A dermatologist on what the festive season means for our skin
The holiday season often means late nights, dietary and drinking excesses and a deviation from our normal skincare routines. So what does this actually mean for our skin and how can we limit the damage? Consultant Dermatologist, Dr Justine Kluk, gives her tips for keeping skin in tip-top condition this Christmas.
The problem: Alcohol
It won’t surprise you that alcohol, like many things we enjoy over the festive season, can take its toll on your skin. Firstly, it is a potent diuretic, which means that it makes you pee more and can lead to sunken eyes and dehydrated-looking skin. Alcohol also causes blood vessels in the skin to dilate, giving rise to redness and flushing in those who are susceptible, for example, rosacea sufferers.
The solution
The key to preventing these unwanted effects is to pace yourself, avoid binge drinking and ensure adequate water intake to keep yourself hydrated.
The problem: Lack of sleep
Studies indicate that sleep deprivation impairs skin barrier function, vital for keeping moisture in the skin and protecting us from allergens, pollution, infection and other external aggressors. Accelerated skin ageing, evidenced by uneven pigmentation, fine wrinkling and skin laxity, has also been demonstrated in those who have poor quality sleep. Finally, the lack of sleep leads to increased secretion of stress hormones such as cortisol, and in turn, stress induces secretion of the neuropeptide Substance P. Both are known to play a substantial role in acne development.
The solution
Respecting your circadian rhythm is key to getting good sleep. Get exposure to natural daylight in the mornings and turn down the lights when you’re starting to prepare for bed.
Avoid caffeine after lunchtime. It can take 8 hours for the effects to wear off so a cup of coffee in the afternoon may prevent you from getting a good night’s sleep.
Don’t have large meals late at night. You are much more likely to experience indigestion which can disrupt your sleep. The same goes for getting up to urinate every couple of hours if you drink a lot before bed.
The problem: Sugary foods
As hard as you've tried to stay on course with a healthy diet throughout the year, the holiday season has the potential to throw you off. Research suggests that high glycaemic index, sugary, refined and processed foods can be associated with acne flare-ups. Travel, parties, big meals and snacking can all threaten our best intentions.
The solution
If you overindulge, don’t beat yourself up. If you eat more sugary treats than you planned for, don’t think you have failed. Just make a plan to get back on track after the holidays.
After big meals, take a walk with family and friends. As well as getting you moving, it also gives you a little break from being surrounded by temptation. Exercise is also a great way to lower blood sugar levels.
The problem: Skipping your skincare routine
It’s not uncommon for our usual skincare routines to slide when we’re not at work and having lots of late nights. The unfortunate truth is that consistency is key if you’ve got a skincare niggle that you’re trying to keep under control, or indeed if you’re hoping for results from a new regime. I hear all sorts of skin complaints from my patients over the holiday season. Dryness, dullness and increased blemishes are some of the most common.
The solution
Set yourself realistic goals if you know that a complex routine is unachievable with a hectic holiday schedule. Cleanse your skin when you wake up, brighten your complexion with a vitamin C serum and follow with moisturiser or a hydrating serum. Don’t go to bed without removing your makeup. Ideally, you should stick to your usual nighttime routine even if it’s late and you’re tired. Keep some cotton pads and a bottle of micellar water next to your bed, however, for those occasions where you may otherwise be tempted to sleep with your makeup on.
For more information or expert quotes from Dr Kluk on anything you're working on, please don't hesitate to get in touch.