For many, the most wonderful time of year can be the worst time of year for skin health. With changes in weather, increased stress, and more alcohol and sweets than usual, the holiday months can quickly lead to breakouts and a number of other skin issues. So, in order to help you maintain great holiday season skincare, we wanted to share some of the best tips and tricks for taking care of your skin while enjoying all of the celebrations of the season.
Keep Your Skin Moisturized
Dry skin is the biggest culprit for skin issues during the holidays. The cold winter air contains less humidity, and when you add this to indoor heaters, the skin can quickly become dry, irritated, and more susceptible to new or recurrent skin ailments. So in order to protect the skin and keep it hydrated, you should add more moisturizer than usual to your daily routine. You can also try:
- Switching from Lotion to Cream—Whereas lotion is water-based, creams are oil-based, which will help seal the acids on the natural lipid layer of the skin. In general, the greasier the texture of a cream, the more effective it will be at locking in moisture. Some of the best ingredients to look for are petroleum jelly and mineral oils.
- Soap Free Cleansers—soaps, especially perfumed soaps and those high in alcohol, can strip away the skin’s natural oils. Opting for a soap-free cleanser, such as Cetaphil or Aquanil, will help keep the skin from drying out. Soaps with added moisturizers can also be effective. (Bonus tip: keep the water in the shower lukewarm, not hot, as hot water will quickly create dry spots on the skin).
- Using a humidifier—keeping one around the house will help replenish the top layer of skin after those dry winter days.
- Drinking plenty of water—not all dryness comes from outside your body, so make sure to stay hydrated. For most, whether it’s a Christmas party or ringing in the new year, the holidays will lead to a few extra glasses of wine or a favorite cocktail. So make sure to have roughly one glass of water between each alcoholic beverage for the ideal holiday season skincare routine.
Regulate Your Schedule
The holidays can be extremely busy, and a lack of sleep, mixed with stress and neglect of your normal routine, can lead to unhealthy skin. Good holiday season skin care means doing your best to get plenty of rest, avoid as much stress as possible, and practice good self-care and hygiene throughout the season.
Spending extra time, especially earlier in the day, out in the sun, as well as getting a regular amount of exercise, will stimulate chemicals in your body that will boost skin health in the long run. Find time to relax and get plenty of rest, and your skin will thank you. And don’t neglect things like daily sunscreen, face cleansers, and regular visits to the dermatologist during the holiday season.
Book a Consultation Today
Maintaining good holiday season skincare can be tricky, but we are here to help. We offer numerous services that can revitalize and nurture your skin just in time for the big holiday events. So if you are interested in making a skincare plan for this holiday season, call us at 919-781-1050 or request an appointment through our online form.
