The holidays are a time to gather with family and friends and enjoy good food and drinks, treats, and late nights. All that fun may be festive, but it can cause issues with your skin. Northern Colorado dermatology experts can provide personalized recommendations to keep your skin looking healthy all year round. Here are six tips to keep your skin clear during the holidays.
Drink Lots of Water
It’s easy to get caught up in all of the holiday treats and meals, but don’t forget to keep drinking lots of water. Extra alcohol during the holidays can take a toll on your skin and should be balanced with lots of water. When your body is hydrated, your skin is hydrated, which prevents breakouts and wrinkles. When you don’t drink enough water, your skin can more easily get clogged with dead skin, and it can leave skin looking dull and dry. Aim to drink at least eight glasses of water a day at the bare minimum.
Moisturize Your Skin
Along with drinking plenty of water, be sure to keep your skin hydrated with a daily moisturizer. Winter weather tends to be much dryer, and time spent traveling during the holidays can expose your skin to even more dry air. Use a thicker cream-based moisturizer all over your body and face. For best results, use a moisturizer that contains a light SPF to protect your skin from the sun. Don’t forget about your lips—apply lip balm throughout the day to keep your lips full and plump. The lips are one of the first places to show dehydration, which can make it difficult to apply lip color.
Reduce Stress
Stress is one of the most common causes of blemishes, and the holiday season is full of stress. Between finishing things up at work, shopping, planning and attending parties, and traveling, stress can quickly add up, which causes your hormones to get out of whack and can lead to breakouts. Take time every day to relax in ways that reduce stress. It’s different for everyone—one person may find that exercising lowers stress levels, while taking time to read a book or cook a healthy meal could help another person relax. No matter how busy you get, always find time to de-stress and relax.
Wash Your Face
No matter how busy and hectic things get during the holidays, don’t forget to wash your face in the morning and at night. The simple act makes a huge difference in the health and clarity of your skin. Use a gentle cleanser in the morning to wake up your skin and leave your skin refreshed all day. At night, apply a cleanser and a makeup remover if necessary. Always take your makeup off before going to bed because leftover makeup can clog the pores and quickly lead to breakouts.
Apply Toner
The change in schedule and added stress and excitement can cause your skin to get out of balance. Toner can keep your skin glowing and reduce redness, as well as balance the skin tone and lessen signs of aging. Apply a gentle toner daily after washing your face. You’ll likely notice the difference after just a few applications.
Exfoliate Carefully
Sometimes your skin just needs a fresh start. Over time, dead skin naturally builds up on your face, which can clog pores and lead to breakouts. Exfoliating removes the dead skin to showcase the fresh skin underneath and can get rid of dirt that is hidden deeper in the skin. However, exfoliating also exposes more sensitive skin to the elements, which can cause problems in the winter. Keep your skin fresh by exfoliating no more than once a week throughout the holidays and applying a thick moisturizer right after. When done carefully, exfoliating can work wonders on your skin.
These tips for keeping your skin clear during the holidays can give you beautiful skin for every festive celebration. For personalized treatment, visit a Northern Colorado dermatologist and enjoy all the holiday season has to offer.