The holiday season is full of joy, celebrations and indulgence. So, it can leave your skin looking a little worse for wear. Between the festive feasts, late nights and dry weather, your skin might be feeling tired and dull at best. Now, with the festive rush behind you, it’s the perfect time to give your skin some extra TLC. Below, some post Lunar New Year skin recovery tips to get your glow back for the new year

Hydration

The indulgence of CNY and the harsh conditions of winter can leave your skin feeling dehydrated. So, it makes sense to start your skin recovery by focusing on hydration. Drink plenty of water to flush out toxins and plump your skin from within. Externally, invest in a hydrating treatment, such as The Ordinary’s latest innovation: Rice-Lipids + Ectoin Microemulsion, an ultra-lightweight moisturiser that delivers 24-hour soothing hydration for translucent-looking, radiant skin.

Avoid makeup

After lots of parties, gatherings and events, it’s time to give your skin a much needed rest. As part of the post Lunar New Year skin recovery, let your pores breathe by cutting back on makeup for a few days. If you do need to wear something, opt for a light formula that won’t clog your pores. Hourglass Cosmetics’ new Illusion Luminous Glow Foundation SPF 30 features a mousse-like texture for an airy, blurred finish that doesn’t compromise on coverage. Powered by Advanced Hydra-Smooth Technology and packed with hyaluronic microspheres, it’s hydrating, but doesn’t slip off your face the way some moisture-packed foundations can.

Exfoliate

The festivities can contribute to a buildup of dead skin cells, leaving your complexion looking dull. Exfoliation is key to brightening up your skin and restoring its natural radiance. Use a gentle exfoliant once or twice a week to slough off dead skin without causing irritation, especially if your skin is already sensitive or dry from the winter weather. Ole Henriksen’s Lemonade Smoothing Scrub is a refreshing dual-action retexturising scrub that both physically and chemically exfoliates the skin. High-potency AHAs help loosen and lift dead skin cells, while lemon peel powder and ultra-fine sugar help to gently buff and smooth rough patches. Plus, holy basil and chamomile help calm and soothe your skin.

Back to basics

The Lunar New Year is fun, but it is also disruptive. Holiday foods tend to be high in sugar, salt and fat, all of which can have a negative impact on your skin. Festive occasions tend to affect your sleep routine, which in turn can manifest on the skin. So, as we enter the new year, now’s the time to reset. Incorporate more nutrient-dense foods into your diet to nourish your skin from within and get plenty of sleep (aim for 7-9 hours a night) to allow your body time to repair itself. Yun Wellness, the nature-inspired wellness club and spa in Island Shangri-La, is presenting a curated series of transformative experiences rooted in ancient oriental healing traditions. Drawing from timeless principles of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) – including meridian pathways, Qi circulation, energy alignment, and fascial harmony – the lineup blends intuitive energy work, Qigong mastery and expert meridian-fascia techniques to nurture mind, body and spirit, while restoring balance, vitality and inner peace. 

Treat skin concerns

While you are going back to basics and resetting your routine, it’s also a good time to treat any problematic skin symptoms or concerns like dullness, dehydration or fine lines. Sulwhasoo’s First Care Activating Serum addresses them all, pairing 500-hour-aged ginseng with the brand’s proprietary herbal blend of peony root, lotus seed, white lily, Solomon’s seal and rehmannia to help skin look brighter, stronger and more energised. And because this is K-beauty, the sensorial experience matters just as much as the results – the elegant, grounding herbal scent feels deeply soothing and calming.

Also see: Skincare tips to achieve Ling Ling Kwong’s bright, clean glow