Expert Advice | Festive Acne?

Suffering from a flare up of acne this season? You’re not alone. As the festive season gets into full swing, the combination of stress, indulgent foods and disrupted routines can create the perfect storm. And it's not just teenagers - over half of us have adult acne with rates in the UK amongst the highest globally.

Help is at hand from The Skin Investment Clinic who are experts in all things acne and other skin conditions, and have some top tips on how to manage it and stay stress-free this season. But why is it so bad this time of year?

Festive parties, late night get-togethers and alternated routines mean many of us are getting much less sleep than usual. This can disrupt the skin’s natural repair cycle, increasing inflammation and making the skin more susceptible to breakouts. Increased alcohol intake can also dehydrate the skin, which then tries to compensate by producing more oil. Alcohol also causes inflammation, especially in the skin, making acne worse.

The colder weather plays a factor and can dry out the skin leading to overcompensation with oil production. With many of us attending parties too, moving between heated indoor spaces to cold outdoor air can irritate the skin further, increasing the likelihood of acne and other skin flare-ups.

Here are our top tips to help manage festive acne:

Stick to Your Skincare Routine: Try to maintain a consistent skincare routine even if your schedule is hectic. Cleansing, moisturising, and applying acne treatments can help prevent breakouts.
Limit Sugar and Alcohol: Enjoy festive treats in moderation and try to balance them with nutritious foods. Reducing sugar and alcohol can help keep inflammation and oil production under control
Hydrate Well: Drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated, especially if you’re consuming alcohol. Staying hydrated can help balance oil production and reduce the likelihood of breakouts
Prioritise Sleep: Even if you’re busy or staying up late, aim for quality sleep whenever possible. Good sleep helps your skin recover and reduces stress-related hormones
Manage Stress: Consider practising mindfulness, deep breathing, or even a short meditation to keep stress in check. Lowering stress levels can help keep hormonal acne triggers at bay
Be Mindful of Face Touching: Busy or stressful periods can lead to more unconscious face-touching, so try to be aware of it to avoid transferring oils or bacteria to your skin.

Small adjustments can help keep festive break-outs under control and can help your skin stay clearer throughout the holiday season. So don’t hide away, have confidence and enjoy the celebrations. If you’re finding it difficult to manage your acne despite these tips, don’t hesitate to seek professional advice - a dermatologist can help tailor treatments to your specific needs.