Glow Like a Christmas Tree: Top Skincare Tips for a Radiant Holiday Look

Winter weather can leave your skin feeling dry, flaky, and lackluster, but hydration is the key to achieving that dewy, glowing complexion. The dry, cold air can strip your skin of moisture, making it look dull. To combat this, switch to a richer moisturizer that will lock in hydration.

Tip: Look for products containing hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and ceramides to attract and retain moisture in your skin. A hydrating serum followed by a thick, nourishing cream is a great combo for glowing skin.

Best products:

• CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser
• Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel
• The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5

Exfoliation is an essential step in any skincare routine, especially during the winter months when dead skin cells can build up, leaving your complexion looking dull and uneven. Regular exfoliation helps slough off these dead cells, revealing smoother, more radiant skin.

Tip: Use a gentle chemical exfoliator (AHA or BHA) instead of harsh physical scrubs. This will help to remove dead skin without causing irritation or dryness. Exfoliate 2-3 times a week to maintain that healthy glow.

Best products:

• Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
• The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution
• L'Oréal Paris Revitalift Bright Reveal Brightening Peel Pads

Even in the winter months, it’s essential to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays. Although the sun might not feel as strong, UVA and UVB rays can still penetrate the skin, causing long-term damage like premature aging and dark spots.

Tip: Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 and apply it every morning, even if you’re staying indoors. Make sure to reapply throughout the day if you’re out and about.

Best products:

• La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt-in Sunscreen Milk SPF 60
• EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46
• Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen SPF 100

Vitamin C is a powerhouse ingredient when it comes to brightening skin and enhancing its natural glow. This antioxidant helps to reduce the appearance of dark spots, boost collagen production, and protect your skin from environmental stressors.

Tip: Incorporate a Vitamin C serum into your morning skincare routine. This will help you achieve a brighter, more even complexion.

Best products:

• SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic
• The Ordinary Ascorbic Acid 8% + Alpha Arbutin 2%
• La Roche-Posay Pure Vitamin C Face Serum

What you put into your body plays a significant role in how your skin looks. Eating a balanced diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats will help your skin stay radiant and hydrated.

Tip: Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day, and incorporate foods like avocados, nuts, berries, and leafy greens into your meals. Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish like salmon can also support healthy skin.

It’s called “beauty sleep” for a reason! When you’re well-rested, your skin has time to repair and regenerate. Lack of sleep can lead to dullness, puffiness, and fine lines.

Tip: Aim for 7-8 hours of quality sleep each night to allow your skin to repair itself and wake up with a fresh, glowing complexion.

Bonus: Add a rich overnight mask or nourishing night cream to boost hydration while you sleep.

Best products:

• Laneige Water Sleeping Mask
• Dr. Dennis Gross C+ Collagen Brighten & Firm Vitamin C Serum

When your skin needs an extra boost of hydration, a face mask can be a game-changer. Face masks are a great way to pamper your skin and give it an instant boost of radiance.

Tip: Opt for a hydrating sheet mask or a rich cream mask packed with ingredients like aloe vera, honey, or glycerin. Use it 1-2 times a week for a dewy, luminous complexion.

Best products:

• Fresh Rose Face Mask
• Dr. Jart+ Ceramidin™ Facial Mask
• Origins Drink Up Intensive Overnight Hydrating Mask

As the temperatures drop, your skin may need extra moisture. Face oils can help seal in hydration and add a healthy glow, especially if you have dry or combination skin.

Tip: Choose an oil that suits your skin type. If you have oily skin, look for non-comedogenic oils like jojoba or rosehip. For dry skin, oils like marula, argan, or squalane will provide much-needed nourishment.

Best products:

• The Ordinary 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil
• Josie Maran 100% Pure Argan Oil
• Biossance Squalane + Vitamin C Rose Oil

With the right skincare routine, you can achieve a radiant holiday glow that’s perfect for the festive season. Start with hydration, exfoliate regularly, protect your skin from the sun, and add Vitamin C and nourishing oils to your regimen. Don’t forget to nourish your skin from the inside out and get plenty of rest—your skin will thank you!

By following these skincare tips, you’ll be glowing like a Christmas tree in no time! Happy holidays, and here's to a radiant, festive season!