ClickCease Blog - Sanctuary Medical Aesthetic Center

5 Things to Know Before Starting Retinol

Retinol is one of the most popular and widely-used treatment ingredients for everything from acne to wrinkles. But before you jump right into a new retinol regimen, there are a few important things you should know about this ingredient, how to use it, and how not to use it.

1. Retinol is a type of retinoid.

Many people are often confused about the difference between retinol and retinoids. Retinol is one type of retinoid, along with retinyl palmitate, retinoic acid, tretinoin, and others. Retinoids, including retinol, are derivatives of vitamin A, which helps to boost your skin’s cell turnover rate. As a result, retinol can be an effective treatment option for a number of common skin problems, including acne, dark spots, uneven skin tone and texture, and lines and wrinkles.

2. Introduce retinol to your skin slowly.

If you’ve never used retinol before, you will need to introduce it to your skincare routine slowly and gradually. While it comes along with an array of benefits, retinol is also known to cause side effects like dryness, flaking, and redness. Fortunately, by giving your skin a chance to slowly acclimate to this new ingredient, you can significantly reduce or even prevent these side effects.

Generally speaking, you’ll want to start using retinol once every two or three days. If you have sensitive or dry skin, you can start by applying retinol on top of your moisturizer to help slow the absorption rate while your skin adjusts. Work with your skincare professional to create a customized retinol treatment plan that’s right for your skin.

3. Be careful about which ingredients you pair with retinol.

Because it can cause dryness and flaking, retinol should not be paired with certain ingredients that are also known to cause these same side effects. For example, alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) exfoliate the skin and cause flaking, so these ingredients should not be used in conjunction with retinoids.

Other ingredients that can make the side effects of retinol worse include vitamin C and benzoyl peroxide. On the other hand, retinol pairs great with moisturizers, hydrating cleansers, and sunscreen.

4. Use retinol products at night.

The sun’s UV rays can cause retinoids like retinol to break down faster, thus reducing their effectiveness. For this reason, it is best to apply retinol products at night before going to bed.

Sun exposure can also worsen side effects like dryness, flaking, and redness, so always wear sunscreen during the day while using a retinoid.

5. Retinol is sometimes used to treat rosacea symptoms.

Thanks to its antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, retinol can be effective topical treatment options for inflammatory skin conditions like rosacea. But always check with your skincare professional before using a new product for rosacea, as retinol can worsen dryness and redness if not used properly.

If you have rosacea-prone skin, you might only apply retinol every three days to balance its benefits while minimizing side effects. How frequently you use retinol for rosacea or other skin concerns will depend on how well your skin tolerates it.

Other treatment options for rosacea symptoms include BBL laser treatments, prescription treatments like RhoFade, and topical antibiotics. Talk to your dermatologist about the best personalized treatment plan to help you manage and clear rosacea symptoms.

Ready to shop skincare or book your BBL Laser treatments? You can do so here. If you are looking for more information or want to schedule a complimentary consultation at our Boca Raton & Fort Lauderdale located click here. Or call 561-486-9339.

3 Popular Weight Loss Hacks: Do They Really Work?

For many of us, putting on “the quarantine 15” was very real, especially with gym access being limited and long waiting lists just to get your hands on a piece of home gym equipment. So it’s easy to understand why lots of people are looking for weight loss hacks to help kickstart their newfound fitness regimens to get their pre-quarantine bodies back.

 

That said, are some of the most popular weight loss quick fixes really beneficial, or are they unlikely to help you slim your waistline? Here, we break down the truths and myths behind three common weight loss hacks, and what you can do instead if you’re looking to boost your workout results.

1. Drinking Apple Cider Vinegar

If you’ve ever searched for weight loss hacks online, you’ve surely come across plenty of articles advising you to take a shot of apple cider vinegar a day to slim down. The “apple cider vinegar diet” has been around for years, but does it have any merit?

