Don’t leave your skin out in the cold this season — holiday-proof your skincare

’Tis the season… for a crazy, busy holiday schedule filled with shopping, traveling, hosting, and attending parties. Then there’s the holiday food — an endless array of decadent entrees, spiked beverages, and sweet treats. All these can, no doubt, wreak havoc on your skin and leave you feeling more no-no-no than ho-ho-ho.

Here are some of the ways the winter holidays can affect your skin and how you can counteract it:

Stress

Holiday stress causes your body to produce cortisol which makes your skin more sensitive and reactive. The signs of stress can show up in the form of acne breakouts, hives, and blisters. It can also cause flare-ups in skin conditions like eczema, rosacea, and psoriasis.

When you’re feeling stressed, take some time to relax. Some ways to help you relax and de-stress include yoga, deep breathing techniques, meditation, and massage.

Sweet treats

Sugar and carbs cause inflammation. And too much sugar triggers a reaction in the body called glycation — a process when collagen and elastin break down. On the skin, this shows up as wrinkles, sagginess, and a loss of radiance.

You don’t have to give up sweet treats for good. Slow down and savor small portions of your favorite holiday desserts. Or put a healthy twist on the classic recipes by using honey, maple syrup, or stevia instead of sugar.

Not enough getting enough sleep

With all the excitement the holiday brings, it’s easy to miss a few zzz’s. Your skin repairs itself while you’re sleeping. Not getting enough sleep can result in dull and dehydrated skin in the morning.

Not to mention, a lack of sleep also increases collagen breakdown. Less collagen accelerates aging — this means more wrinkles and decreased skin elasticity.

Try to get at least 7–8 hours of sleep every night. And give your skin a little pick-me-up with a dose of antioxidants. Don’t book every night with parties and gatherings. If you can, space them out so that you get enough rest in between.

Alcohol consumption