As the holiday season approaches, you have enough things to worry about (making your list, checking it twice, etc, etc). The one thing you definitely don’t want to spend time fretting over? Your skin.
But with that long list of to-do’s, feeling the pinch of holiday stress is usually almost as much of a given as cookie swaps and ugly sweaters—and that stress doesn’t do your complexion any favors.
“We all react differently to stress, but it will most often show up on your skin in the form of breakouts, inflammation, dryness and an overall dull or fatigued appearance,” says Jacob Douglas, director of innovation at Josie Maran.
And who wants any of the above when you’re in the stretch of holiday parties galore? Luckily, Douglas has a few why-didn’t-I-think-of-that tips for dealing with your seasonal skin woes, naturally—because in a season overloaded with sugar and champagne, your skin-care situation is one area you can easily prioritize clean ingredients. Here’s how to make sure your daily regimen is on the nice (ahem, non-toxic) list.
Keep reading for his clean winter skin-care tips for the top holiday-induced complexion concerns.
1. Dryness
Winter air is notorious for drying out your skin, and with the first wave of cold weather rolling through just in time for all the party photo opps, that means dealing with dryness is your first order of business.
In order to fix it, Douglas says it’s all about focusing on your skin’s lipid barrier. “Cold weather and indoor heat break down our skin’s natural protective lipid barrier, leaving it exposed to damage and dehydration,” he says. “Argan oil is a savior for these skin issues as it nourishes and replenishes this lipid barrier.”
Using a humidifier in your bedroom is Douglas’s go-to for keeping your skin glowing all winter, along with switching to a mild face wash (yes, your summer and winter cleansers should be different) or clean cleansing oil like Josie Maran’s Argan Cleansing Oil. The formula can help protect your skin’s lipid barrier while still removing makeup and impurities—without any chemicals that contribute to dryness.
Another hydrating pro tip? “I also like to apply Josie Maran’s 100% Pure Argan Oil over the top of makeup,” he says. “It’s a great way to get the glow without the sparkle that comes with highlighter.” Natural highlighter hack for the win.
2. Redness
We’re all for red as a festive holiday color, but if you don’t want your face to match your sweaters, listen up: “Exfoliation is extra crucial in winter, but physical exfoliants can be damaging on skin that is exposed to forced heat and cold temperatures outdoors,” Douglas says. And damaged skin equals unwanted redness.
As an alt, opt for a natural, gentle acid exfoliant that doesn’t require scrubbing. “Josie Maran’s Argan Smooth Skin Resurfacing Serum works by harnessing your skin’s own lactic acid for faster cell turnover,” instead of using harsh topical acids, Douglas says. “The result is smooth, even-toned skin, even during the harshest months.”
3. Breakouts
No one wants to have breakouts as an accessory, which is why Douglas says free radicals are (still) skin-care enemy number one. “[Free-radical-fighting] antioxidants are always important, but even more so during cold weather months because they help to neutralize oxidative stresses that lead to upset skin and premature aging,” he explains.
His must-have ingredient for preventing a skin stress fest is vitamin C, like that found in Josie Maran’s Argan Bright Skin Vitamin C Serum. The argan oil in the formula helps to keep the vitamin C potent, stable, and bioavailable, he says, and with a mix of other clean ingredients like rice bran, marshmallow root, and licorice root, you get a boost of brightness without any toxins.
Above all, Douglas advises to avoid stress as much as possible not just for your skin’s sake, but also because it isn’t called the most wonderful time of the year for nothing. “Skip the mall (unless it brings you joy) and spend as much time as you can with loved ones,” he says. “Skin care is only half of the equation.”
Shop Clean Holiday Skin Care
Be Happy Be Bright Serum Set $49 ($87 value)
Argan Cleansing Oil $34
Pure Argan Oil $49
Argan Smooth Skin Resurfacing Serum $70
Argan Bright Skin Vitamin C Serum $65
Sponsored by Josie Maran
Top photo: Stocksy/Chelsea Victoria
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