 

While one widely-cited 2018 study found that consuming apple cider vinegar daily helped participants lose more weight than those who did not consume apple cider vinegar, the difference in weight loss was only a few pounds, and both groups were eating a calorie-restricted diet.

 

In a nutshell, apple cider vinegar might help you lose an extra pound or two over a relatively long period of time, but it’s not going to be an effective substitution for a healthy, balanced diet and regular exercise.

 

It’s also worth noting that drinking any type of vinegar without diluting it can erode your tooth enamel because of how acidic it is. So if you are going to try this, always dilute vinegar with water.

2. Intermittent Fasting

Intermittent fasting has become incredibly popular in recent years, both as a weight loss tool and a way to better manage or even prevent diabetes. There are many different ways that you can practice intermittent fasting, but the core idea remains the same: balance long periods of time when you fast with other periods when you eat. While some people choose to fast for an entire day, others prolong their overnight fasting by eating dinner much earlier and avoiding evening snacking.

 

The bottom line is that intermittent fasting can help to regulate your metabolism and insulin levels, but there are lots of variables and caveats. The latest research shows that the most effective intermittent fasting diet is what’s called “early time-restricted feeding,” which means you eat all of your meals for the day in an 8- or 10-hour window early in the day, then fast for the rest of the day and through the night.

 

One of the biggest problems with using intermittent fasting for weight loss is that this restrictive eating schedule can be difficult to maintain and can easily result in binge-eating. Therefore, intermittent fasting might not be for everyone. Discuss the benefits and drawbacks with your doctor or nutritionist before embarking on a fasting journey.

3. Finishing a Meal with a Mint

Turns out, there’s a reason restaurants give you an after-dinner mint: it’s been shown to aid in digestion and might even help you burn a little extra belly fat. But before you stock your kitchen with peppermints, there are a few things you should know.

 

It is true that mint activates digestive enzymes that break down your food so that your body can 1) absorb nutrients more efficiently and 2) naturally improve its metabolism rate. So if you’re feeling particularly bloated or full after a meal, sipping on some mint tea could be a quick fix. However, eating mint alone isn’t going to help you shed pounds. Like most other weight loss hacks, feel free to use this one for a little extra boost in conjunction with a healthy eating and exercise plan.

 

Oh, and be careful about eating too many peppermint candies. While they do contain peppermint oil, they’re also high in sugar, which isn’t going to do your waistline any good!

What’s the Most Effective Way to Banish Belly Fat?

Truth be told, old-fashioned diet and exercise are the best ways to lose weight and get fit. Sure, you can pair these healthy habits with some of the hacks mentioned above, but that doesn’t mean you can throw a healthy diet out the window.

 

Okay, so what if you feel like you’re already doing everything right in terms of diet and exercise, but you’re still not quite reaching your fitness goals? Stubborn fat in areas like your abdomen, hips, and thighs can sometimes be particularly difficult to get rid of with diet and exercise, and you’re certainly not alone if this is the case for you.

 

The good news is that there are now a variety of nonsurgical treatment options that can help you enhance your workout results and achieve the toned, slim physique you’re looking for, no surgery required. Contact us to find out more and schedule a complimentary consultation.

5 Ways Fad Diets Can Ruin Your Skin

Making healthy changes to your diet and exercise habits can come along with a host of amazing benefits for your body, mind, and skin. But before jumping headfirst into the latest fad diet, you should know that nutritional deficiencies can wreak havoc on your complexion – not to mention the rest of your body as well.

These are some of the ways that trendy diets can negatively affect your skin, plus what you can do instead to work on your fitness goals while keeping a glowing complexion.

1. Dry skin caused by low fatty acids

So many fad diets are based on eating low-fat foods or even eliminating fat from your diet almost entirely. But our bodies and skin rely on healthy fats to perform a wide range of functions, including hormone regulation, energy storage, fat-soluble vitamin storage, and keeping our skin hydrated and protected.

