You know that post-holiday glow – the one that leaves you with glowing, vibrant skin combined with a sense of calm that only seems to come after a relaxing holiday.
People often return from trips with glowing skin, sparkling eyes and their whole demeanor renewed.
Great, but what if you don’t have vacation plans for a while?
You can still get that post-holiday glow without packing. Here’s how.
How to get that post-holiday glow now
1. Take time off from work—even without a trip
Often, the reason people get a post-holiday glow has nothing to do with their destination and taking a break from work and stress. Chronic stress takes a toll on your body, including your skin, leading to dryness, dullness and premature aging. It can also lead to eczema, rosacea and acne breakouts.
To mimic the effects of a getaway, consider taking a few days off from work, even if you stay at home. Use the time to disconnect, relax and engage in activities that make you happy. Read those books stacked by your bed, enjoy some time in the fresh air, and take some time to think about where you are and where you want to go. Giving your mind and body a break will help your skin look naturally refreshed.
2. Do a digital detox
Screens are an inevitable part of modern life, but they come with a hidden cost to your skin. Blue light emitted by phones, tablets and laptops can contribute to hyperpigmentation, dryness and premature aging. Plus, all that scrolling can increase stress, further affecting the health of your skin.
To recreate that post-holiday glow, take some time for a digital detox. Get away from screens for an afternoon, a whole day or even a weekend. Spend time outdoors, cook a new recipe, or put a little extra time into your yoga routine.
In the meantime, use our CV Skinlabs products, which are full of antioxidants that can counteract the harmful effects of digital exposure on the skin.
3. Meditate for mind-body reset
Vacations often come with the luxury of slowing down. Meditation is a powerful way to reproduce this feeling.
Stress affects your body by increasing levels of stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, which can lead to more inflammation, breakouts and dullness. A daily meditation practice reduces stress, improves your sleep and can create a noticeable change in the appearance of your skin.
Try to set aside 5-15 minutes daily for a guided meditation. Close your eyes, focus on your breathing and let your body relax. Over time, if you follow it, you’ll notice a calmer mind and clearer, more radiant skin.
4. Treat your skin to a radiant glow.
If you’re like me, self-care has gone out the window with this holiday frenzy! Add the stress of eczema, rosacea, or acne breakouts—or just dry, dull skin—and you know it’s time to de-stress.
Skin care plays an important role in achieving that holiday-like glow. Take a little extra time to pamper your skin as if you were in a luxury spa. Start with a gentle cleanse, then boost with Rescue + Relief Spray to calm skin and prepare it for the next steps.
Next, consider either an exfoliating mask or a hydrating mask. A gentle exfoliator will help remove dead skin cells to reveal fresher skin underneath. You can also use a hydrating or brightening mask to help revitalize dry, dull skin.
Finish with a nourishing moisturizer like Calming Moisture to soothe irritations, strengthen the skin’s barrier and leave your skin with a dewy finish.
5. Embrace inner wellness for outer glow
True brilliance comes from within. The holidays often encourage healthier habits, such as eating fresh foods, drinking more water and getting plenty of sleep, which contribute to that luminous appearance. Focus on your overall well-being to create the same effects at home.
Drink at least eight glasses of water a day, eat more fresh fruit and vegetables and aim for 7-9 hours of sleep each night.
6. Bring the holiday vibes home.
One of the reasons the holidays leave you glowing is that they lift your spirits. Copy these good vibes at home by doing the following:
- Engage in hobbies you enjoy: Playing music, knitting, painting, woodworking, crafting — whatever makes you happy, pick it up again.
- Set the mood: Light flavored candles, play relaxing music and diffuse your favorite essential oils to enhance the atmosphere of your home.
- Get out: Spending time in nature is a great way to lift your spirits. Take a walk in the park, read on your patio, or go outside to take great photos.
7. Exercise for natural flushing.
Physical activity increases blood circulation, which delivers oxygen and nutrients to your skin, giving it a natural, healthy appearance. Try to get 30 minutes of moderate exercise a day. This could be as simple as going for a nice walk, dancing to your favorite music, doing a yoga routine, going for a bike ride, or sledding or skiing.
Exercise naturally reduces stress, improves sleep, and gives your brain a healthy dose of feel-good neurotransmitters—all factors that give you a brighter complexion.
Post-holiday glow anytime?
While taking a few days off can make it easier to focus on self-care, it’s even better to incorporate self-care into your daily routine. Focusing on rest, a healthy diet, regular exercise, meditation and daily skin care gives you the foundation that healthy skin requires. Then you’ll be able to enjoy the glow that comes naturally – no passport required.
Have you experienced that post-holiday glow?
Featured image by Daniel Xavier via Pexels.