November is National Healthy Skin month, making it a great time to reconsider how you handle your skincare routine during the holidays. When you combine the cold winter weather with holiday food and stress from the holiday season, it’s a perfect recipe for a skin health disaster. We recommend the following tips for anyone looking to keep their skin glowing, moisturized, and protected this holiday season and beyond:
Keep Your Skin Moist
Your skin needs to stay hydrated to stay healthy. Summer’s humidity naturally keeps your skin moist, but in the cooler, dryer months, you need to supplement your skin with a whole-body moisturizer. Apply moisturizing cream morning and night and as needed throughout the day. Find a shower body wash that includes a moisturizer if you are short on time.
Check Your Stress
The holiday season can mean increased stress levels for many. From holiday planning to visits with family, stress can find its way into our lives. Unfortunately, stress contributes to skin problems like acne and wrinkles. If you find your stress levels increasing, find a way to relax and make sure to incorporate it into your weekly schedule.
Take Time to Rejuvenate Your Skin
If the drier weather leaves your skin looking dull or with visible concerns, such as fine lines and dark spots, many spa and cosmetic treatment options can reverse this damage and improve the look of wrinkles and uneven skin tone.
Limit Alcohol
Drinking alcohol, especially in large amounts, can cause existing skin conditions, such as psoriasis, acne, and rosacea, to flare up. Drinking alcohol can also dry out the body and the skin, which can cause your skin to look flaky, dry, and dull. Skip the champagne and drink water or other festive beverages instead.
Seek out Healthy Foods
Last but certainly not least, amongst the sea of sweets and treats, it is essential to maintain a healthy diet to keep your skin’s health in check. Eating a diet rich in Omega 3s and vitamins is critical to maintaining your skin’s natural glow. Find balance in the sweets by consuming plenty of fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins. In addition, try your best to avoid the two worst categories of holiday foods. The first is baked goods. The ever-tempting Christmas treats are packed with refined sugar and white flour, damaging collagen and elastin in the skin. Excess sugar consumption can also trigger acne breakouts and dull-appearing skin. The second is salty foods. Eating lots of salty foods leads to excess fluid retention in the skin, creating a puffy look. Look for lower sodium foods and refrain from adding additional salt while at the table.
The winter and holiday seasons will only be harsh on your skin if you allow them to be. Follow these tips, and you are on a great path to having picture-perfect skin this holiday season. If you continue to struggle with skin issues, be sure to seek out help from your local board-certified dermatologist who can create a customized treatment plan for you.