Without enough healthy fatty acids in our diets, our skin can experience detrimental effects like dryness, itching, flaking. Sources of healthy fats include flaxseeds, chia seeds, nuts, avocados, and fish.

2. Hormonal acne caused by crash dieting

Sudden drastic changes to your diet and exercise habits can send your hormones flying out of whack, which can cause sudden breakouts on your skin. Instead, make gradual changes and healthier eating choices, rather than simply depriving your body of crucial calories.

Hormonal acne is also linked with low-fat diets, since healthy fats are necessary for hormone regulation throughout your body.

3. Red, itchy skin caused by the keto diet

Commonly called “keto rash,” prurigo pigmentosa is an inflammatory skin condition that has been linked with the state of ketosis that the ketogenic (or keto) diet triggers. Ketosis occurs when your body doesn’t have enough carbohydrates to use as energy, so your liver turns fat into compounds called ketones to use as energy instead.

While we know that keto rash appears to be linked to this state of ketosis, we are still unsure of the exact cause. Signs of keto rash are:

  • An itchy rash, usually on your back, chest, or stomach
  • Red spots that form in a web-like pattern
  • Brown spots that are left on the skin in place of these red spots, caused by hyperpigmentation

If you start to notice any of these symptoms, consider reintroducing carbohydrates into your diet with the help of your doctor or nutritionist.

4. Wrinkles caused by low-calorie diets

Severely cutting calories sends your body into survival mode. This means that your body will want to preserve vital vitamins and other components used to make proteins like the collagen and elastin that give your skin its youthful bounce and firmness. As a result, you may notice signs of premature aging like fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging skin if you are not eating enough calories for your body to function properly.

A very low-calorie diet can also cause hair loss, due to the stress placed on your body from calorie deficiency.

5. Eczema caused by nutrient deficiencies

Nutrient deficiencies have been linked with eczema flare-ups, and, in some cases, may be the root cause of eczema altogether. Your body needs to obtain a wide range of vitamins and minerals from food sources in order to function properly. When you eat a very restrictive diet such as the “cabbage diet” or the “pineapple diet,” your body and skin will be deprived of many of these vital nutrients.

The same goes for long-term juicing cleanses, which are high in sugar and low in fiber and many vitamins and minerals that are found in the skins of fruits and vegetables.

5 Healthy Food Swaps to Kickstart Your Weight Loss

Whether you’re looking to fine-tune workout results or are starting a new fitness journey, making healthy food choices is one of the most impactful lifestyle changes you can make. Take a look at these five easy food swaps to help make healthy meal and snack planning a breeze.

1. Swap Craisins for Grapes

Fresh fruit is always going to be healthier than dried fruit, especially when it comes to foods like Craisins, which are very high in added sugars. Grab some grapes instead, which still contain natural sugar but no added sugars. Plus, you get all the amazing antioxidants and anti-aging benefits from the grape skins.

 

Additionally, because fresh fruit has much higher water content than dried fruit, you’ll feel fuller faster when choosing the fresh option.

2. Swap Sour Cream for Greek Yogurt

A serving of Greek yogurt contains less than half the calories of a serving of sour cream, plus it’s chock-full of probiotics to help balance your gut microbiome. And thanks to its naturally tangy flavor, a dollop of Greek yogurt goes great on just about any food that pairs well with sour cream.

3. Swap Spaghetti for Zucchini Noodles

Get yourself a veggie spiralizer and you can turn just about any vegetable into a delicious and filling pasta dish. Zucchini works particularly well for making long spaghetti-like noodles, but other veggies like cauliflower, butternut squash, and sweet potatoes can work as well. When choosing a cause for your culinary creation, go for red sauces over creamy ones.

4. Swap Iced Latte for Iced Coffee

Need your morning caffeine fix? Try an iced coffee or cold brew instead of your usual go-to latte. There’s practically no calories in an iced coffee, but you’ll still get that refreshing pick-me-up.

