The festive season is a wonderful time of giving and gathering, but it can also be a challenging period for skin health. As a dermatologist, I see recurring patterns around this time of year, often tied to well-meaning gifts and lifestyle indulgences. Here’s what to keep in mind going into Christmas:
Think Twice Before Gifting Fragranced Products
While a beautifully wrapped bar of scented soap might seem like the perfect gift, it’s one I would never give. Although a scented bath bomb or sweet-smelling hand cream is often a go-to gift, fragranced skincare products can be a risky choice. Of course, they can irritate sensitive skin, but they can also irritate other skin-types, triggering issues like itchiness, dryness, and inflammation. Not the Christmas gift any of us want to receive!
Festive Habits Can Wreak Havoc
Over the holidays, I often see patients struggling with skin flare-ups. Most often the culprits are alcohol consumption and lack of sleep, which can be hard to balance but it’s important to try to continue to moderate your intake of alcohol and continue to get your beauty sleep.
Another major culprit that can wreak havoc on your skin: using new skincare products. A common mistake is trying multiple active ingredients, such as retinol and BHAs, all at once—often because we’re so excited to try our lovely Christmas gifts! However, this overload can lead to irritation, resulting in redness, scaling, and spots.
My advice: introduce one product at a time, with gaps in between, and always check for potential irritants.
Gift Yourself (and Others) Gentle Wellness
I love turning skincare into self-care. My go-to gifts are curated sets of gentle products—body washes, moisturisers, or even supplements—that encourage moments of relaxation. Consider gifting items that promote wellness, like soothing creams or calming bath soaks, to help loved ones unwind during the season’s hustle.
Skin and the Christmas State of Mind
The pressure to “look perfect” is amplified during the holidays. Many people seek short-term fixes to make their skin “glow” for festive gatherings, often prioritising others’ opinions over their own wellbeing. It’s vital to set realistic expectations and focus on long-term care rather than quick fixes.
I also really encourage that we talk about skin conditions as normal. Sometimes, well-meaning relatives can make uninformed and insensitive comments. I often coach my patients on how to respond to these types of comments (e.g. ‘Yes I have a skin condition, I am seeing a professional. Now, let’s talk about something else!’).
This season, prioritise skin health by making thoughtful changes and celebrating the skin you’re in. After all, self-love is the greatest gift of all.
Image by John Ondreasz
