How to Stay Healthy and Happy During the Holiday Season
With the holiday season is just around the corner, we are (once again) reminded how busy life can get. Most people will have to manage added stress over the next few weeks. In addition to the upkeep of normal schedules, you might be dealing with the added pressure of work, holiday shopping and family get-togethers. You can take solace in knowing that you are not alone.
As seasonal stress begins to build, we encourage you to claim and preserve some time for yourself. At the same time, it is equally important to encourage other people around you to do the same. Cassie Fehlen, owner of Skin MPLS in Edina, outlines her top eight ways to keep skincare and wellness top-of-mind over the next few months:
Keep your skin hydrated: Along with changes in our lifestyle and habits, the weather changes drastically this time of year. The air is much drier and cooler which can wreak havoc on our skin. If you are planning for additional airplane travel around the holidays, be sure to pack a travel-sized hydrating mask with you. We love Le Mieux’s Lavender Floral Mask because it’s small enough to travel with and is easy to apply. If you plan on spending a lot of time in the car or on the road, make sure to carry along a travel-sized hydrating rosewater toner. One of our favorite brands is from Solaris Beauty and is available at our studio!
Take care of your lips: Much like skin, our lips are more prone to becoming dry or chapped when temperatures dip and moisture escapes the air. Be sure to take extra care of your lips before they become too dry. One excellent balm that we use religiously Smith’s Rosebud Salve. In addition to being the perfect remedy for lips, it can help calm irritated skin, provide assistance with minor burns and even tackle pesky dry elbows. The pleasing and slightly rosy scent is a refreshing alternative to heavier scents and other chemical-based lip balms.
Avoid hot showers or baths: It can be tempting in the chillier months to warm up with a hot shower or bath. Resist the urge! Although it seems counterintuitive, hot water can actually dry out your skin! And a dry environment is the perfect condition for eczema and other skin problems to develop. Stick to shorter, warm water showers to keep your skin happy.
Manage stress: We know, we know. Easier said than done, right? Combatting stress can be tricky, especially when your schedule just simply does not allow for quiet time. Take stress management one step at a time and be proactive about your schedule. One key tip around the holidays is to plan ahead to avoid any last-minute shopping. Overwhelming lines, dry mall air, increased germs and unnecessary stress just aren’t worth the toll that it takes on your body and skin! In the age of online shipping, a better alternative is to avoid the stores altogether and have your gifts and groceries delivered right to your door. The second stress management tip is to turn to try sipping on your favorite warm herbal tea at night. Although a glass of time can be tempting, tea is a great way to stay calm and hydrate. Just one cup of Chamomile can set the stage for a better night of sleep. Rest and rejuvenation is the best way to deal with stress and also mitigates the effects of strain on our bodies. Sleep will put you in a better state and allow you to take on any stress-filled activity the following day.
Avoid consuming excess sugar: As the demands of the season increase, so does the availability of festive candy and sugary cookies. Avoid using sugar as a convenient crutch to get through the holidays. When you’re craving an energy-boosting snack, reach for whole foods that offer nutritional value. Festive colored veggies like red pepper and broccoli tasty and easy to grab on the go. These vegetables not only provide you sustainable levels of energy but also are rich in Vitamin C and are essential for the production of collagen - both of which are beneficial for healthy, happy skin.
Stock up on your favorite products during holiday sales: The bustling holiday shopping season is a great opportunity to stock up on some of your go-to beauty and wellness products. Many retailers will host sales with deep discounts in order to entice shoppers to come in and purchase gifts for friends and family. One idea is to wait until something goes on sale and snag a handful of your favorites and use them throughout the year when you run out. You’ll save both money and time by not heading to the mall or supermarket as often.
Stuff stockings with skincare and wellness gifts: The gift of “self care” is truly priceless. Many people simply don’t take the time for themselves over the holidays. Giving your friends, family or coworkers a small reminder to relax is important. One incredible gift idea is a small bottle of relaxing pure essential oils. Lavender oil would be both thoughtful and beneficial to the recipient. Other gift ideas include your favorite book, a tube of all-natural hand cream, a cozy pair of slippers, a comfortable robe, face masks or a gift card for a massage or facial treatment.
Make personal wellness time: Come mid-December, you may feel a little depleted after spending hours searching for gifts and preparing for holiday company. Sneak away for an appointment at your favorite skincare company for a rejuvenating facial treatment or book a session to reshape your beautiful brows! It’s important to care for yourself and make sure you are happy, healthy and feeling confident heading into the New Year. If you don’t have a local studio that you love, we would love to have you as a client. Explore our appointment openings in advance!
“Over the last several years, we’ve seen skin care maintenance become a top form of self-care. Cleo Wade, an author and self-love guru, defines self-care acts as something that feels good in the moment and also in the long term. Skin care maintenance is just that. Facial treatments certainly feel good during the appointment and the benefits from the treatment continue long into the future. So let’s take care of ourselves this season and always!”
-Cassie Fehlen, Aesthetician and Owner at Skin MPLS
For more tips from Skin MPLS, follow us on Instagramand check out our blog. We are more than happy to be a resource for you and your loved ones this season!