If you want, you can add a splash of almond or oat milk to your iced coffee, instead of the 1 to 2 cups of milk found in a typical latte.

5. Swap White Wine for Red Wine

If you want to indulge in a glass of wine with dinner, reach for the red. Red wine uses the skins of grapes, which contain antioxidants, resveratrol, flavonoids, and other beneficial nutrients, white wine does not use the grape skins. And choose dry wines that contain much less sugar than their sweeter counterparts.

 

Once you’ve got your healthy habits into place, you might find that there are still some areas of your body you’d like to fine-tune. You can completely customize nonsurgical body contouring treatments like CoolSculpting, EMSCULPT, and VelaShape to meet your unique needs and fitness goals with Body Work by Sanctuary. Book a complimentary consultation online today, or call our Boca Raton & Fort Lauderdale office at 561-886-0981 for more information.

Should You Take Collagen Supplements for Your Skin?

Collagen powders, shakes, drinks, and other supplements are all the rage on Instagram right now, but can they really help your skin to look younger and healthier? The truth is that most collagen supplements don’t ever reach your skin, so you could be paying a lot of money for no benefit.

But the good news is that there are much easier and cheaper ways to help your skin boost its collagen content!

What Is Collagen?

Collagen is a protein that your body makes on its own and uses for a variety of functions throughout your body, including providing the structural building blocks for your skin, hair, and muscles. But as we age, our bodies begin to produce less collagen, which eventually leads to wrinkles, sagging skin, and other age-related concerns.

Enter collagen supplements. There are lots of claims out there that taking collagen supplements help to prevent these signs of aging by restoring your body’s reserve of this important protein. But there’s one main problem with this.

Why Collagen Supplements Don’t Help Your Skin

When ingested orally, collagen is broken down in your stomach before it is able to reach your skin. So while some pieces of your collagen supplement might eventually reach your skin, the whole collagen molecule won’t be intact, rendering it ineffective.

But there is a supplement you can take to help increase your skin’s collagen production: vitamin C. Your body naturally uses vitamin C to manufacture its own collagen, so ensuring that you have enough of this vital vitamin is key to boosting collagen and getting healthier, younger-looking skin.

There are also some things you can easily do to help slow the process of collagen breakdown within your skin:

  • Wear sunscreen. The sun’s UV rays break down collagen, causing premature lines, wrinkles, and other signs of aging. Wear daily sunscreen to prevent this.
  • Eat a healthy diet. Foods rich in vitamin C can help your body to make replacement collagen. It is also important to eat antioxidant-rich foods to protect your skin from free radical damage. Sugary foods, on the other hand, can contribute to skin aging by breaking down collagen proteins in a process called glycation.
  • Use topical antioxidants. Antioxidants are also great topical skincare products, as they help to protect against free radical damage. But make sure you find the right antioxidant products and serums for your skin type and needs. Some formulations of topical vitamin C may cause stinging or burning in those with sensitive skin, for example.

Bottom Line

Collagen supplements for your skin are pricey and not necessary. You likely won’t see any noticeable effect on your skin. But you can take a much more affordable vitamin C supplement and adopt healthy lifestyle habits to help your skin maintain healthy levels of collagen for smooth, beautiful skin on its own.

To learn more about the right anti-aging skincare products and treatments for your specific skin type and needs, contact us online or call our Boca Raton & Fort Lauderdale office at 561-486-9339 to set up a consultation today!

5 Best-Kept Secrets to Getting Kissable Lips

The skin on your lips is unique from other parts of your body because it is thinner, lacks a top layer, and doesn’t have sebaceous glands that excrete oil. These characteristics make your lips more delicate than other areas, so their care needs to be slightly different, too.

Luckily, there are lots of easy ways to swap out dry, chapped lips for a smooth, kissable pout.

1. Exfoliate

Dry, flaky lips are a common problem in the cooler winter months, as the air tends to be drier. To remedy this, you can mix up a DIY lip scrub using honey and sugar that’s gentle enough on the delicate skin on your lips, yet effective at removing the flakes of dead skin cells from the surface, revealing smoother, more comfortable lips.

