It's a good question. Knowing where to look for solid product information is one thing but whether it is enough is another. We chat with a skin care expert holding the knowledge and the know-how to guide us through such a dilemma.

Holidays are for relaxation and self-indulgence but your skin is not always that happy with it. Bruce Green, chartered scientist and founder of SOS Serum Skincare, explains why.

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Overindulging during the festive season does no good to your skin. Bruce Green, founder of SOS Serum Skincare, reveals how it goes hand in hand with some skincare dilemmas.

Holidays And Your Skin, What Bruce Says...

"First of all, we throw our healthy habits out the window and enjoy many alcoholic beverages, and eat more sugary treats, fatty foods. Alcohol is a diuretic, which forces water out of the body making it harder to rehydrate. It can cause the skin to look sallow and make pores and fine lines more visible. Sugary foods can result in a quick rise in blood sugar which can cause a spike in insulin. This jump can increase skin and hair oiliness leading to inflammation and potential breakouts. But this isn't me saying not to enjoy yourself! Here are a few tips that can help your skin this festive season."

Rehydration

Image courtesy of SOS Serum Skincare

"This is the big one. For every drink of alcohol, drink a glass of water – the one for one rule. Water flushes out toxins and restores your hydration levels."

Cleanse

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"I know it's tempting after a sparkly social evening to reduce or even skip your facial cleansing routine but DON’T! After hydration, this is the next most important factor to protecting skin from party fallout. But be gentle and use a non-alcoholic, mild or no perfume face cleanser. SOS Cleanse (£15) is perfect for this as it is lightweight and rehydrating."

"Give exfoliation a miss until your skin cell regeneration batteries are re-charged. Follow cleansing with natural non-fragranced serums and moisturisers like our  SOS Serum (£15) that delivers comfort, moisturisation and protection to the skin."

Rest

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"Take advantage of an alcohol-free night in your schedule and have an early bedtime. Your body, mind and skin regeneration is crucial and you will instantly look and feel better for it."

Wait

Image courtesy of SOS Serum Skincare

"New cosmetics, skincare products and perfumes will often come to you as Christmas gifts but don’t slap them all on at once or your skin could have a freak-out! Wait until your skin has settled and balance restored before trying out a new skincare formulation; your skin could reject something for all the wrong reasons."

With these expert tips in mind, you can be sure that 'festive skin' can be healthy and glowy for the new year!

The colder weather only means one thing for the skin; extra work… 

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Many people find they struggle with their skin more in the winter due to the cold weather drawing out moisture. This often results in a dash to the shops and nearly always, a hefty bill. 

Fashions Finest has put together a collection of tried and tested affordable skincare saviours bound to take precedence in your collection this winter. From tackling hair removal to treating yourself to a nourishing overnight mask, these skincare essentials will help you through the frosty months of winter.

Embryolisse, Lait-Crème Concentre (£13)

This winter, treat your skin to the Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentre. A cult-favourite, the Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentre is enriched with essential fatty acids and vitamins. This 5-in-1 lotion helps to not only restore harmony where there is imbalance but also nourish areas of dryness and protects your complexion from environmental aggressors. The lotion is light in texture and absorbs quickly leaving no residue and making it perfect for all skin types. Doubling as a multi-functional product that can also be used as a hydrating face mask, skin is left feeling plumped, soothed and hydrated. 

COSRX, Ultimate Moisturising Honey Overnight Mask (£23)

Why not try the COSRX Ultimate Moisturising Honey Overnight Mask formulated with propolis extract known for its healing properties. This luxurious and effective skincare treatment works as you sleep to nourish and hydrate which is perfect for anyone whose skin is more irritated during the winter months. Enriched with a potent blend of propolis extract and natural beeswax, the formula restores vital moisture to the complexion for a softening and brightening effect, as well as soothing any redness or irritation. It can also be used as a wash-off mask or simply as a cream to impart visible radiance and health to the skin. 

SOS Serum (from £5)

The answer to sensitive skin just became our answer to winter skin. SOS Serum is the perfect product for those whose skin is dry or irritated, as it works to heal and soothe skin that has been irritated by environmental aggressors. This face and body treatment is highly moisturising to dry skin and great for soothing sensitive skin. Doubling nicely as a miracle product, this serum is quick and effective for managing allergic flare-ups as well as treating and soothing cuts, bites, plant & insect stings and minor burns.

Freshly Cosmetics, Red Velvet Oil Serum (£35)

This powerful and innovative oil-serum uses 15 plant-derived oils to treat wrinkles, expression lines, scars, blemishes, redness, inflammation, irritation, and eczema. Its 100% natural, the oil-based formula makes it the perfect skincare swap this winter, as it treats blemishes and scars, without irritating or drying the skin.

Sugar Coated, Full Body Hair Removal Kit (£12.99)

Hair removal is not just for summer! The cruelty-free, vegan wax from Sugar Coated removes your hair easily and effectively. With results lasting longer the more often you wax, it is essential to keep up waxing in the winter months. The sugar wax is completely water-soluble as well as easy to use and mess-free. The kit comes complete with wax strips that can be washed and reused leaving you with a salon-quality sustainable treatment every time. Sugar Coated full body hair removal kit is instantly biodegradable and all packaging is fully recyclable. 

Tan-Luxe, Hydra Mousse Hydrating Self-Tan Mousse (£35)

For anyone who enjoys a bronzed glow all year round, Tan-Luxe hydrating fake-tan mousse will be your new favourite- especially in the colder months! The tan is scientifically formulated for super-fast absorption to deliver a believable, natural-looking tan while increasing skin’s moisture levels. Featuring skincare grade vitamins B5, C and E and raspberry seed oil, the light formula bestows an undetectable golden glow within 4-6 hours making you ready for any event throughout the winter. 

The best investment for Summer is a trusty sunscreen that never let you down (in protection). If you are like us and ask more about your skincare, you are likely in the look for something that does more for your skin and the environment. SOS SPF 50 checks all these boxes.

With lockdown 3.0 having arrived over the start of 2021, and no ideas as to when it may end, there’s never been a better time to overhaul your skincare regimes with ingredients that REALLY work.

Our skin has taken a beating in 2020, with washing our hands so much more often, using hand gel, cracking up the central heating, being indoors more, and wearing face coverings all having an adverse effect on our complexion and skin health.