
The holidays are the most exciting time of the year filled with parties, shopping, and endless to-do lists. But let’s face it, with all the fun comes the stress, and your skin can definitely feel the effects. Whether you’re basking in the heat of Nigeria or braving dry, cold weather, maintaining your glow through it all doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are my top skincare tips to keep your skin fresh and radiant throughout the season, no matter where you are.
1. Never Skip Cleansing
Cleansing is a must, no matter where I am. After long days of celebrations, makeup, and, let’s be honest, holiday indulgence, I always cleanse to remove dirt, sweat, and oils that build up. In hot climates like Nigeria, sweat can clog pores, while colder regions can leave your skin covered in dry particles. Make cleansing a priority both morning and night.
Recommendation:
- CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser (great for dry or combination skin)
- La Roche-Posay Effaclar Gel (ideal for oily skin and humid climates)
2. Stay Hydrated: Inside and Out
Hydration is key, especially when dealing with intense heat or dry air. The weather, combined with the festive foods and drinks, can quickly dry out your skin. I make sure to hydrate both inside and out: I drink plenty of water and layer on a hydrating serum or moisturizer.
Recommendation:
- The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
- Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel (perfect for humid or dry conditions)
Pro Tip: Check out our post on building a skincare routine for Nigerian weather.
3. Sunscreen Is a Must
Whether you’re soaking up the Nigerian sun or escaping to cooler climates, sunscreen should be a non-negotiable part of your routine. UV rays can damage your skin in any weather, so I apply sunscreen daily, no matter what.
Recommendation:
- Black Girl Sunscreen SPF 30 (perfect for hot climates)
- EltaMD UV Clear SPF 46 (ideal for all skin types)
4. Eye Care for Those Late Nights
The holiday season means long nights, and the skin around my eyes shows it! Late nights lead to puffiness and dark circles, but the delicate skin around the eyes needs extra care. An eye cream can help brighten tired eyes and reduce puffiness.
Recommendation:
- Kiehl’s Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado
- The Inkey List Caffeine Eye Cream
5. Exfoliate to Reveal Smooth Skin
Exfoliating helps get rid of dead skin cells, revealing smoother, brighter skin beneath. Whether in hot, humid weather or cold, dry conditions, I always exfoliate once or twice a week to keep my skin glowing.
Recommendation:
- Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant (great for humid climates)
- The Ordinary Lactic Acid 5% + HA (perfect for sensitive skin in dry weather)
6. Face Masks for a Quick Skin Boost
During the busy holidays, face masks are a lifesaver. I love using hydrating masks when my skin feels dry or a clay mask when it’s oily or congested. A mask can refresh your skin in just a few minutes.
Recommendation:
- Laneige Water Sleeping Mask (for hydration, works in both humid and dry climates)
- Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay (perfect for deep cleansing and oily skin)
7. Eat Skin-Friendly Foods
Holiday treats are amazing, but I make sure to balance them out with skin-loving foods. Whether I’m enjoying fresh fruits in a warm climate or nuts in cooler weather, I always reach for nutrient-rich foods like avocados, berries, and nuts to nourish my skin.
8. Prioritize Sleep
Sleep is the best remedy for tired, stressed skin. I make sure to get at least 7-8 hours each night to let my skin regenerate and stay fresh, no matter where I am.
9. Keep Your Hands Off Your Face
Whether it’s hot and humid or dry and cold, keeping my hands off my face is crucial. Our hands carry oils and bacteria that can clog pores and cause breakouts, so I make sure not to touch my face during the holiday rush.
10. Keep Your Skincare Routine Simple
With everything going on during the holidays, I stick to a simple skincare routine: cleanse, hydrate, and apply sunscreen. Keeping it basic helps my skin stay glowing without stressing me out.
Keep Your Skin Glowing All Season Long
No matter where you are, the holidays should be a time to enjoy and celebrate. With these tips, your skin will remain glowing through all the festivities. Whether you’re in sunny Nigeria or a cooler destination, a little extra TLC will go a long way to keep your skin looking radiant.
What’s your go-to skincare tip during the holiday season? Let me know in the comments!