2. Use a SPF Lip Balm

Sun protection is oh-so important, especially on the thin skin on your lips. A balm with SPF also offers much-needed moisture and extra barrier protection in cooler, drier winter air.

Additionally, avoid the urge to lick or bite your lips. If they start to feel dry or chapped, reach for your trusty balm instead. It helps to have one on hand in your car, office, and on your nightstand so you never have to go without.

3. Go for a Matte vs. Glossy Look

Shiny lip gloss can attract UV rays, heightening their negative effects on your lips, including dryness and irritation. Instead, turn down the shine with a matte look. It’s even better if your lip color contains moisturizing or protective ingredients like beeswax to seal in moisture while adding a pop of color.

4. Skip Flavors or Fragrances

So many lip products contain added flavors or scents (sorry, cherry Chapstick!) But these ingredients can worsen dryness and may irritate your lips, especially if they are cracked or chapped. If you can’t seem to get lip dryness and chapping under control, check the ingredients in your lip products. Fragrances or flavors could be to blame.

5. Drink Plenty of Water

People are often surprised at just how much of a difference water consumption has on the health and appearance of their skin — including their lips. Staying hydrated is essential to maintaining smooth, healthy skin and lips, so be sure to drink enough water throughout the day. On colder days or nights, a warm cup of tea is the perfect stand-in for the ice-cold water you might reach for in the height of the summer.

What Type of Lip Filler Is Best Me?

The best filler for your lips will not only take into account the natural characteristics of your lips, but also the desired shape you would like. Some fillers spread more evenly than others, offering a very smooth, natural look without lumps or bumps. For this reason, hyaluronic acid fillers are a popular choice for adding volume to and reshaping the lips.

Prior to your lip filler appointment, it can be helpful to learn more about the types of fillers available, how to communicate your desired lip shape to your provider, and what you can do at home to help optimize your results.

Lip Filler Types

As mentioned above, hyaluronic acid filler is the preferred choice for the lips. These products generally spread evenly, can be fairly long-lasting, and can also be dissolved if you are unhappy with your results for any reason.

There are a variety of hyaluronic acid filler brands and types, including Juvederm Volbella and Restylane Silk. The best brand and type of HA filler for you will depend on your specific goals, natural lip anatomy, and personal preferences.

Lip Shapes & Lip Filler

When describing your desired look to your provider, try to be as precise and detailed as you can. It is helpful to know some of the basic lip shapes and parts of the lips.

Common lip shapes include:

  • Full lips are evenly full on the upper and bottom lips and have plump, yet natural-looking volume.
  • Heavy upper lips are slightly fuller on the top than the bottom.
  • Heavy lower lips are slightly fuller on the bottom than the top.
  • Round lips are narrower from corner to corner but have a higher Cupid’s bow, resembling a circular shape.
  • Heart-shaped lips are similar to round lips, but are slightly wider from corner to corner, creating a heart-shaped appearance.
  • Bow-shaped lips have a wider angle from the Cupid’s bow to the corner of the lip, creating a slight upward turn at each corner.
  • Wide lips are wider from corner to corner than full lips.
  • Thin lips have a thinner upper and lower lip than full lips.

If you know what your natural lip shape is and the shape that you would like your lips to be after getting fillers, it will be easier to describe to your provider what your specific goals and expectations are.

How to Prep for Your Lip Filler Appointment

There are some things you can do on your own prior to your filler appointment to help ensure excellent results and minimal side effects:

  • Stop taking supplements and medications that can thin your blood around 10 days before getting lip filler. Talk to your physician if you are currently taking prescription blood thinners.
  • Let your provider know if you are prone to cold sores, as precautions can be taken to help minimize the chance that lip fillers could trigger a cold sore.
  • Do not wear makeup to your appointment.

