Does you face look like it has visibly aged this month? Is your skin looking dry and lacklustre, is prone to breakouts and you have noticed some fine lines, dark circles and puffiness under your eyes? If the answer is yes then you could be suffering from ‘festive face’ says Dr Barbara Kubicka, MD, CIME/ICAM, MBCAM Founder, Director and Doctor of Clinicbe clinic. This is the result of the December overindulgences playing havoc on your skin.
Your fatigued festive face has been caused by:
Disrupted sleep patterns Late nights at office parties, family gatherings, and New Year celebrations reduce the time your skin has to repair and regenerate.
Increased stress levels The financial strain coupled with the pressure to host, socialize, and manage holiday responsibilities, including shopping and cooking, can elevate cortisol levels, leading to breakouts and dull skin.
Neglect of daily habits Forgetting to remove makeup, smoking, insufficient water intake, and neglecting SPF during the winter months can exacerbate skin concerns.
Nutritional imbalances A diet high in saturated fats, sugars, and alcohol, commonly consumed during festive meals and treats, can lead to inflammation and a compromised skin barrier.
While you can’t undo everything that you did in December, you can take action now to redeem festive face and restore the radiance back to your skin by adopting the following healthy habits:
Prioritise sleep
Aim for 7–8 hours of quality sleep nightly to support skin repair and minimise under-eye circles.
Adopt a balanced lifestyle
Regular exercise and abstaining from smoking can improve circulation and promote a healthier, more vibrant complexion.
Manage stress proactively
Incorporate yoga, meditation, or even short breathing exercises into your daily routine to lower cortisol levels and improve skin clarity.
Reassess your diet
Limit sugar, dairy, and alcohol, opting instead for a nutrient-dense diet rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and omega-3 fatty acids. These nutrients support collagen production and skin elasticity.
Stay hydrated
Drinking at least 8 glasses of water daily helps to flush out toxins and maintain skin moisture.
With a month’s worth of overindulgence behind you, January is a good time to revitalise your skincare strategies:
Commit to cleansing
Use a gentle cleanser twice daily to remove impurities while preserving the skin’s natural barrier.
Exfoliate wisely
Exfoliate 1–2 times per week to promote cell renewal and restore brightness, using products suitable for your skin type.
Always wear SPF
Protect against UV damage with a broad-spectrum SPF 30+, even in winter, to prevent premature aging and hyperpigmentation.
Hydrate and nourish
Incorporate hydrating masks containing hyaluronic acid or glycerin to replenish moisture and boost radiance. Antioxidant-rich serums with vitamin C or E combat oxidative stress and brighten skin tone.
Introduce retinoids
Retinoids enhance cell turnover, unclog pores, and reduce fine lines, providing a comprehensive approach to acne and aging.
By adopting these lifestyle changes and integrating medical-grade skincare products, you can restore your skin’s vitality, ensuring it looks rejuvenated and refreshed for the year ahead.
Dr Barbara Kubicka, MD, CIME/ICAM, MBCAM is the Founder, Director and Doctor of Clinicbe clinic in the heart of Knightsbridge. Clinicbe offers patients health and lifestyle therapies in addition to cosmetic and medical skincare treatments. Prior to setting up her own clinic, Dr Kubicka practiced Aesthetic Medicine with companies including Harrods, Allergan, Remington, Beauty Korea, IBSA and Teosyal.
Qualifications – Dr Kubicka completed her medical qualifications at Warsaw Medical University before going on to take a two-year post-graduate course in Aesthetic Medicine at the world-renowned College International de Medicine Esthetique in Paris. She also spent 2 years working for NHS hospitals as a trainee with Imperial College London in various fields including Breast Surgery, A&E and Endocrinology. Dr Kubicka uses her skills for charitable work, participating in fundraising and medical aid trips.
Professional Memberships – Dr Barbara Kubicka is a full member of:
- British College of Aesthetic Medicine (MBCAM) (formerly known as the British Association of Cosmetic Doctors (BACD)
- Syndicate National des Medicins Esthetiques (SNME)
- Aesthetic Medicine Section of the Polish Medical Society
- General Medical Council GMC Registration Number 6165336
