Nothing makes you appreciate glowing skin like a good holiday. I've just returned from two weeks away, in sunshine and some rain, but most importantly outside and nowhere near an office or computer. I've been back at work for a week and already my skin is dry and tight, and looks as if it needs another break. I've tried my usual quick fix (face mask and an extra dollop of moisturiser morning and night), but that doesn't seems to have helped. If anything, it's made matters worse, as now, instead of glowing, I am dull and slightly greasy.
"Skin can quickly look tired and dull after being exposed to airconditioning, radiation from computer screens and stress," says Caroline Hirons of Chantecaille.
"In the office, your skin is always subjected to one of two evils: central heating or air-conditioning," says Sally Penfold of the International Dermal Institute. "Both dry out the air, taking out its humidity." This is why your holiday skin resembles crepe paper after just one day back. "Think about your environment," she adds. "Use the air-conditioning only in emergencies - open a window instead - and drink plenty of water. It's a cliché, but people still don't do it enough." That's plain water, by the way, not tea, coffee or any other pretend water. A dash of fruit juice to liven it up is fine, but you're not kidding anyone with that Diet Coke. If things are really bad on the skin front, buy a humidifier (and if it's winter and the central heating is on, place a bowl of water by the radiator).
A slightly more glamorous solution is a good facial spritzer. "Carry a hydrating spritz around with you," says Penfold. "It's like water, but will have humectants in it, which prevent your skin drying out. They also tend to contain other soothing ingredients and can be used over make-up."
Hirons agrees: "Tap into the healing properties of pure rosewater - spray it regularly and directly on the face and around your head. Unlike water, rosewater won't dehydrate the skin; it will help to attract moisture, keeping skin hydrated and plumping out fine wrinkles."