What to Do after Getting Lip Fillers

Here’s what you can do immediately after getting lip fillers to help minimize swelling and bruising and maximize your results:

  • Talk to your provider about taking arnica and/or bromelain supplements, which may help to reduce bruising.
  • Gently apply an ice pack wrapped in a towel or other barrier to reduce swelling.
  • Avoid strenuous exercise for the first day or two after getting fillers.

If you are thinking about getting lip fillers but still have questions, feel free to contact us online or call our Boca Raton & Fort Lauderdale office at 561-886-0970 to schedule a consultation with one of our expert providers today.

Your Top 5 CoolSculpting Questions Answered

One of the most popular nonsurgical body contouring treatments available, CoolSculpting offers a solution to stubborn fat that doesn’t seem to respond to diet and exercise. However, there are a few things you should know about this procedure to help you decide if it could be right for you.

If you’re thinking about getting CoolSculpting to fine tune your fitness results, take a look at these frequently asked questions about CoolSculpting, answered by CoolSculpting specialist Ashley Blaser. Ashley has been expertly trained at CoolSculpting University (CSU), a training facility located at the Zeltiq headquarters in California, where she received advanced training and hours of hands-on practice and lectures to perfect the art of CoolSculpting.

1. How do I know if CoolSculpting is right for me?

CoolSculpting can be a beneficial treatment for anyone frustrated with stubborn fat along the arms, legs, submental area (double chin), or trunk. Potential patients should be in relatively good health, understand the CoolSculpting process, and hold reasonable expectations for the results. CoolSculpting is safe for men and women of any skin type or ethnicity. The procedure is not an alternative to weight loss, however. The ideal candidate will have isolated areas of bulging fat that are resistant to exercise and diet.

2. Which areas of the body does CoolSculpting work for?

Coolsculpting can be used to treat many different areas including the abdomen, flanks, upper back, lower back, arms, submental area, male breasts, and inner and outer thighs. There are Six different sizes of applicators that are available, allowing each CoolSculpting treatment to precisely address the individual target area.

3. How many CoolSculpting treatments will I need?

Typically, two treatments are needed, though the exact number of treatments you may need will depend on your specific goals and circumstances. Coolsculpting reduces the amount of fat in the area treated by 20 to 25 percent.

4. What does CoolSculpting feel like? Does it hurt?

Coolsculpting is a pretty easy and painless treatment. During the procedure, you may experience sensations of pulling, tugging, mild pinching, intense cold, tingling, stinging, aching, or cramping at the treatment site. These sensations subside as the area becomes numb.

5. What can I do to maximize and prolong my CoolSculpting results?

Nothing is required, but a combination of cardio and strength training is usually best for maximizing your CoolSculpting results.

Think CoolSculpting could be right for you? Take advantage of our special offers during our event in our Boca Raton & Fort Lauderdale office on March 24, 2021. Anyone who is interested in CoolSculpting is welcome to come for a complimentary consultation, which unlocks these one-day only promotions:

  • Buy a CoolSculpting or Body Work package and receive a $250 gift card to Sanctuary Medical Aesthetic Center
  • Purchase any two Juvederm filler and receive a free area of Botox
  • Buy two areas of Botox or Dysport get one free
  • Anyone who attends will be automatically entered to win one piece of home workout equipment, soon to be announced

For more information, please contact us online or call our Boca Raton & Fort Lauderdale office at 561-886-0970 today!

Facial Fillers and the COVID-19 Vaccine: What You Need to Know According to Doctors

You may have seen reports that there have been rare instances during the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine trials of delayed facial swelling in people who have facial fillers after getting the vaccine. Three of the 30,000 people in the trial reported mild facial swelling in the cheeks and lips as a result of the vaccine.

If you plan to get the COVID-19 vaccine and currently have fillers or plan to get fillers in the future, you likely have some questions about this connection.

We spoke with board-certified dermatologist Dr. Allison Schwedelson and board-certified anesthesiologist and Functional Medicine/Aesthetics physician Dr. Azza Halim to answer the most frequently asked questions about the COVID-19 vaccine and facial fillers.

