How to Make Sure Your Skin is Glowing by the Holidays

The holidays are just around the corner, and while it’s a season of joy and celebration, it can also bring a lot of stress, travel, and festive eating—all of which can take a toll on your skin. As dermatologists, we see a surge of patients seeking solutions to holiday skin woes around this time of year. Here’s a guide to achieving glowing skin just in time for the season, with insights on how to optimize your skincare routine and avoid common skin pitfalls we see in the office.

1. Start with a Clean Slate: Exfoliate Regularly

Dermy Doc Insight: One common issue we see in the office is patients overdoing exfoliation as the holidays approach, in hopes of a quick glow. Unfortunately, this can backfire and lead to irritation, redness, and even breakouts. The key is gentle, consistent exfoliation.

Physical vs. Chemical Exfoliation: Choose between a gentle physical scrub and a chemical exfoliant (like AHAs or BHAs). For most, a chemical exfoliant is gentler and more effective.
Suggested Ingredients: Look for glycolic acid or salicylic acid, which not only exfoliate but also help in pore cleansing. If you’re sensitive, lactic acid is a milder AHA that works well for most skin types.
Frequency: 1-3 times per week, depending on skin sensitivity. Over-exfoliating can lead to irritation, so pay attention to what your skin can tolerate.

2. Hydrate Your Skin with Layered Moisture

Dermy Doc Insight: As a dermatologist, I see a significant number of patients during winter who are struggling with dryness and flaking, especially as the weather cools and indoor heating rises. Layering hydrating products correctly is essential for a healthy, radiant complexion.

Layering Moisture: Start with a hydrating serum like one containing hyaluronic acid, which attracts moisture to the skin. Follow it with a moisturizer to lock in hydration.
Eye Cream: If you notice dry or tired-looking skin around the eyes, consider an eye cream with caffeine to reduce puffiness and hyaluronic acid for hydration.
Hydration-Boosting Ingredients: Look for ingredients like glycerin, urea, and ceramides, which can help reinforce the skin barrier and retain moisture.

3. Brighten with Vitamin C

Dermy Doc Insight: Vitamin C is one of the most common brightening agents we recommend in the office, especially for patients struggling with dullness or hyperpigmentation. However, it’s important to choose a stable form and ease it into your routine if you have sensitive skin.

Serum Application: Apply a Vitamin C serum in the morning after cleansing and before sunscreen. It boosts the effectiveness of your SPF and adds extra protection from free radicals.
Choosing the Right Formula: Look for stabilized forms of Vitamin C like ascorbic acid, which can be potent in concentrations around 10-20%.
Pro Tip: For sensitive skin, start with a lower concentration and work up. Vitamin C can sometimes be irritating if your skin isn’t used to it.

4. Add Retinoids at Night

Dermy Doc Insight: Retinoids are a powerhouse in dermatology, especially for anti-aging and texture improvement. Patients often worry that it’s “too late” to start a retinoid before the holidays, but even a few weeks can make a noticeable difference in texture and glow.

Usage Tip: If you’re new to retinoids, start slow (once or twice a week) and gradually increase frequency. Pair with a moisturizer to buffer and reduce irritation.
Alternative for Sensitive Skin: Bakuchiol is a plant-based retinoid alternative that provides similar benefits without the potential for irritation.
Consistency is Key: Use your retinoid regularly for at least 6-8 weeks to see visible results—just in time for holiday parties!

5. Prioritize SPF Protection (Yes, Even in Winter!)

Dermy Doc Insight: One of the most common misconceptions we hear in the office is that sunscreen isn’t necessary in winter. However, UV rays are present year-round and can still damage your skin, even on cloudy or cold days. Consistent SPF is crucial for maintaining a clear, even-toned complexion.

Choose a Broad-Spectrum SPF 30 or Higher: This will protect against both UVA (aging) and UVB (burning) rays.
Daily Habit: Apply it every morning as the last step in your routine, even if you’re staying indoors, as UV rays can penetrate windows.
Reapplication Tips: If you’re worried about reapplying over makeup, use a powder or spray sunscreen to keep your protection up throughout the day.

6. Prioritize Beauty Sleep and Stress Management

Dermy Doc Insight: We often remind patients that no cream or serum can replace the benefits of good sleep and low stress. The skin repairs itself while you sleep, and high-stress hormones can lead to more oil production, which can cause breakouts right before those holiday events.

Sleep Routine: Aim for 7-8 hours of quality sleep each night. Use a satin or silk pillowcase, which can be gentler on the skin and help prevent morning creases.
Stress-Relief Activities: Incorporate activities like meditation, gentle exercise, or simply winding down with a book to keep cortisol levels low.

7. Feed Your Skin from the Inside Out

Dermy Doc Insight: In the office, we often see the impact of diet on skin health, especially as the holiday season brings indulgent foods. While you don’t need to skip out on the treats, balancing your intake with antioxidant-rich foods can keep your skin clear and radiant.

Focus on Antioxidant-Rich Foods: Include fruits and vegetables high in antioxidants, such as berries, leafy greens, and citrus fruits.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Consider foods rich in omega-3s, like salmon, chia seeds, or walnuts, which help keep skin hydrated and reduce inflammation.

Achieving a holiday glow is all about consistency, balance, and the right ingredients. By following these steps and maintaining a balanced lifestyle, you can ensure your skin is at its best by the time the holidays arrive. Glowing skin is a combination of a solid routine, patience, and taking care of yourself from the inside out—start today, and you’ll be holiday-ready in no time!

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