It's the merry time of the year again, and yes, the 'Ber' months are packed with gatherings and celebrations.  

Every Filipino knows that September marks the start of the festive season. Even three months before the holidays, families start decorating their houses and feel the excitement of the coming days. But, along with decorating comes various parties until Christmas and New Year's Eve. 

Do you think you're party-ready? Then, perfect your holiday look, and glowing skin with a skincare routine focused on hydrating the skin. In this blog, we'll round up tips to prepare your skin for the coming gatherings and how to hydrate the skin to achieve radiant and young-looking skin.  

1. Keep the skin clean and moisturized 

Hydrate your skin to make it supple. The holiday season marks when the climate may become cold and dry. However, this doesn't mean you can let your skin suffer. On the contrary, hydration is the key to radiant-looking skin.  

To do this, drink plenty of water all day to keep your body well-hydrated from the inside out. It will also radiate to your skin as it can prevent acne breakouts, too! 

Aside from lifestyle changes, feed your skin with hydrating and moisturizing products. As early as now, you can start using skincare products containing hyaluronic acid and essential oils. One product expert recommends using nourishing oils, like a night nourishing oil (NNO). Use these each night throughout the year to have supple, smooth, and glowing skin.  

2. Protect your skin from the sun 

Though the 'Ber' months are mostly filled with wet and cold days, it doesn't mean that the sun can't harm your skin. The truth is, as long as the sun rises throughout the day, even if it's cloudy, it can transmit harmful ultraviolet rays that can cause skin damage.  

Make it a habit to use sunscreen no matter if you're just indoors most of the time. Still, protecting the skin from radiation can help combat premature aging, manifesting as wrinkles and dull skin.  

Aside from sunscreens, use umbrellas, long-sleeved clothing and a wide-brimmed hat whenever you're exposed to the sun. Let's face it, and the holidays will also mean outings and travel events that may entail beach trips.  

3. Don't forget to exfoliate 

Exfoliation is the process of removing dead skin cells on the outer layer of the skin. This will reveal clearer, smoother, and healthier skin. In addition, it helps promote cell turnover to show new and healthier cells.  

Consult your dermatologist on which exfoliation is best for your skin type. There are two types of exfoliation – physical or manual and chemical or enzymatic.  

Physical exfoliation involves using scrubs, a washcloth, or a sponge to scrub off dead skin cells. In some instances, microdermabrasion can also be used. However, it comes with caution, especially for oily, dry or acne-prone skin. 

On the other hand, chemical exfoliation involves using gentle organic ingredients or enzymes to break down dead skin cells. This is best recommended for those with sensitive skin. Remember, exfoliate about two to three times a week only to prevent inflammation or irritation.  

4. Eat well and take your supplements 

One way to ensure your skin is healthy is to nourish it with the needed vitamins, minerals, and nutrients in food and supplements. Eat a well-balanced diet high in fruits and vegetables. Remember, this is not the time to do crash diets since these will deplete the body of essential nutrients.  

Instead, choose whole grain foods, greens, and healthier options. Aside from that, exercising at least three times a week can promote a healthy body and glowing skin.  

Nutritional supplements are also crucial to achieve healthier and radiant skin. Take your vitamins and minerals, along with collagen. Meanwhile, vitamins A, C and E are potent antioxidants that can fight premature aging caused by free radicals.  

5. Aim for a Restful Night's Sleep 

Do you wonder why you're doing everything on this list but seem to have dull skin? You might be lacking sleep. Sleep is crucial for the body to rest and rejuvenate, including your skin. Getting enough sleep for about 7 to 8 hours a night is vital to be healthy inside and out.  

If you're having difficulty falling asleep, you may perform relaxing activities like having a warm bath or getting a massage to help you sleep better.  

6. Your dermatologist is your friend 

Visit your dermatologist for treatments and recommendations on how to take care of your skin. Consulting an expert in the field is better than using products that are not suitable for your skin type. Your doctor will assess your skin's needs and what products can help boost your skin's health and beauty.  

Remember, investing in quality products and services is better than regretting using products that can harm your skin. When it comes to your skin, you should be very cautious about products you see in the market. Consult your dermatologist first, especially if you have sensitive, dry, and acne-prone skin.