I wanted to take a moment to connect with my cherished customers and offer some advice for enjoying December with joy and health. This time of year frequently brings heightened concerns about skin health, more so than any other month. This is largely due to the fact that we often push our bodies with numerous activities and indulge in unhealthy foods that can cause inflammation, ultimately affecting our skin's appearance.
Lack of Sleep
You might not typically link the holiday season with sleepless nights, but December can actually be one of the most restless months of the year. The surge in social gatherings and the rise in alcohol consumption play significant roles in this phenomenon. Alcohol can severely disrupt our sleep patterns. Additionally, the stress of financial responsibilities and balancing work with a busy social agenda can lead to late nights and restless tossing and turning. Lack of sleep not only leaves us feeling drained but also takes a toll on our skin, making it appear fatigued.
With a series of sleepless nights and ongoing stress, it’s no surprise that many of us find ourselves running on empty. In an attempt to combat this fatigue, we often turn to energy drinks, caffeine, and sugary snacks for a quick pick-me-up to keep up with our daily tasks. However, these quick fixes come at a price, ultimately draining our energy further and making it even harder to get a good night’s sleep.
Excessive Treats
Overindulging in festive treats can lead to some unwelcome effects on your skin. The main troublemakers are often sugar, dairy, and alcohol. Dairy can aggravate acne due to the hormones present in milk. High sugar intake can cause spikes in blood sugar, which then elevate insulin levels. This rise in insulin can boost oil production, leading to clogged pores and blemishes. Furthermore, the dehydration and inflammation from alcohol can trigger flare-ups of psoriasis, rosacea, and acne.
Not Wearing Sunscreen
Protecting your skin with a mineral sunscreen every day is crucial. Keep in mind that nearly ninety-five percent of UV rays are UVA rays, which contribute to skin aging and can go through glass. So, whether you're driving or simply relaxing near a window, your skin is at risk from harmful UV exposure. When selecting mineral sunscreens, look for key ingredients like zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, or a combination of the two.
Tips To Create Balance
Establish a daily routine of applying sunscreen to all exposed skin, and make sure to do this throughout the year. Pay special attention to areas like your ears, neck, and the tops of your hands. While enjoying the festive social events this season, consider spacing them out to help your body recover from lost sleep, a bit of extra alcohol, and those delightful yet indulgent holiday foods.
Boost your intake of antioxidants through both your skincare routine and your diet. Antioxidants work to counteract free radicals, preventing them from causing harm to our bodies. A well-functioning body typically has enough antioxidants to balance the free radicals it produces. Problems occur when free radical levels exceed the antioxidant supply, resulting in oxidative stress. This imbalance allows free radicals to cause significant harm to DNA, cell membranes, and enzymes.
Foods rich in antioxidants include: Spinach, Kale, Carrots, Berries, Pomegranate, Sweet Potatoes, Broccoli, Artichokes, Winter Squash, and Citrus Fruits.
Skincare ingredients to look for containing antioxidants: Vitamin C, Niacinamide, Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin E, Prickly Pear Seed Oil, Pomegranate Oil, Grapeseed Oil, Cucumber Seed Oil, Sea Buckthorn Oil, Rosehip Seed Oil, Cucumber Seed Oil, Meadowfoam Seed Oil, Evening Primrose Oil, Aloe Vera, Squalane Oil, Mushroom Root Extract, Cucumber Extract, and Papaya Fruit Extract.
It brings me joy to announce that all products in the Organic LEIGH Five-Step Routine is formulated with the ingredients highlighted above.
May the beauty of the holidays warm your spirit,
Kristy
Founder, Organic LEIGH
