Managing Holiday Stress: The Impact on Your Skin and How to Combat It

The holiday season is a time for joy, but it also brings its share of stress, from jam-packed schedules to family gatherings and frantic last-minute shopping. Unfortunately, this stress doesn’t just affect your mood; it can also take a toll on your skin. At Skin & Beauty Center, a full-service dermatology practice, we’re dedicated to helping you manage holiday skin stress and keep your complexion healthy.

Our team includes board-certified dermatologists, dermatopathologists, and surgeons specializing in medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology, including Mohs surgery. With our highly trained physicians and aestheticians, Skin & Beauty Center is committed to providing the highest quality skin care so you can feel confident and radiant this holiday season.

Why Does Holiday Stress Affect Your Skin?

Under stress, your body boosts cortisol levels, the hormone responsible for the “fight or flight” response. While this hormone is helpful in small doses, prolonged stress can cause a rise in cortisol levels, leading to inflammation, excess oil production, and an impaired skin barrier. 

For many, this translates to breakouts, redness, or flare-ups of conditions like eczema and psoriasis. On top of this, holiday factors like dry winter air, less sleep, and indulgent foods like sugar and caffeine can worsen these effects.

Tips to Combat Holiday Skin Stress

The good news is that there are ways to protect your skin, even during this busy time. Here are a few dermatologist-approved tips to help you manage holiday skin stress:

1. Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps maintain skin hydration and assists in flushing out impurities that can lead to breakouts. Make it a habit to sip water with every meal, and bring a reusable bottle along wherever you go.
2. Stick to Your Skincare Routine: Staying consistent with your skincare routine is essential, particularly when stress levels are high. Be sure to cleanse, moisturize, and protect your skin both morning and night. A gentle cleanser and a rich moisturizer can help maintain your skin’s natural barrier.
3. Prioritize Self-Care: Taking a few minutes each day to unwind can make a huge difference. Incorporate relaxing activities like meditation, a short walk, or even a few deep breaths to lower cortisol levels and reduce skin inflammation.
4. Be Mindful of Holiday Treats: Foods high in sugar and caffeine can contribute to skin issues. Enjoy your favorites in moderation, and consider balancing them with healthier options like fresh fruits, veggies, and nuts.
5. Moisturize and Protect: Cold weather can be especially drying to the skin. Use a high-quality moisturizer to combat dryness, and consider adding a humidifier to your home to keep the air (and your skin) hydrated.

When to See a Dermatologist

When holiday skin stress leads to lasting problems or if your usual regimen isn’t working, consulting a dermatologist could make a difference.

Skin & Beauty Center offers customized consultations in the Los Angeles area, where our experts can provide personalized recommendations for managing stress-related skin problems. Whether you’re dealing with dryness, acne, or flare-ups of an existing condition, our team can help.

Protect Your Skin This Season

Holiday stress doesn’t have to mean stressed-out skin. Keep your complexion radiant by scheduling a consultation with Skin & Beauty Center in Los Angeles. Contact one of our convenient offices:

• Burbank: 818-842-8000
• Northridge: 818-886-3884
• Glendale-South: 818-246-4936
• Glendale-Verdugo Hills: 818-790-3588
• Valencia: 661-258-3811
• West Hills: 818-884-8044
• Pasadena: 626-792-2378

Or schedule an appointment online. Let us help you look and feel your best!