Healthy Skin for the Holidays and Beyond: Do’s, Don’ts & Gift Ideas

The holiday season is a whirlwind of parties, family photos, and gift-giving. While you're busy making memories, your skin is often battling the elements—specifically, the dryness of winter. Learn how to improve your skincare routine in this WFMY 2 Your Well-Being conversation with Claire Dillingham, DO, with Cone Health Plastic Surgery Specialists.

✨ The Do's and Don'ts for a Holiday-Ready Complexion

To ensure your skin is camera-ready for every event, Dr. Dillingham emphasizes a few key steps:

• Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate! Winter air is dry, so the number one priority is hydrating your skin. Look for rich moisturizers, such as those with night repair formulas, to combat the dryness.

• Cleanse Wisely: Use cleansing products that effectively clean your skin without stripping it of natural oils or causing further dryness.

• Don't Skip the Sunblock: Even in North Carolina in the winter, the sun peeks out and sun damage still occurs. Daily use of sunblock, even an SPF 40, is essential to prevent dark spots and sun damage.

When it comes to prepping for the holidays, Dr. Dillingham offers a crucial caution: avoid trying new, intense treatments right before an event.

"If you're going to do something new, you really want to do it this week and then just go to a basic routine between now and the holidays. Because otherwise, if you have a reaction, if you try something new and you have a breakout, you may not have time to recover from it."

🪞 Facials, Peels, and the Professional Edge

If you’re considering a skin treatment with Cone Health Plastic Surgery Specialists, timing is everything:

• Facials are generally okay leading up to the holidays and can give you a nice, immediate glow.

• Chemical peels require more recovery time. If you haven't had one before, you run the risk of a reaction that won't heal in time for holiday pictures.

January is the ideal time for deeper treatments. With more potential downtime, the New Year is perfect for scheduling chemical peels, lasers, or other treatments aimed at pigment, wrinkles, and collagen stimulation.

You are a candidate for facials and peels if you have skin on your face, but you should always consult a professional. Different skin tones and certain medications can affect how your skin reacts to treatments, increasing the risk of scarring or permanent pigment changes.

🧴 The Dangers of DIY Skincare

It's tempting to try the latest viral skincare trends, but Dr. Dillingham warns against home remedies and DIY chemical peels.

"You could end up really hurting yourself... with chemicals, you really could get a chemical burn that could cause contracture. You also have to be really careful because different skin types will also cause permanent pigment changes with the burn."

For the best results and safest experience, it is wise to see a professional like a plastic surgeon or dermatologist. They can provide prescription-strength products that offer a much better return on your investment than over-the-counter or online products with slick marketing.

🎁 Gift Ideas for the Skincare Lover in Your Life

Looking for the perfect gift? Skincare products are a thoughtful option, but choose carefully to ensure they aren't too harsh.

• Good moisturizers and eye creams (especially daily night repair creams).

• Gift certificates are a fantastic idea for the person who has everything! This encourages them to go to a professional and get personalized treatment without the risk of a reaction.

• For the men in your life, Dr. Dillingham notes that products for all genders are very similar. Sunblock is especially important after shaving facial hair, as it protects the exposed skin and prevents stark contrast or dark spots.

🎉 New Year, New Skin: January Treatment Deep Dive

January is the best time to commit to those skincare resolutions. Treatments recommended for the New Year include:

• Lasers: Options range from those targeting pigment (with minimal downtime, around 24 hours) to deeper lasers that stimulate collagen and help with wrinkling (with about five days of downtime).

• Chemical Peels: A great way to resurface the skin once the holiday festivities are over.

• Kybella: An injectable treatment for the chin area using deoxycholic acid. January is ideal for this because you can easily hide the associated swelling for a few days with a turtleneck or high-collared shirt.