1. What causes facial swelling related to the COVID-19 vaccine?

Ultimately, the vaccine is designed to trigger an immune system response, which is why swelling is believed to occur in some people. Dr. Halim notes that similar side effects have also been reported in filler patients who have received the flu vaccine.

Dr. Schwedelson explains the connection further: “Because the vaccine stimulates your immune system (which is a good thing), it becomes aware of anything considered ‘foreign’ in the body. It recognizes the filler and swelling occurs. This is transient.”

2. Can I still get the vaccine if I currently have fillers?

Yes. Drs. Schwedelson and Halim agree that you can still get the COVID-19 vaccine, even if you currently have facial fillers.

“Everyone’s immune response will vary,” says Dr. Halim. “You do not need to postpone getting the vaccine, nor stop doing fillers. Just space your appointment appropriately with the guidance of your provider.”

3. Can I still get fillers if I plan to get the vaccine?

Yes, both doctors agree that you can still get facial fillers if you plan to get the COVID vaccine in the future.

4. What should I do if I experience swelling due to the COVID vaccine?

Both doctors point out that the swelling seen in the Moderna trials was mild and able to be resolved. If you experience any facial swelling after getting the vaccine, let your provider or family physician know. Symptoms should be able to be fairly easily managed with the help of your provider.

The information in this story is accurate as of press time. As updates about coronavirus COVID-19 continue to evolve, it’s possible that some information and recommendations in this story have changed since initial publication. We encourage you to check in regularly with resources such as the CDC, the WHO, and your local public health department for the most up-to-date data and recommendations.

3 Tips to Revive Your Skin after the Holidays

Whether you gathered with friends and family or sat in on a virtual holiday gathering, the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, paired with sweets and cocktails galore, can wreak havoc on your skin.

But the good news is that there are three simple things you can start right now to revive stressed-out, dull-looking skin to get your glow on for the new year ahead.

1. Increase Your Water Intake

Stress, lack of sleep, and overindulgence in eggnog and alcohol can make your body – and your skin – dehydrated and lethargic. Kickstart your post-holiday skincare rejuvenation with a little help from the inside out. This can be as easy as filling a water bottle in the morning and being sure to finish it by dinner time.

For even more hydrated and healthy-looking skin, consider switching to a heavier moisturizer to combat dry, dull skin that tends to show up during the cooler, drier winter months. Your skin may also benefit from a barrier repair moisturizer to help restore its ability to retain moisture and protect itself from outside irritants.

2. Dial Down on the Christmas Cookies

Christmas cookies, cakes and sugary drinks can contribute to a wide range of skincare woes, including acne, wrinkles, and a dull, lackluster complexion. This is because excess sugar intake triggers a chemical process known as glycation in your body. During glycation, sugar molecules bind to and destroy important proteins like the collagen in your skin, resulting in a number of skin problems.

Researchers also know that high sugar consumption raises insulin and inflammation levels in your body, which, in turn, increase your skin’s oil production. This can lead to clogged pores and acne, along with flare-ups of other inflammatory skin conditions like rosacea.

On the plus side, reining in your sugar intake after the holidays is a great way to get a head start on your fitness resolutions for the new year and revive your skin at the same time.

3. See Your Skin Clinician

Adjusting daily habits like drinking more water and eating less sugar are easy ways to help give your skin a boost at home. But to really get a glow-up to ring in the New Year, pay your skin care professional a visit. Not only can he or she more accurately assess your skincare needs based on your skin type, but your skin clinician can also recommend in-office treatments like the ultra-hydrating HydraFacial to revive stressed-out skin.

HydraFacial is a three-step system that decongests, detoxes, and deeply hydrates your skin. And the best part? This facial is gentle enough for even sensitive skin types, yet is a highly-effective skin treatment that can kickstart your skin rejuvenation regimen.