Erase the December frivolities from your hair and skin with our beauty simple plan

Great British Life: Erase the December frivolities from your hair and skin with our beauty simple planErase the December frivolities from your hair and skin with our beauty simple plan (Image: Archant)

1 Switch up your diet

From fat-busting grapefruit to powerful anti-inflammatory turmeric, there are a whole host of foods and spices which can aid your health, and in turn your appearance. Lemons help to flush out toxins from the liver, leaving you with a glowing complexion while foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids such as oily fish and nuts help to hydrate and plump skin.

And if post-Christmas bloating is an issue researchers have found that chowing down on fruit as a pre-meal snack can help reduce belly bloat by up to 50 percent. Our fruit of choice? Bananas – not only do they increase bloat-fighting bacteria in the stomach but they also provide a healthy dose of potassium which can help diminish water retention. Result!

Great British Life: Erase the December frivolities from your hair and skin with our beauty simple planErase the December frivolities from your hair and skin with our beauty simple plan (Image: Archant)

2 What’s supp?

January is the perfect time to invest in health shots and supplements to give your body the nutrients it craves. ‘Christmas and New Year can take its toll on the body, both inside and out,’ explains Dr Munir Somji, director of Dr MediSpa in Loughton.

Great British Life: Erase the December frivolities from your hair and skin with our beauty simple planErase the December frivolities from your hair and skin with our beauty simple plan (Image: Archant)

‘I recommend IV booster shots to replace the loss of vitamins B and C, essential amino acids and glutathione.’ Vitamin B is a great way to boost energy levels while vitamin C promotes a brighter more even skin tone. ‘Glutathione is a natural antioxidant and can help to prevent the flu,’ Dr Somji adds. ‘And amino acids have been shown to help boost fitness levels and libido.’ Vitamin shots start at £70. For more information visit drmedispa.com or call 0208 418 0362

3 Luscious locks

Looking after your hair doesn’t have to cost a fortune, but after a month of party season and family photos, your tresses may be in need of a little TLC. ‘Put your hairdryer away and give hair a rest from heat,’ advises Katriye Osman, salon owner of Flicks Hair and Beauty in Highams Park.

‘Instead treat hair to a deep-conditioning treatment and 10-minute head massage,’ she adds. You’ll feel instantly relaxed and your hair will be left feeling smoother, softer, glossier, and most importantly, healthier. Treatments are available at Flicks Hair and Beauty from a purse-friendly £14. Call 0208 531 8886 to book or for more information.

4 Get plenty of beauty sleep

A lack of sleep doesn’t just leave dark circles under the eyes, it can affect your mind, metabolism and your choices. Studies show that we’re more likely to reach for junk food or a carb-fuelled plate of stodge when feeling lethargic rather than eating lean meat and steamed vegetables.

But most importantly, not getting enough sleep can directly impact the metabolism. Research shows that sleep-deprived individuals have less ability to control their blood-sugar levels and can actually wake up hungrier than those getting the recommended seven to nine hours a night. So pull on your pjs and get an early night – your body will thank you for it.

5 Wave goodbye to fat cells

Feel like you may have piled on a pound or three and wish you could simply zap them away? Well, with a little help fro Dr Leah Cosmetic Skin Clinic you can. ‘Our body treatments are particularly popular this time of year, especially our Shockwave Therapy’ explains Daniela Dobbin, manager of Dr Leah Cosmetic Skin Clinics.

‘Shockwave therapy uses soundwaves to shrink and break down the fat cells which then activates the metabolism and helps to clear toxins and impurities.’ Good for cellulite, skin tightening, lymphatic drainage and blood flow, this treatment is suitable for anyone wanting to tone up this January. For maximum results, book in for a recommended course of eight sessions. Visit drleah.co.uk or call 020 7877 5999 for more information

6 Lock-in moisture

Does your hair feel dry and brittle this time of year? ‘Winter weather and excessive heating can leave your hair feeling dehydrated,’ describes Hannah Collins and Laura Childs, senior stylists at Salon 182 on Loughton High Street. Combat dryness with a quick five-minute at home treatment and look salon-worthy without even leaving the house.

‘We recommend the Kevin Murphy range which includes a Hydrate Wash (£20), Hydrate Rinse (£20) and Hydrate Me Masque which is a great way to soften dry and frizzy hair.’ A detox shampoo is ideal for January to help cleanse every strand and strip unwanted product residue and excess oils which may have built up. Give Kevin Murphy’s Maxi Wash a go and thank us later. For more information on products and in-salon services, call 0208 502 4212 or visit salon182.co.uk

7 Meet your matcha

Want to feed your skin? Treat it from the inside out by cleansing your body with health-boosting green tea. Containing anti-inflammatory properties, green tea can help reduce redness and puffiness in the skin, plus it provides much-needed hydration leaving you with a glowing complexion.

Matcha green tea boasts a powerhouse of antioxidants and has an ORAC (oxygen radical absorbance capacity) count of 1573 per gram. In comparison, one of its closest rivals, the gojiberry, holds a mere 253 units per gram. These antioxidants help to protect from free-radicals, boost your brain power and studies suggest they can also aid weightloss and ward of cancer. Pop the kettle on!

8 Peel away the years

For those that had one too many glasses of champagne seeing in the New Year, listen up! Alcohol can be detrimental to your skin and lead to dehydration. ‘It dilates blood vessels, increasing redness and sometimes leaving permanent red veins visible to the skin,’ explains Daniela.

‘On top of this, alcohol is full of sugar which can make skin oily and prone to spots.’ Combine this with the harsh winter weather and your face may need a little pick-me-up this January. ‘To restore skin back to its best and help to remove any impurities I recommend a BHA/AHA skin peel alongside a super-hydrating mask and LED light,’ Daniela says. ‘The peel will remove the top layers of the skin, encouraging healthy new skin to reproduce. The combination of the hyaluronic mask and LED light will restore hydration while also reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles,’ she adds. Visit drleah.co.uk or call 020 7877 5999 for more information.