Do you have festive fatigue?
Each week our experts Dr AAMER KHAN and LESLEY REYNOLDS bring you the latest beauty news and anti-ageing advice
LOST your fizz? Feeling bloated? Festive fatigue could be to blame. Overindulgence, stress and too much partying can all take their toll at this time of year. Luckily it doesn’t take long to get back on track. In fact a couple of hours of pampering and relaxation is all you need.
GET OUT AND ABOUT
Being cooped up inside, even for a few days, is not good for mental wellbeing. Sitting for too long can also contribute to sluggish digestion.
Make sure you get out in the daylight for at least 30 minutes. Even if it’s chilly outside, a brisk walk can make a real difference to your mood.
Exercise will also boost energy levels and improve your quality of sleep.
Being outside will also top up your vitamin D levels to prevent seasonal affective disorder. Treat yourself: A spritz of Tisserand Total De-Stress Mood Fix Mist, £9.45 (tisserand.com), which contains calming sweet orange and balancing geranium, will help you relax in minutes.
BATHING BEAUTY
Bathing not only cleanses and refreshes the body but is also good for relaxing the mind.
Before bathing, exfoliate your skin from top to toe. Make your own scrub by combining a handful of sea salt or brown sugar with a couple of tablespoons of olive oil. Rub in circular movements, starting at your feet and working upwards.
Next, add two cups of Epsom salts to the bath water. These healing salts are packed with magnesium, a powerhouse mineral that soothes tired muscles.
Whole milk is another good natural bath ingredient.The lactic acid will leave skin soft and
hydrated so add a couple of cups to your bath water and soak for 10 minutes.
Treat yourself: Hugg Coffee Body Scrub Exfoliating Antioxidant Skin Espresso With CBD, £24.99 (huggshop. co.uk) is infused with sunflower seed oil, vitamin C, hyaluronic acid and pumpkin to tighten pores and revive skin.
REHYDRATE
Dehydration – often caused by too much alcohol – can affect everything from your mood to
concentration. Combat it by starting your day with a mug of warm water, the juice of half a lemon and some freshly grated ginger.Then drink eight glasses of water during the day – add mint leaves and cucumber slices to make it extra refreshing. Treat yourself:
Vida Glow Beauty Cleanse, £34.95 (vidaglow.com) is a delicious daily detox drink that contains vitamins, minerals and probiotics.
BANISH BLOATING
Late nights, rich food and too much salt can lead to water retention and puffiness.Applying a cool compress or hydrating mask that’s been chilled in the fridge for 10 minutes can help, as can facial massage.
Apply a hydrating serum or facial oil and massage around the eyes in circular motions – 10 clockwise, then 10 anticlockwise. Next, apply pressure to the brow bone by pinching with one finger above and one below the brow. Finish by using your knuckles to massage the jawbone and under the cheekbones.
Treat yourself: Too Faced Hangover Replenishing Primer, £27 (debenhams.com) is infused with coconut water and probiotics that work together to boost radiance and hydration.
EYE BRIGHTENER
Banish tired eyes with green tea. Brew a mug and chill in the fridge. Soak a couple of cotton wool balls in the tea, then place over your eyes for 10 minutes.The caffeine will shrink blood vessels while the antioxidants help calm any inflammation.
Cooled cucumber slices are equally effective.
Alternatively, wake up tired eyes with a chilled eye mask. Run a small flannel under the cold tap, put it in the freezer for 10 minutes, then place over the eyes until puffiness reduces.
Treat yourself: Beautaniq Beauty Guardian Angel Eye Masks, £19.50 (beautaniqbeauty.com) are green tea and hyaluronic acid infused eye patches that help depuff and brighten eyes.
WAKE UP SKIN
Wearing more make-up than
usual over Christmas along with a rich diet can leave skin dull and lifeless.Thoroughly cleanse skin before using a simple homemade face mask.
Blend an avocado, which is rich in moisturising fatty acids, with a couple of teaspoons of yogurt, which gently exfoliates.
Spread over your skin avoiding the eye area and leave for at least 30 minutes before rinsing off.
Treat yourself: Green People Scent Free Cleanser & Make-up Remover, £20 (greenpeople.com) is a gentle two-in-one cleanser and make-up remover packed with nourishing fatty acids to replenish skin and maintain natural moisture balance.
It is suitable for the most sensitive skin. ● For advice on cosmetic surgery, consult your GP. For more of Lesley’s tips visit lesleyreyolds.com