How to detox your skin before Christmas

Should you really detox your skin before the Christmas season? Well, yes - detoxing your skin can have a wealth of benefits. Plus, by doing this before Christmas, you'll be ready for those Christmas pictures (you can thank us later). This is also a great way to prep your skin for the new year; you're just starting the process a little early.

Furthermore, when you detox your skin before Christmas, you'll be reinforcing its abilities throughout the merriest season. We've all been there - Christmas comes around, and once again, we've indulged a little too much. Sure, it's the time to indulge, eat roast turkey sandwiches, and finish those bottles of wine. However, this can wreak havoc on your skin, leading to dry patches, breakouts, and that dreaded oily sheen.

Therefore, we'd recommend that you commit to a pre-Christmas detox. By doing this, you'll be able to better protect your skin - regardless of your Christmas celebrations. Here's how you can plan ahead, and then put this plan into place!

Why should I commit to a pre-Christmas skin detox?

At Poko, we believe that good skin is a holistic endeavour. For example, a good skincare routine might not be enough - unless, of course, you're genetically blessed. Regardless of the products you use, you might still experience breakouts, dry patches, and hyperpigmentation. While your skincare can play a role in good skin, it's also important to supplement it in other ways. Therefore, it's important to help your skin through sustainable, holistic changes.

Good eating habits, drinking enough water, and certain supplements can all encourage better skin - from the inside out. Building a proper wellness routine can take time, but this resolve can crumble in a matter of minutes; we've all been there, after all. This generally seems to happen around Christmastime, when the idea of mulled wine, stuffing, and gingerbread takes centre stage. While this is a great way to enjoy the festivities, it can also be tough going for your skin.

Plus, with the colder weather, a change in your diet could mean serious dry patches - not fun to deal with! Therefore, why not try to detox your skin before the Christmas season? Think of this as a way to minimise what happens during the festivities. After all, there are twelve days to get through - and sometimes, our skin might not be able to cope.

By committing to a pre-Christmas skin detox, you'll prep your skin for what's to come. This way, it'll be better equipped to handle the festive season. You'll be able to make the most out of that healthy glow, making it last as long as possible. If by now, we have you sold on the idea, we've got the perfect way to do this!

Ditch those makeup wipes for a double-cleanse routine

The first step in your pre-Christmas skin detox is also the first step in your skincare routine: taking your makeup off. We all know how convenient makeup wipes can be; they travel well, they're affordable, and they smell great. Plus, they work well - or do they? Sure, makeup wipes get all the dirt and grime off your face in record timing. However, they can also contribute to premature signs of ageing. That's right, scrubbing your face every day can eventually lead to fine lines, wrinkles, and inflammation.

Instead, consider switching to double-cleansing. By using a good facial oil or balm, you'll gently remove the makeup and daily buildup on your skin. Then, follow this up with your cleanser of choice, and the rest of your skincare routine. Not only is this better for your skin, but it's good for the environment, too. Take some time when choosing your first and second cleansers; after all, you don't want to compromise your natural moisture barrier!

Before Christmas, detox your skin with a chemical exfoliant

If you haven't jumped on the chemical exfoliant hype train yet, Christmas is a great time to do so. While this might sound like a ploy to get you on board with chemical exfoliation, autumn and winter are actually great times to start. This is because the sun isn't as unforgiving as it is during spring and summer. Therefore, by using a chemical exfoliant later in the year, you reduce the risk of sun damage, post-exfoliation. This is also a great way to detox your skin before Christmas.

After all, chemical exfoliation works in the same way. Long-term use of an AHA or BHA will gently strip away your dead skin cells. Over time, this will expose a new layer of healthy, glowing skin. However, it's important to be consistent with your chemical exfoliant. Depending on your product of choice, using it once a week should be enough. If you start in October, this should also ensure that all-natural festive glow by the time Christmas rolls around.

However, while the sun isn't as present as it was during the summer, it's still very important to wear SPF. While a chemical exfoliant will absolutely help with that glow this Christmas, it can also increase your skin's sensitivity. Therefore, by using an SPF, you'll ensure your skin is completely protected from sun damage!

Make small, sustainable changes to your skincare routine

You might assume that a skin detox before Christmas means a complete and total skincare overhaul. However, this isn't the case at all. In fact, if you take this approach, your skin can often react negatively. You might already have a skincare routine that works for you. Therefore, introducing new products, cleansing methods, and routines all at once can shock your skin. This can often lead to increased sensitivity, a breakout, or a compromised moisture barrier.

Because of this, it's important to make small changes at first. Instead of a complete overhaul, consider swapping your summer moisturiser for a thicker, more occlusive winter option. When making bigger changes, like switching cleansers, give your skin time to adjust. You should also pay attention to any changes, and address them accordingly.

For example, switching cleansers might cause redness or itching at first. Due to this, it's important to patch-test new products before use. Additionally, if everything seems to work for you, simply work to address the redness or itching. This is easily done with a selection of skincare products and natural essences. Alternatively, you can use our Soothing Serum after cleansing, to address redness or inflammation.

Ultimately, however, it's important to give your skin time to adjust. By doing this, you can support your skin through that uncomfortable, "purging" phase. Once that's resolved, you can expect clear, comfortable, healthy skin. That said, it's good to remember that smaller changes are far more sustainable. Furthermore, they're less likely to irritate your skin.

Begin your skin detox with a better pre-Christmas diet

While we all strive to eat healthier before Christmas hits, this is often easier said than done. In fact, with Christmas markets, the selection of limited-edition crisps available, and the sheer combination of mulled wine and funnel cakes can often be overwhelming(ly delicious). However, it's important to stick to your guns - especially when committing to a skin detox before Christmas.

Your diet can definitely play a role in encouraging better skin. We've all heard this one too many times: you are what you eat. A study from 2014 indicated that your diet can play a role in either helping or harming your skin. For example, some foods can aggravate psoriasis symptoms. However, a proper diet can also help manage signs of ageing, encouraging better skin.

Therefore, while it might be tempting to switch to a hot whiskey and Christmas pudding diet before the 25th, this could actually be detrimental to your skin. In fact, in the weeks before Christmas, consider kicking your nutritional needs into high gear. Healthy fats, vitamins A, C, and E, and zinc can all support healthier, happier skin.

Plus, utilising a healthier diet can go a long way with your skin detox - especially before Christmas. In fact, these vitamins and nutrients will support your skin, especially if you're feeling a little more snacky (and thirsty!) after an entire week of roast dinners. By eating healthier in the lead-up to Christmas, you could potentially help your skin look and feel healthier when the festive season hits. This means that you can really, truly live your best life this Christmas!

So, how do I begin my pre-Christmas skin detox?

With a pre-Christmas skin detox, you have nothing to lose and everything to gain. Furthermore, it's much easier than you would think. In fact, all about caring for your skin through yet another transition season. Listen to your skin - does it need a thicker moisturiser? Does it need a healthy dose of vitamin A or vitamin C? How can you help it look its best this Christmas?

To begin your ultimate skin detox before the Christmas season, take stock of what products you currently use. Make note of what works for you, and what doesn't. Then, gradually swap the ones that don't work for better options. You can also make small, sustainable changes to your diet, encouraging yourself to eat healthier. Finally, treat your skin - and how you do this is entirely up to you! Whether it's a new clay mask, a fancy moisturiser, or some reusable cleaning pads, a little TLC goes a long way.

However, remember that it's Christmas, after all. While you're taking care of your skin, it's also important to enjoy yourself. Restriction is no fun; why not have a little cheat day sometimes? After all, this will help you look forward to the best treat of all: Christmastime!