Cold weather, festive indulgence and disrupted routines can have lasting effects on the skin. Dr Georges Roman, leading cosmetic doctor and skin specialist, explains how to repair the damage and reset skin health within weeks.
“It is all due to inflammation and dehydration,” states Dr Roman in a very matter-of-fact manner. “Everything about winter and the excesses of Christmas exacerbate those two issues, which in turn, have a domino effect on the skin: acne, red blotches, rashes, dryness and even dark circles under the eyes.”
In winter, the sharp contrast between cold, low-humidity outdoor air and warm, heated indoor environments rapidly dehydrates the skin on both the surface and deeper layers. Dr Roman notes, “Let’s not forget our beloved hot showers. They are terrible for the skin as they strip off its natural oils. The consequence is dry, itchy skin, which could even progress to eczema.”
At I-M Inquisitive Minds, our team recently tested Bio Velvet, a cream that proved to significantly reduce symptoms of eczema such as inflammation, redness and itchiness. The key component is deer antler, which is reported to support skin repair and natural cell renewal, potentially strengthening the skin’s barrier.
On the other hand, we have the Christmas “treats”. Alcohol, carbonated drink and sugar all contribute to ruining our skin. The feared dark circles under the eyes are more often than not, caused by sugar. Dr Roman explains that dark circles under the eyes can signal liver issues.
So, is it possible to reverse the damage? How long will it take? How hard will it be? According to Dr Roman, not as hard as I thought. “Assuming you have not gone completely wild over Christmas, avoid alcohol and sweets for a few days should be enough to help reset your liver. And drink plenty of water. That should be your baseline.”
Dr Roman suggests we include in our daily routine exposure to sunlight early in the morning to activate our melatonin (crucial for regulating sleep), serotonin (mood-boosting) and vitamin D synthesis (crucial to most metabolic processes). All of the above help strengthen immunity and promote skin health by regulating oil production and reducing inflammation.
The next step is to rebuild your skin from the inside. The most effective way to do this is with treatments such as mesotherapy and bio-stimulation.
Not all mesotherapy treatments are the same, though. Dr Roman has spent years perfecting his. He uses different protocols for different issues. For this specific case, he combines a high-quality hyaluronic acid with amino acids and peptides to stimulate collagen, maximise hydration and improve overall skin tone.
Bio-stimulation, Dr Roman explains, “deeply hydrates the skin cells from the inside and triggers the production of collagen and elastin, which leads to gradual, natural-looking rejuvenation for concerns like wrinkles, sagging, and poor skin quality.”
What you do in the clinic will not yield its best results if you don’t accompany it with the right skincare routine.
“Start with a good cleanser,” Dr Roman recommends. “One that is gentle on the skin but also removes dead cells and the grime accumulated during the day. Use also in the morning, to clear away sweat, sebum, dead skin cells and any residue from night creams.
When tested by the I-M Inquisitive Minds team over a two-week period, Crystal Clear Wipe Away The Years performed really well. It is formulated with complex peptides and precious stones, delivering a deep cleanse that leaves the skin brightened and hydrated.
The next thing Dr Roman warns against is the use of hot water to wash our face. Use cool water and start your routine with a serum. “Serums are very important because they contain highly concentrated active ingredients in lightweight formulas designed to penetrate the skin quickly and deeply.” Serums hydrate, brighten and have anti-ageing properties. More importantly, they allow heavier creams applied afterwards to seal in their active ingredients and maximise their effectiveness.
I-M Inquisitive Minds recommends Bioeffect 30 Day Power Treatment. This intensive triple-action serum programme is powered by three barley-derived growth factors (epidermal, fibroblast and immune-regulating). Expect a visible overall improvement on your skin by the end of the second week.
Next is the moisturising eye-cream and face-cream, both of which Dr Roman advises should be rich in hyaluronic acid, ceramides, or both. “Hyaluronic acid attracts and retains water, keeping the delicate eye area and face plump and smooth. Ceramides reinforce the skin’s natural barrier, preventing moisture loss and shielding against environmental stress. Used in both eye cream and day moisturiser, they help maintain long-lasting hydration, reduce sensitivity and keep skin looking resilient and well-rested.
As a tip, Dr Roman adds, “If your skin feels very dry to start with, feel free to use a night cream during the day, instead. They are normally richer in moisturising compounds.”
At I-M Inquisitive Minds, we are very fond of Avant Ceramides Soothing & Protective Day Cream SPF20, a moisturiser formulated to plump skin and enhance moisture retention, while shielding against pollution and environmental aggressors.
For ultimate luxury skincare, La Prairie Life Matrix Haute Rejuvenation Cream. Enriched with high-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid, it retains water on the surface layers of the skin. Other exclusive compounds work at the molecular level to help rejuvenate the cells.
The Irene Forte Olive Eye Cream with Penta-Phyto Complex is a hydrating eye treatment rich in hyaluronic acid. It visibly plumps and smooths the skin, reducing appearance of fine lines. Infused with antioxidant-rich olive extracts, it also helps brighten and soothe the under-eye area .
Especially formulated to work overnight is La Mer The Rejuvenating Night Cream, a cult classic with a high concentration of hyaluronic acid and La Mer’s signature Miracle Broth, which promotes skin renewal.
Last bit of advice from Dr Roman, “If possible, avoid using foundation for a few days and reapply moisturiser several times during the day.”
So thankfully, it seems that a few mindful resets, clinically driven treatments and a disciplined routine are all it takes to restore our skin to its healthiest, most luminous state.
Author: Julia Pasarón
If your problem is pigmentation, you may be interested in this article, Can a Leopard Change Its Spots?, also featuring Dr Roman.
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