Stressed Skin During the Holidays
The holidays are just around the corner, and who doesn’t love the holiday months? You get to spend time with family and friends and relish in the joys of gifts and celebrations.
Although the holidays are generally a happy and exciting time of the year, it can also be one of the most stressful times of the year for many. According to a poll by the American Psychological Association, nearly a quarter of Americans reported feeling “extreme stress” come holiday time. Perhaps it’s preparing for holiday guests or maybe last-minute shopping, whatever it may be, there might be times of stress around this time.
Stress not only affects your mood but also your skin as well. Stress can show on your skin in many ways such as break outs, hives, itching and redness, dullness and dryness.
If just thinking about the holiday season is stressing you out, try the tips below to keep your stress, and skin, in check this year.
FIND TIME TO DECOMPRESS
Holidays are the time to spend with others, but sometimes it’s necessary to find time for yourself, especially when you have a packed schedule. Try to block out an hour or two to do something relaxing like reading a book or applying a face mask. Perhaps take the time to run a bath and burn some candles. Self care is incredibly important in maintaining balanced skin.
If you’re flying, try a sheet mask while on the plane. This will help combat skin dryness from the low humidity levels in the plane.
TRY TO MAINTAIN A HEALTHY DIET (WHEN POSSIBLE)
We get it, part of the holiday season is all about the delicious food you get to consume. However, majority of the delicious food we like during this time of year is loaded with dairy, fats and sugars. All of which, in conjunction with stress, can cause some major skin flare ups. When possible, try to opt for healthier items when you can. For instance, if you know you’ll be attending a holiday dinner at night, try to ensure the meals you consume earlier in the day are of cleaner ingredients and nutrient packed. This way you still get in some healthy eats and, when dinner comes around, you’re less likely to feel guilty for indulging in an extra serving of mashed potatoes.
STAY HYDRATED
Sounds like a no brainer, right? Well studies have shown that even the slightest amount of dehydration can increase your cortisol levels, thus increasing stress on your body. Cortisol is a stress hormone that we all have. Keeping it in check helps manage your mood, motivation and fear. Staying hydrated helps keep your cortisol levels in check and manages stress.
This can be especially prevalent in busy or stressful times. During the holiday season, you’re more likely to forget to eat or drink well. So try to remember to drink plenty of water and stay hydrated. Drinking plenty of fluids will help combat the dry winter skin as well. Skin hydration is also crucial, dermatologist recommend fragrance-free moisturizers, especially if you have sensitive skin. So it’s a win-win situation!
Practicing these simple tricks can help keep your stress under control to maintain glowing, radiant, hydrated skin!
