January has a way of gently tapping us on the shoulder.
After weeks of cosy meals, sweet treats, late nights and joyful indulgence, my skin always sends me a quiet but clear message: it’s time to nourish again. Not punish. Not restrict. Just restore.
Because while festive indulgence feeds the soul, it can leave the body - and the skin - feeling a little sluggish. And that’s not a failure, it’s simply information.
So this month, I’m returning to something I believe in deeply: feeding the skin properly, from the inside out.
What indulgence does to skin (and why kindness matters)
Here’s the honest science-backed truth.
Excess sugar can spike blood glucose levels, triggering a process called glycation - where sugar molecules bind to collagen and elastin fibres. Over time, this stiffens them, reducing elasticity and contributing to dullness and fine lines.
Heavier, processed foods can also increase systemic inflammation and oxidative stress, which shows up on the skin as congestion, sensitivity, dehydration and that familiar “tired” look.
None of this is about guilt. It’s about awareness.
And now, in my mid-50s, I know that glow doesn’t come from a single product or quick fix. It comes from a holistic approach — one that supports the body and the skin together.
My approach to nourishment now
For me, it’s always been about balance.
Inside
I focus on:
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Smart supplementation, particularly Vitamin D3 and omega-3 fatty acids, which support skin barrier function and help regulate inflammation.
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Vibrant, nutrient-rich meals, think healthy fats, colourful vegetables, good-quality protein and plenty of water.
Outside
I return to ritual. Not rushed skincare. Not complicated routines. But intentional moments that restore and replenish both my skin and my mind.
My post-Christmas wellness ritual
This is the ritual I come back to every January. The one that helps my skin feel comfortable again, and my nervous system settle.
It begins with dry body brushing, which helps stimulate circulation and lymphatic flow, gently waking the skin up after weeks of hibernation.
I then move into gentle exfoliation, using an exfoliating treatment mask to lift away dullness and encourage renewal, without stripping or stressing the skin.
And finally, I layer nourishing oils, allowing them time to absorb, repair and comfort. This step is non-negotiable for me.
Skin food, bottled
The hero of this ritual - the product I always come back to - is my Hydrating Facial Oil.
I often call it food for the skin in a bottle, and I mean that quite literally.
It’s rich in antioxidants and phytonutrients that:
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Strengthen the skin barrier
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Calm visible signs of stress
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Replenish lost lipids
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Restore softness and radiance
In January, when skin is dry, tight or reactive, oils are not optional - they’re essential. They support the barrier and lock in moisture in a way that creams alone simply can’t.
The Wellness Ritual Set: nourishment, start to finish
If you’re craving a full reset, I always recommend The Wellness Ritual Set. It’s designed to nourish the skin and the senses together.
Here’s how I use it:
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Light the votive candles to create a calm, fragrant space
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Begin with dry brushing to stimulate circulation
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Massage the Moisturising Body Oil Wash over brushed skin to soften and nourish
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Remove gently with a warm, damp exfoliating cloth to lift away dead skin cells
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Apply the Exfoliating Treatment Mask to the face and leave for at least 15 minutes
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Run a bath, adding a pump of the body oil wash into the water
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After bathing, massage the oil wash into towel-dried skin
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Finish by pressing the Hydrating Facial Oil into the face
This is nourishment layered with intention, inspired by Ayurveda rituals.
A gentler way forward
January doesn’t need extremes. It doesn’t need rules or resolutions.
Sometimes it just needs:
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Better nourishment
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Slower rituals
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A little more kindness
Your skin remembers how you treat it. Feed it well, and it will always respond.
