January can often feel like the ultimate skincare hangover, with the visible toll of festive indulgences staring back at us in the mirror.
If your skin looks tired, dry, and dull, and you’ve noticed breakouts, fine lines, and puffiness under your eyes, you may be experiencing ‘festive face.’
Leading aesthetic expert Dr Barbara Kubicka, Founder and Director of Clinicbe in Knightsbridge, explains how a month of overindulgence wreaks havoc on your skin—and, most importantly, how to get your glow back.
What Causes Festive Face?
Dr Kubicka identifies four major culprits behind fatigued skin during the festive season:
1. Disrupted Sleep Patterns
Late nights spent at office parties, family gatherings, and New Year celebrations disrupt your body’s natural repair and regeneration cycle, leaving your skin looking dull and tired.
2. Increased Stress Levels
Financial pressures, hosting duties, and endless social engagements elevate cortisol levels. This stress hormone contributes to breakouts, dull skin, and even premature ageing.
3. Neglected Skincare Routines
Failing to remove makeup, smoking, skipping SPF, and not drinking enough water all compromise the skin’s health and appearance.
4. Poor Nutrition
A December diet of saturated fats, sugary treats, and alcohol promotes inflammation, weakening the skin barrier and causing breakouts and puffiness.
How to Revitalise Your Skin in January
While you can’t undo December’s damage, Dr Kubicka assures that adopting a few simple habits can help rejuvenate your skin. Here’s how:
Prioritise Sleep
Aim for 7–8 hours of quality sleep each night. This allows your skin time to repair itself and reduces the appearance of dark circles.
Adopt a Balanced Lifestyle
Regular exercise boosts circulation, delivering oxygen and nutrients to your skin. Avoiding smoking can also dramatically improve skin health.
Manage Stress
Lower cortisol levels by practising yoga, meditation, or simple breathing exercises. Stress management is crucial for clear and healthy skin.
Reassess Your Diet
Cut back on sugar, dairy, and alcohol. Instead, fill your plate with antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, and omega-3 fatty acids, which support collagen production and improve skin elasticity.
Stay Hydrated
Drink at least 8 glasses of water daily to flush out toxins and maintain skin moisture.
Skincare Resolutions for the New Year
Dr Kubicka recommends upgrading your skincare routine to restore radiance and vitality:
1. Commit to Cleansing
Cleanse twice daily with a gentle product to remove impurities while maintaining your skin’s natural barrier.
2. Exfoliate Wisely
Exfoliate 1–2 times per week to encourage cell renewal and brighten your complexion. Choose a product suited to your skin type.
3. Wear SPF Daily
Even in winter, broad-spectrum SPF 30+ protects against UV damage, which can accelerate ageing and cause hyperpigmentation.
4. Hydrate and Nourish
Hydrating masks with ingredients like hyaluronic acid or glycerin can replenish moisture. Antioxidant-rich serums containing vitamins C or E combat oxidative stress and enhance skin tone.
5. Introduce Retinoids
Retinoids promote cell turnover, reduce fine lines, unclog pores, and address acne. They’re a powerful addition to your anti-ageing arsenal.
By adopting these healthy habits and integrating medical-grade skincare products, you can effectively repair your skin and banish your festive face for good. As Dr Kubicka notes, January is the perfect time to commit to a revitalised skincare strategy—one that leaves you glowing, confident, and ready for the year ahead.
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