Can Holiday Stress Really Change My Skin?

How the Holidays Impact Your Skin

Holiday Stress

Plans with friends and family, special holiday events, and extra time shopping and cooking on top of your normal schedule can leave you worn out during the holiday season. Whether you’re feeling tired, on edge, or just like you don’t have enough time for yourself, taking a little extra time for skincare can make a big difference in how you handle the stress and the commotion.

Stress on Skin

When you’re stressed, it can take a toll on your whole body, not just your skin, but your skin is where it will show the most. The main way this happens is by the release of the hormone cortisol. When cortisol is released in the bloodstream by stressful emotions, it triggers a response that is meant to suppress inflammation in the body by pumping more blood and making more glucose, or sugar, available.

This cortisol release triggers sebum production, resulting in oilier skin. This can lead to several skin issues, like acne breakouts, eczema flare ups, or irritation of rosacea or psoriasis. When you’re feeling spread too thin due to holiday obligations, finding a way to alleviate the stressful feelings will help lower the impact on your skin.

Seasonal Weather

The holiday season occurs as we transition from fall to winter and into a new year. The cold, dry weather that comes during this period of parties and social gatherings can expose you to the winter air, which can take a toll on your skin if you’re not careful. Dry heat from central heating systems and hot water from warm showers can also add to skin-dehydrating conditions like a dry skin rash or encourage wrinkles. Be sure to stay covered up while outside, and moisturize regularly.

Make Time for Your Routine

The rush can leave you feeling too tired or like you don’t have enough time to fit in your routine as consistently as normal, which might leave you feeling unsatisfied with the look of your skin, leading to more stress. Sticking to your skincare routine even when you feel like you can’t fit it in can keep your confidence levels up during the busy time.

Food During the Holidays

Holiday meals, drinks at parties, and rushed snacks to keep your energy up can all contribute to stress on your skin. Sugars from drinks and sweets raise your blood sugar levels, leading to excess sebum production, oily skin, and the potential breakouts and irritations that can follow. Make sure to balance your diet with lots of fruits and vegetables, and drink lots of water to keep your blood sugar levels appropriate.

Take Time for Skincare

This holiday season, make sensible decisions and find ways to reduce your stress, particularly by finding some time for yourself and your skin. One of the best things you can do aside from maintaining your routine is to get a facial to relax and get the dedicated attention to your skin that will help it glow during the holidays. Schedule an appointment with Southeast Dermatology Specialists to talk with one of our experts about how to keep your skin calm during stressful times.