The festive season brings merriment and joy. Christmas carols, festive decorations and all those jingles. But it's also when temperatures nosedive, Christmas parties are in full swing and your self-care rituals might not be so high up on your list. All of this can really take it's toll on your skin, from flaky skin to redness and irritation. To rescue your skin from the onslaught of cold weather and the seasonal festivities, here are the top 3 skincare tips to live by at this time of the year.

1: Keep Drinking, A Lot

Of water, of course! Drinking at least 8 glasses of water each day is key to allow your body to perform at its best. We all know this. But it's somehow easier to remember in the summer when you're hot and reaching for a glass of cold water is really refreshing. Not so in winter. You're probably drinking more lattes, coffees and teas to keep you warm, and the Christmas parties means more alcoholic drinks too.

With the central heating blasting and the low humidity of the winter days, your skin is exposed to really drying environments that can make your skin drier, flakier and generally more sensitive than usual. Keeping your skin hydrated by drinking plenty of water is a great way to help counteract these arid conditions.

But if drinking cold water straight from the tap is too much, try hot water fresh from the kettle with a slice of (unwaxed) lemon and a splash of organic honey. It's a really light and refreshing way to keep hydrated. Plus you get a shot of vitamin C from the lemon and the antibacterial benefits from the honey. Your skin will start thanking you in no time. 

2: Apply Your Face Oil Every Day

There are few times in the year when you're so time poor. With your day filled with work, social commitments and general festive cheer, the space for "you" time can shrink considerably. And we get it. Who wants to be standing in the bathroom walking through a multi-step skincare routine everyday? No, thank you.

That said, there is one skincare hack that we are absolutely uncompromising on and it's one of the easiest to maintain: applying the Organic Facial Oil every morning and evening. Taking a moment to massage it into damp, clean skin after using the Green Clay Cleansing Balm.

The award-winning blend contains organic sweet almond oil which is so good for your skin. It's a powerful antioxidant that is perfect for your daily skincare routine as it contains vitamin E, vitamin A, potassium and zinc. Two of the main benefits during this festive period are the deeply hydrating qualities of the sweet almond oil and it's calming effect on the skin which reduces any skin irritation and redness. And for those late night parties: this wonder organic ingredient reduces puffiness and under-eye circles too.

3: Target Dry Skin Patches 

Having experienced extremely dry and sensitive skin, I know the value in targeting and treating dry skin patches early on. Washing your hands in cold water, drying them under a hot hand dryer and exposing them to the daily elements can leave your hands dry and in need of deep hydration and nourishment.

It's why I always carry the Organic Lip Balm in my bag (and have one on my desk too) and use it as a multi purpose balm. The organic virgin coconut oil, rich in fatty acids, helps to lock in moisture and the high oleic acid content of the organic apricot oil softens the skin. The organic beeswax is a powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant, forming a soothing protective layer against the elements too.

Using the balm throughout the day on dry skin patches, knuckles, cuticles and your lips is an easy way to care for your skin using the highest quality, organic plant based ingredients. It's the little jar of joy you'll be keeping with you well into the new year too.

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Written by: Lauren, Co-Founder, BY SARAH