How to Feel Brighter on Blue Monday

Blue Monday has earned its reputation as the low point of winter. While the term began as a marketing idea, it resonates because it reflects how this part of the season feels for so many people. Routines wobble. Sleep becomes inconsistent. The cold settles in. The contrast between the warmth of the holidays and the quiet of January can be stark.

Seasonal influences such as limited daylight, colder temperatures, post-holiday fatigue and a drop in motivation all contribute to this gloomy feeling. None of this is dramatic. It's simply the natural rhythm of winter — and if you’re feeling it, you’re not alone.

Instead of marking Blue Monday on your calendar as a guaranteed low point, make it a gentle checkpoint. A moment to consider what you need and how to support yourself with intention.

How Winter Affects Skin and Mood 

Winter is a season that influences both the mind and the skin. Understanding the following patterns can help you make choices that bring you back to balance.  

• Less light, lower energy - Reduced sunlight affects your internal rhythm, influencing mood, motivation and mental clarity. The skin often mirrors this shift with a dull appearance.  
• Moisture barrier under pressure - Cold air outdoors and dry indoor heating can weaken the skin’s protective barrier, leading to dehydration, uneven texture and increased sensitivity.  
• Seasonal stress impacting skin - As stress hormones rise, the skin may show signs of stress itself — from dryness and discolouration to blemishes and noticeable lines. These changes are signals rather than flaws. 

Perricone MD’s Three-Tier Philosophy is a 360-degree approach to combatting winter’s real-life stressors for a holistic change you can feel good about — and look good while doing it. 

Tier 1: Topical Skincare to Feel Brighter 

1. Restore brightness with Vitamin C Ester 

Vitamin C Ester is our proprietary, highly stable form of vitamin C that delivers brightening benefits with less irritation than traditional ascorbic acid. 

Recommended Perricone MD products:

• Vitamin C Ester CCC+ Ferulic Brightening Complex 
• Vitamin C Ester Photo-Brightening Moisturiser SPF 30 

2. Maintain hydration for a healthy moisture barrier 

Deep hydration supports barrier function and helps the skin stay replenished. Such ingredients as hyaluronic acid, niacinamide and peptides help draw moisture into the skin and strengthen its protective layer. Smoothness returns, texture softens and your skin will feel more like itself again. 

Recommended Perricone MD products:

• High Potency Hyaluronic Intensive Hydrating Serum 
• Cold Plasma Plus+ Advanced Serum Concentrate 

3. Reduce the visible impact of stress  

DMAE and our advanced actives help soften deep lines, restore a rested appearance and counter the effects of seasonal strain on the skin.  

Recommended Perricone MD products:

• High Potency Classics Face Finishing & Firming Moisturiser 
• Cold Plasma Plus+ Advanced Eye Cream 

4. Begin and end the day with a restorative cleanse 

Cleansing is both practical and grounding. It prepares the skin for treatment while creating a moment to transition out of the day and into something calmer.  

Recommended Perricone MD products:

• Vitamin C Ester Citrus Brightening Cleanser 
• Easy Rinse Makeup Removing Cleanser 

Tier 2: Nutrition That Supports Skin and Mood 

Nutrition plays a central role in our Three-Tier Philosophy. What you consume has a direct impact on energy, radiance and the skin’s natural function. 

Choose foods that nourish rather than drain

Healthy fats, colourful vegetables, lean protein and antioxidant-rich foods support both cellular energy and skin health. 

Omega-rich options for comfort and clarity

Omega-3 sources help support the skin’s moisture barrier while influencing cognitive clarity and overall vitality. 

Adopt sustainable eating patterns over strict rules

Small, balanced choices bring far more long-term benefit than restrictive ones, especially during winter when the body needs support, not depletion.  

Tier 3: Supplements & Lifestyle Habits for Wellness From Within 

Take your supplements 

This helps enrich your diet and enhance your complexion with a burst of antioxidants and vitamins for wellness from the inside-out. 

Recommended Perricone MD Products: 

• Super Berry With Açaí Supplements

Welcome natural light 

Especially in the morning, daylight helps regulate your rhythm and lift your sense of wellbeing. 

Gentle daily structure 

A consistent bedtime, light movement and/or a moment of reflection bring calm back into your routine.  

Stay hydrated 

Hydration supports both energy and mental clarity, particularly in heated indoor spaces that can intensify dehydration. 

Rest without guilt 

Giving yourself a break honours what winter naturally asks of the body: to slow down, restore and rebuild. 

A Brighter Blue Monday Begins with Intention 

Blue Monday does not determine the direction of your year. It can become a reminder to slow down, nourish your skin and reconnect with what brings you balance. Your complexion responds to consistency. Your mood responds to care. And your winter becomes a little lighter when you combine Perricone MD’s Three-Tier Philosophy in a way that feels natural to you.