By Anna D Guanche MD FAAD Board-Certified Dermatologist Founder, Bella Skin Institutee The holidays are upon us and it will soon be time to entertain, be entertained, see old and new acquaintances, and travel. It is a time when most of us want to put our best foot forward. Enjoying the holidays involves looking and feeling great, not stressing out too much, and keeping focused on what is most important. As a board-certified dermatologist, I am asked about and informed of all of the latest in beauty trends by my own patients. Here are some holiday dos and don’ts so that you can feel great about the season and come out of December with a sense of joy and renewal, instead of exhaustion.

Do Plan ahead: Start shopping for gifts and holiday outfits now. You likely have a list of parties that you are invited to yearly. Make it easy on yourself by writing your list and checking it twice now before the holiday craze hits. This way, you can actually relax and enjoy the parties when it is time. Stress is not pretty. It causes breakouts due to elevated cortisol levels and promotes premature aging! Try corset training: Yes! Corsets can help narrow the waistline. The waist-to-hip ratio has it when it comes to dressing sexy. You will look your absolute best in that dress! I recommend three hours per day, not while standing for long periods of time or exercising. Do it when its time to relax. Try hair extensions: If you have not tried them, you might be missing out. According to Christie Brinkley, hair extensions are one of the most youth-enhancing tricks. Clip-ins are available that level up the volume, quality, and overall appearance of the hair. Christie’s line is called Hair2wear. This can take you from beautiful to bombshell in minutes. Your hairdresser can place them securely. Get a lift: There are many options for a lift of the face or a mini makeover with little to no downtime. The GuancheLift™ is strategically placed filler that lifts and

re-drapes the skin of the jowls and neck

because of the holidays, you will be sur-

with no visible needle marks. Bella FX ™ is

prised how long it takes to recover your

a new energy device that firms the neck

fitness. Besides, exercise has the benefits

and facial skin and reduces pore size with

of reducing stress and burning calories so

no downtime. We also offer Silhouette In-

that you can indulge with reduced guilt.

stalift that employs absorbable sutures to suspend the tissues of the face, if you

Starve yourself. When you crash diet,

have about 10 days before your event.

you crash your metabolism, and your body starts hanging on to every calorie

Other dos: Breathe, yoga, meditate. Put

you put in it afterward. Avoid the yoyo

things in perspective. Holidays are for joy

dieting by keeping a steady, balanced

and family memories. Don’t miss out on

diet as much a possible. If you fall off the

the meaning of the holidays by turning

wagon, get back at it without going to

it into a miserable chore. Drink plenty of

extremes.

water, especially right before appetizers are served. Speaking of water, bring

Drink a lot of alcohol or caffeine on

atomized spring water on long flights to

flights. Flights are dehydrating to the skin

hydrate facial skin every hour. Take Emer-

and body due to cabin pressurization

gen-C just as you board a plane. Bring

and recirculated air. Drink water instead

hand sanitizer in your purse as well. The

and the other stuff can wait until you

last thing you need on your trip is to feel

have arrived at your destination. When

sick. And remember to breathe.

you arrive, try to coordinate caffeine

Don’t Wait until the last minute to make ap-

intake to your new time zone morning hours. Melatonin will be your friend at your new bedtime. n

pointments with your dermatologist— deductibles threaten to start over and

The holidays are the perfect time to share

vacations happen, so appointments be-

gifts, love and togetherness. It is always

come limited towards the end of the year.

easiest to feel great when we look great. Hopefully these holiday dos and don’ts

Pick your pimples and go down the slip-

have been helpful and keep things in

pery slope of turning them into mount Ve-

perspective. Happy, healthy holidays to

suvius. Contrary to what you may think,

you and your loved ones!

attacking pimples does not make them look better or go away faster (you know this from experience).

The statements in this article are for general informational purposes only and do not substitute for individual medical advice.

Go to bed with your makeup on. Makeup particles get in your eyes and cause irritation and puffiness, which then leads to wrinkles. Makeup also blocks your pores and promotes blackheads and breakouts. We’re not trying to go there for the holidays. Stress out. Instead, look over your calendar. Plan your outfits, hair and nail appointments, facials, and gifts all ahead of time so that you can enjoy the fruits of your labor without hassle. Stop exercising—try to maintain some of your fitness routine as best as you can. Stay in shape so that you’re not full of regrets in January. If you let it all slide

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