From acne to feeling puffy – what is ‘festive face’ and how to get rid of it?

THE festive season is full of food, booze and general fun and games.

But one expert has warned that our over indulgence could actually cause 'festive face'.

After many families were unable to spend Christmas together due to the coronavirus pandemic, it's clear a lot of us will be going all out this year.

We all want to look our best over the festive season but over consumption could mean that we experience dry, flaky skin, breakouts and a general feeling that you've lost your sparkle.

Helen Green, national aesthetic Nurse at Transform Hospital Group said that for many people, the festive season could leave you feeling like a bloated Santa.

Here Helen reveals what conditions festive face can include and how you can get rid of it and get back your sparkle.

Feeling puffy

If you're feeling a little bit puffy around the face then it could be down to the foods you have been eating, Helen suggests.

She explained: "Party food tends to contain lots of salt which can cause us to dehydrate and our body to hold onto water which can make use bloated and our faces look puffy, especially around the eyes."

Helen said that to combat that puffy feeling you should try and drink more water and get a good night's rest.

Acne

Breakouts are rubbish and no one wants spots when family and friends are constantly taking selfies in their festive get up.

Helen explained that an excessive amount of sugar, cheese, and fried fatty food can cause our skin to erupt.

"That is because they can affect our insulin levels, stimulating sebum production and hinder our digestion.

"This means that we are unable to detoxify our bodies", she added.

The best thing to do to treat acne and breakouts this festive season, Helen says is to up your intake of fruit, veg and water.

Looking red

While Santa might have rosy cheeks from being windswept on his sleigh, your red face might be caused by boozing.

Helen said that while alcohol can dry out our skin, it also causes blood vessels to dilate which can leave us looking flush.

"Instead switch to non-alcoholic drinks which won't have the same effect."

These are far easier to find than in years gone by and many bars now offer a selection of mocktails and alcohol free gins.

If you're getting the beers in at home then companies such as Infinite Sessions, Brewdog and Becks all offer no or low alcohol beers.

Dry skin

Dry and flakey skin can be uncomfortable and unsightly, not ideal if you're planning on using pictures for next year's Christmas card.

Helen said that dry and flakey skin is often caused by dehydration - the main culprit of excessive alcohol consumption.

"Try to cut back on your intake, substitute every other drink for a glass of water and keep your skin thoroughly moisturised", she added.

Lost your sparkle

If you're just feeling a like bit 'meh' then your light might feel a little dimmed.

Helen said: "If a lack of sleep, alcohol and sugar has left your skin looking dull and tired then the best thing to do is get your fix of vitamins and minerals and as before, hydrate."

She said you could also opt for a Hydrafacial which can help unblock pores and keep your skin glowing.