This is time of year is when everything goes out the window. Diets you've been keeping all year lay waste to delicious feasts and boozy brunches. It's no question we experience the slight fullness in the cheek and neck area or a few breakouts here and there. We are out of routine and our body can't cope. It's a time to indulge so don't feel bad if your skin shows a bit of stress.

I've come up with a few ways to minimise the bloat, brighten that dull complexion and (hopefully) prevent the next breakout. I've done a few of these myself in the past few years and it has helped me tremendously.

Drink plenty of water

We’re eating saltier foods, drinking more wine, sleeping at random times. The body loses a lot of water during these times and it shows in your skin. Dull complexion and breakouts CAN be caused from dehydration, so the easiest fix is to drink plenty of water. More than you think. Throw in a hydralyte if you can't keep up.

Step away from the strong exfoliator

When we see a breakout, our first instinct would be to exfoliate the crap out of our skin, leading to dryer skin and higher oil production. Keep exfoliation to 1-2 times a week and if you really need that clean feeling use a microfibre cloth/muslin or facial towel. Instead, use gentle exfoliants that have enzymes for that freshly polished skin.

Take off your makeup

I can't stress this enough. We're tired, we're out of routine, a few nights sleeping in makeup can't do that much harm right? WRONG. Our bodies have to work extra hard to flush out the toxins inside the body, makeup is no exception. Don't make the body/skin work even harder during this period. Get that oil cleanser and wash all your makeup off. Your skin will thank you later. Permission to use wipes at this time: accepted.

Slim down with facial massages

Whether you're using a gua sha, jade roller, NuFace, Foreo, Clarisonic or just plain old fingers, having some sort of facial massage as you're cleansing or applying your skincare will help with the bloating and lack lustre skin. You're able to drain out any lymphatic fluids and promote blood circulation back to the face thus encouraging more healthy skin cell production.

Stick to hydration over actives

This is the time where we are forgetful of a lot of things amidst the haze that is between Christmas and New Year. If there's a rule to rule above all else, stick to hydration in your products. Now isn't the time to start your retinoids, or that new vitamin C serum. Hydrate with hyaluronic acids, repair with niacinamides and keep the skin plump. You can start all the actives after the new year.

Combine them all!

Give yourself a mini facial. Some much needed TLC will be the perfect gift for your skin. A nice cleanse combined with hydrating masks will do the trick. Head over to my IGTV to see my own mini facial.