The holidays are a time to be joyful and celebrate. They are also a time when we find ourselves overindulging in food and beverages while burning the candle at both ends hopping from party to party in the midst of rushing to finish deadline after deadline prior to holiday travel. Sleep becomes a luxury while looking fresh faced is a necessity.

A few weeks ago I had the pleasure of meeting prestigious skin care and lifestyle expert Lydia Sarfati, founder of  Repêchage Skin Care. She’s truly a gem in the industry and a wonderful source of skinspiration for me– and for millions. Here, I share with you Lydia’s tips on how to successfully manage the holiday hustle while looking exceptionally fresh, along with the best Repêchage products to do the trick every step of the way.

1. If you need to get your day off to a detoxifying start after a big night out, jog or walk at least 30 minutes – The movement will give you energy and it will set your body in motion for detoxification. A little sweat is just what your body needs if you had a late night or over indulged on the holiday punch. When you are done, do some light stretching and drink at least 24 ounces of water.

2. Take a warm bath at 105 degrees for 30 minutes – The water should not be too hot. In fact as the water gets cooler the longer you soak this will allow for some lymphatic drainage, which will remove any superficial bloating. Lydia recommends adding a Repêchage Vita Cura Seaweed bath sachet to the water which will add to the relaxation, skin softening and detoxification

Repêchage Honey and Almond Scrub

a. While in the tub apply a relaxing facial mask or an exfoliating treatment. Lydia recommends applying Honey and Almond scrub to the face and letting it sit for 10 minutes before gently massaging the face in circular motions and rinsing off with water. If you have less time use the Hydra Refine One Minute Clarifying Mask which works wonders and tightens pores.
b. If you don’t have a fresh cucumber handy to slice for use on the eyes, Lydia recommends applying cold Eye Rescue Pads to the eyes while the mask sets. These will allow you to regain the look of having achieved a well rested 8 hour sleep (even if you didn’t get it).
c. Relax and breathe deeply. Really enjoy your “me” time.

4. To really feel better, Lydia’s secret is to mix one Seaweed and Magnesium supplement into chilled water or fruit juice. The Seaweed and Magnesium will give you energy and enhance clarity. This is a must!

5. After the bath make sure to really take care of your skin on face and body. Use products that will instantly hydrate your skin or provide a lifting effect, especially around the eye area. Lydia loves products that provide an instant lift like Repechage’s Vita Cura Opti-Lift Serum. This can be applied around the eye area 2 times per day and can even be patted on over make-up.

Repêchage Algo Mist

6. The Vita Cura Triple Firming Cream is great to use all over your face for moisture, tightening and an instant lifting effect. It provides a glow that will carry you through the day.

7. If your holiday looks include short skirts or backless dresses Lydia suggests that you amply hydrate your whole body. For great moisture that will treat your skin, Lydia uses Seaweed Crème Active Body Cream in the morning, every morning.

8. When you are on the go, don’t forget to freshen up between parties. Carry Repêchage Algo Mist in your bag to mist on your face for an instant dewy appearance between parties.

Lydia assures that if you do the above 8 steps, you will be successful in having it all!

Ms. Lydia Sarfati, President and Founder of Repêchage, an internationally recognized skin care expert quoted in Vogue, In Style, Glamour, and New York Times as well as featured on CNN, CBS, and FOX. Ms. Sarfati is the creator of the world-renowned Four Layer Facial® and has over thirty years of experience as an esthetician, spa owner, manufacturer, consultant and is author of Success at Your Fingertips: How to Succeed in the Skin Care Business. She has contributed to the elevation of the esthetics field in the US and abroad and has recently been appointed honorary chair of EstheticsAmerica, CIDESCO USA.

bath photo courtesy of getty images