Well, here we are folks, the holidays are upon us once again. After the year we’ve had, there’s no doubt that many of us want to throw a little caution to the wind and enjoy the merrymaking. I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but while you're enjoying time filled with friends, family, food, and good times, it’s important to remember that the holidays can really take a toll on your skin if you’re not careful. The stress of the holidays, busy schedules, and even the foods and drinks you partake in could actually make quite a bit of mischief on your skin. So, in order to keep the havoc in check, let’s take a look at some of the worst offenders.
Alcohol Consumption
If there’s any time of year where we tend to knock back yummy cocktails more often than we should, it’s the holidays. But unfortunately, those delicious drinks can really dehydrate your skin, making it look less plump and even a bit gaunt. Moreover, alcohol consumption can dilate the blood vessels under your skin, exacerbating the look of dark circles and make your skin look red.
Lack Of Sleep
With all of the excitement of the holidays swirling around you, including parties that run into the wee hours and waiting around to ring in the new year, your sleep schedule might take a serious hit. But now, more than ever, it’s important to sneak it in whenever you can. Remember that your skin repairs itself while you sleep. And if you’re not getting enough zzz’s, you’re probably not giving your skin the opportunity to do so. Additionally, a lack of sleep impedes your skin’s collagen production, which reduces your skin’s elasticity and makes fine lines and wrinkles look more prominent.
Sugary Treats
Now, I don’t know about you, but this is probably the toughest one for me. Sorry, to say but sugary treats can also ravage your skin. Overindulging in sugary treats can lead to inflammation, and that in turn shows up on your skin as acne flare-ups. It can also exacerbate other skin conditions like rosacea and eczema. And if that weren’t enough, sugar can speed up the aging process through a process called glycation. Essentially, sugar binds with the collagen in your skin, causing collagen fibers to lose elasticity and become stiff, and the end result is older-looking skin.
Stress
The early Christmas present that nobody wants is a good helping of holiday stress. From finding the right gift for everyone on your list to dealing with family issues; juggling invites to the endless hours spent baking and cooking...it can feel overwhelming. And regrettably, this stress can and will be written all over your face. When your body is under stress, your adrenal glands release more stress hormone cortisol into your bloodstream. This influx of cortisol eventually leads to an increase in oil production, and that, you guessed it, leads to more breakouts.
All of the excitement that comes with the holiday season can be counterproductive to glowing, healthy skin. So, if you want to make an appearance at your next holiday party, the standard rules apply. Be sure to stay hydrated, moisturize, moisturize, moisturize (don’t forget under your eyes), and try to get at least 7-8 hours of sleep at night. Oh, and maybe ignore what your sister in law says at Christmas dinner.
