If you went a little too hard on the chocolate bunnies and marshmallow Peeps this past weekend — you’re not alone.
New research by the face yoga app Luvly shows one in three people suffer from a facial cocoa crisis after overindulging on Easter.
But, don’t worry, you don’t have to swear off chocolate to get that healthy glow back.
Olga Skydan, a dermatologist and licensed esthetician at Luvly, has the scoop on how to help your skin recover from a sugar binge.
Apple cider vinegar
“High in fat and refined sugars, too much chocolate can cause acne — but thankfully, you likely already have a cheap and effective remedy in your kitchen,” Skydan said.
Apple cider vinegar has been touted as a miracle cure that can help with reducing blood sugar levels and losing weight — now this expert says it can also fight acne.
“Apple cider vinegar works as a gentle, natural toner to avoid clogs, tighten pores, and banish bacteria before it has a chance to cause pimples,” she said. “Just mix it with two parts water, close your eyes, and dab it on.”
Cinnamon and honey
“Cinnamon doesn’t just taste good; it’s also anti-inflammatory and antibacterial,” Skydan said.
“Mixed with a teaspoon of honey — particularly raw or manuka — it offers a real treat for your skin, fighting back against Easter-induced breakouts. It’ll leave you smelling and looking amazing for less than the cost of a chocolate egg.”
As an added bonus, research shows cinnamon might help your body break down fat and it can even help ward off diabetes.
Water
Given that most Americans don’t drink enough water to begin with, it’s especially important to hydrate like it’s holy after too many Cadbury eggs.
“If you can enjoy your favorite treats, your skin deserves its favorite fix too: water,” Skydan said.
“While the holidays come with a free pass to eat whatever your heart desires, junk food fills your body with toxins, and you need to flush them out to avoid oily skin and clogged pores.”
Herbal remedies
“As Easter Monday rolls around and your skin starts showing signs of stress, herbal supplements — such as turmeric, green tea, or burdock root — can help to revive it,” she said. “With their anti-inflammatory properties, these natural remedies can alleviate skin issues after an indulgent long weekend.”
While all of these herbal remedies have additional health benefits, green tea in particular has been shown to prevent dementia, heart disease and cancer.
Vitamin C
Whether it’s from oranges, supplements or a good serum, vitamin C is sure to give your body and brain a boost.
“When your sweet tooth takes over, vitamin C steps in,” she said. “As all that sugar eats away at your collagen — your skin’s building block — vitamin C commands your body to produce more, protecting against dark spots, fine lines and dullness and keeping your complexion bright despite the sugary assault.”
Fiber
“While you’re free to enjoy yourself, maintaining a healthy diet before, during and after sugar-fueled holidays can minimize the damage to your skin,” she said.
That means you can combat some of the effects of overindulging by supplementing with a few healthy choices.
“In between mouthfuls of candy and chocolate, make sure to eat a healthy meal packed with fiber,” she said. “Your plate should be full of spring vegetables — such as radishes, watercress, carrots, and fava beans — and high-fiber fruits, such as apples and strawberries, to flush the toxins from your body.”
Cold spoons
“When your eyes show signs of last night’s chocolate binge, teaspoons are your secret weapon,” she said.
Skydan recommends chucking a few into the freezer the night before and pressing them against the bags under your eyes in the morning.
Alternatively, “try wrapping ice cubes in a cloth or sticking your facial rollers in the fridge,” she said. “The chill constricts blood vessels and stimulates circulation to reduce swelling, puffiness, and inflammation — and while cold therapy may be uncomfortable, it sure is effective.”
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