It’s not only your mind that can suffer post-holiday blues. Your skin, hair and nails also need a boost after the long, hot summer months. Get back to looking your best by giving yourself a beauty workout
Along with holiday snaps, your brittle, frazzled, flat hair might constantly remind you of your break. The best way to lift dull locks? “Gently cleanse your hair to remove any excess products that have suffocated it,” says Claude Hachache, manager and style director at Toni & Guy. He advises using a gentle cleanser to remove build-up without stripping it.
Try Label.m Deep Cleansing Shampoo (Dh60). You could also try washing your hair using cooled boiled water as it’s more effective at removing dirt and oil, and won’t damage it like hot water can. You could also give your locks a boost with the Biolustre Repair Treatment at Pastels Salon (Dh600), which uses a two-step clarifying and deep-conditioning process to bring back shine and bounce.
Trim split ends…
There’s only one way to stop hair looking straggly – trim it every six to eight weeks. This will prevent your split ends from travelling up the hair fibre and causing more damage. Being kind to your hair will prevent breakage.
Try lightly squeezing the water out with a towel rather than aggressively rubbing it. Let your hair dry naturally and comb or brush it very gently. Try The Kerastase Signature Ritual at Sister’s Beauty Lounge (Dh150), a deep-nourishing treatment based on an individual hair consultation.
Stop hair loss…
Sea water can dry out your scalp, causing it to tighten up and squeeze hair out at the follicles. A good head massage helps to stimulate blood circulation and provide optimal nourishment. Try an Indian head massage at the Talise Spa, Madinat Jumierah (Dh519). For an at-home treat work a small amount of almond oil into your scalp. Use a deep-conditioning treatment once a week.
We love Fekkai Protein Rx PM Repair Strengthener (at Bloomingdale’s). You could also switch your regular shampoo to NaturalTech Energizing Shampoo by Davines, Dh95 (at Thai Privilege Spa), which promises to stimulate cell metabolism.
Body – Eliminate toxins…
When dreaded dimpled skin starts to surface, you know it’s time to detox. Jelena Jakovljevic Bin Drai, founder of Vanilla by Jelena Luxury Ladies Salon & Spa, says regular anti-cellulite treatments help tone and reduce the appearance of cellulite.
She swears by a classic hammam (from Dh295), which uses organic black olive soap to remove dead skin cells and bacteria. The steam used in the hamman opens up pores and massage techniques are used to stimulate the lymph and circulatory system.
Soften skin…
Dipping in and out of the sea and chlorinated pools all day can take its toll on your hands and feet. “Post-holiday, invest in a manicure and pedicure with a paraffin oil treatment, which enhances the skin’s moisture levels to leave it supple and soft,” recommends Joy Castro, nail expert at Pastels Salon.
Make sure you apply a good hand cream – we love Cowshed Cowpat Moisturising Hand Cream, (at Harvey Nichols) – throughout the day, and in the evening treat your feet to Shiffa’s Healing Balm (at Sephora), wrapping them up in a pair of socks so that the balm is able to soak into your skin overnight. For a more purse-friendly option try The Body Shop’s Vitamin E Intense Moisture Cream, which specifically targets really dry skin.
Remove stains…
“Stains are quite common after wearing a bright or heavy colour on your nails,” says Nazgul Alieva, spa operations manager at Tips & Toes. One way to prevent stains is to opt for Gelish or Shellac treatments, which last up to four weeks and this means that you’re not constantly topping up your nail colour every few days.
If you opt for regular manicures before your holiday, Joy advises applying a base coat before painting on your summer hue. Nazgul’s top DIY tip is to rub freshly cut lemon wedges over your nails and then buff them with a toothbrush to get rid of the stains.
Ease muscles…
Not every holiday involves lying on the beach engrossed in a best-seller. An active holiday experience can lead to your body feeling more worn out than before you left. Add to that a long-haul flight and you’ve got a recipe for seriously tense muscles. Jelena believes the best cure is a relaxing massage. She also advises making the most of the spa facilities as a steam and sauna beforehand will help relax tired muscles so they are ready for the massage.
Most spas also offer post-flight specific treatments such as the Jet Lag (Dh450), at The Spa at The Address Dubai Marina. This treat includes body brushing to stimulate circulation, a series of stretches to relieve tension and a spinal pressure massage to ease any aches and pains.
Skin – lighten up…
“Sunscreen goes a long way to prevent sun spots, but in order to really protect your skin you need to stay in the shade, wear protective clothing, and avoid the sun during high-risk times,” says Rebecca Treston of Treston Aesthetics at Euromed Clinic. Vitamin C is your best defence against sun spots and pigmentation as it helps to reduce damage already caused.
Nimue’s Vitamin C Moisture Mist, (Dh184 at Dermalase Clinic), doubles up as a toner post cleansing as well as a vitamin C spray that you can spritz throughout the day. For darker spots, you can apply Kiehl’s Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Solution (Dh235 at Harvey Nichols), directly to the affected area.
De-puff…
Under-eye bags and dark circles tend to rear their ugly heads post-holiday due to dehydration and a sudden change in lifestyle. “A really good way to reduce puffiness is to drink a glass of hot water in the morning or at night before you go to bed,” says Mairead Wilkinson, beauty and holistic therapist at Pastels Salon. “This helps to eliminate toxins.” Try lightly tapping and massaging the area around your eyes when you apply your eye cream.
We love Elemis Pro-Collagen Advanced Eye Treatment (Dh323 at Bloomingdale’s), and Dr Hauschka Eye Solace Kit, (Dh99 at Organic Foods & Café). For a professional treatment head to Bloomingdale’s where, by appointment, you can get a complimentary Esteé Lauder Fatigue Fighter Treatment.
Rehydrate…
Skin that is dry and peeling is a sign your body is dehydrated. A hardworking moisturiser, such as Clinique Turnaround Overnight Radiance Moisturiser (at Debenhams), should become your new best friend. To combat flakiness, opt for a light exfoliator – we like No7 Beautiful Skin Radiance Exfoliator (at Boots).
If you use a foam cleanser, which can strip skin, switch to an oil-based one. Bobbi Brown’s new Soothing Cleansing Oil not only cleanses skin, but leaves it soft and supple too. Sephora’s Soothing Cleansing Milk is another option. You should also increase your intake of oily fish or take a daily Omega 3 supplement.
Beat blemishes…
Heat, humidity and holidays can lead to blemishes. We recommend booking in for the Environmental Facial (Dh429) at Raffles Spa, which is particularly good for sensitive skin.
Stay calm…
Redness is usually seen in people who are prone to rosacea, a skin condition that causes blushing or flushing. It can be aggravated by excessive coffee intake, spicy food and sun exposure. Merle Norman’s Anti-Redness Cream is packed with antioxidants so helps to soothe skin and prevent flare-ups.
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