eat a banana with your breakfast. Your body will thank you for it and you should feel so much better. Opt for a nutritious breakfast. Eggs can sometimes help with hangover symptoms and to fill you up without reaching for junk, they are rich in vitamin B12 and amino acids.  Maybe eat a healthy vegetable soup for lunch to pack your body with good vitamins, a warm soup can be both filling and comforting.
  • Ice time:  Alcohol can leave the skin looking inflamed and puffy. If you have a cryo roller, now is a good time to use it over your face mask. If you don’t have a cryo roller, try ice cubes wrapped in a flannel and press over the face. It will reduce inflammation and puffiness, and will certainly wake you up!
  • Get Showered: a shower can refresh and make you feel more awake, particularly if you use a nice invigorating shower gel. I love Elemis Sharp Shower gel or Clarins Tonic Bath & Shower Concentrate for an uplifting shower. Treat your body to a hydrating body lotion or a nourishing body balm and apply a light body oil over the top.
  • Drink Peppermint Tea: this will settle the digestive system ginger is also good if you are feeling nauseous.
  • Get walking: even if it is raining, wrap up and get some fresh air, you will feel so much better for it.

Top Tips

  • Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate!  Drink plenty of water and avoid too much caffeine.
  • Eat foods that are rich in antioxidants and avoid acidic foods.
  • Exercise to boost your circulation and sweat out the toxins.
  • Walk in the fresh air, to clear your head and boost your mood.
  • Love your skin, treat a tired or hungover skin to a face mask.
  • Sleep: plan for an early night and before going to bed have a nice soak in the bath with a relaxing aromatherapy oil. Lavender and Neroli will relax and give you a feeling of wellbeing.
  • Clever makeup tricks: If you have plans where you have to look your best again if you have prepped your skin well, then some makeup trickery will help, but try not to over indulge again today, take it easy.
  • Take your vitamins and don’t forget to use your vitamin C serum under your moisturiser.
  • Treat your skin to a facial: After your Christmas festivities book in for a good facial, a collagen stimulating facial or an oxygen facial will get your skin back to looking great. If you can't get to a salon, try doing yourself a facial at home.

I would like to wish you all a very merry, safe, and heathy Christmas and a healthy, happy peaceful new year!