Before you dig into your reunion dinner, here are some things to remember
Happy Chinese New Year Eve! By now, we’re sure that many of you have your mindset on the upcoming festivities ahead over the next few days. But first, hands up if you are going easy on lunch today in anticipation of today’s dinner feasting?
While we’re as excited as you are to gather with our loved ones and indulge in our favourite food, here are some last-minute skincare must-dos to ensure you have beautiful, clear skin throughout the New Year:
1. This is a hard one, but go easy on the steamboat
Let’s start with the most challenging one, shall we? Steamboats may seem harmless—and even healthy—compared to Chinese New Year snacks like pineapple tarts or ba kwa. But did you know they’re usually loaded with sodium, thanks to the generous amounts of processed food added to the broth? HealthXchange.sg states that the sodium content in a typical hot pot meal greatly exceeds the recommended salt intake (not including the salt in the broth itself!). Yes, we’re talking fish balls, fish cakes, sausages, meatballs, shrimp balls...the list is never-ending. Consuming too much sodium is not only bad for your health as it leads to increased blood pressure, it also causes water retention, which makes your face to look puffier—not something you want the day before your first day of visiting!
P/S: Go easy on the sauces too. Chilli or soya sauce can greatly increase your sodium intake too!
2. And the sugary treats too!
While you happily binge on pineapple tarts, almond cookies, and the like, you’re taking in a lot of sugar, which causes your body to produce insulin to absorb all the glucose that’s going into your system. High insulin levels tend to trigger increased oil production and inflamed skin, which leads to—you guessed it—breakouts on your face! Imagine the possible acne you may get if you eat heaps of sugary treats the day before you greet all your relatives. Definitely not a pretty sight!
3. Do a moisturising mask so makeup goes on easier in the morning
To ensure your makeup looks on-point while lasting the entire day of visiting, prep your skin with a moisturiser that suits your skin type the night/morning before visiting. The Moisturizers Co. Brightening Moisturizing Cream with Arbutin and Vitamins is excellent to get quick, I-just-slept-for-8-hours glowing skin while the Ultra Pore Refiner Anti-Blemish Night Cream with Niacinamide effectively controls oil production so your makeup doesn’t melt off in the sweltering heat. For best results, try multi-masking!
Explore the full range of moisturisers here or discover the set that is recommended for your unique skin type and needs here.
4. Keep yourself hydrated
Be sure to drink lots and lots of water so that your skin is clear and glowing, and to guarantee your metabolism is working at peak performance. An easy way to remember to drink water is to download a Water Reminder app on your smartphone and have it nudge you when it’s time to reach for your next water break. Try Daily Water (for iOS users) or Water Drink Reminder (for Android users).
5. Change your bedding, especially your pillowcase!
If you haven’t already changed your pillowcase (and the rest of your bedding) for a fresh start into the New Year—here’s your helpful reminder to do it now! Getting a new set of bedding is a customary spring cleaning staple, but it also means you’re hitting the sack without worrying about getting any oil or grime on your face right before visitation starts.
6. Get enough sleep!
Shou sui (守岁) is a customary Chinese New Year tradition where children stay up late to bless their parents with good health and longevity. However, don’t go overboard and end up getting insufficient sleep before a long day of merriment! We suggest enjoying the night a little longer with your loved ones, then call it a night around 12 AM–1 AM. Your skin will thank you.
The spring season may be a time where it’s easy to forget your usual healthy habits. But to truly make the most of the season, you should always remember to eat in moderation, never skip your skincare routine, and to always drink lots and lots of water!
We wish you a wonderful Chinese New Year celebration with your family and friends.
We’ll be back soon with more skincare and dermatologists' tips!
About us: We are Skintelligence, a team focused on a 'skin-first' approach to beauty through artificial intelligence. We match products to you based on your unique skin type and needs. Results are highly accurate and personalized with AI and machine learning. It's fun, convenient, and it works. Try it here.
As featured in Her World, CLEO, FEMALE, Shape, Nuyou, Singapore Women’s Weekly, Daily Vanity, Layers of Skins.