‘Tis the season for homemade cookies, eggnog and all of the delicious sugary sweets that accompany almost every holiday party you’ll attend this year. And while it can be okay to give into the holiday spirit and indulge in some sweet treats every now and then, it is important to enjoy everything in moderation for the health of your skin.

In fact, when it comes to keeping your skin clean and clear this holiday season, there are two main culprits you need to keep an eye on: sugar and stress.

Sugar is difficult to keep track of because it can pop up in foods you never would’ve thought had added sugar in it, like crackers or soup. Make sure to check the labels on any pre-packaged food you get for your holiday festivities, because there’s a very good chance that there is added sugar in it.

So, what are you supposed to do when there is sugar in almost everything? This is where modification is key. In addition to trying to stick to fresh fruits and vegetables as often as possible, you can also switch out common sugar-filled snacks for some healthier alternatives. For example, instead of using traditional flour to make your homemade cookies, switch it out with a healthier flour substitute like almond or coconut flour.

Another key to keeping sugar to a minimum is to remember to “enjoy everything in moderation.” Instead of eating an entire tray of sugar cookies, limit yourself to having one a day or just a couple for the whole week. The less sugar you consume, the more you will start to notice a difference in the overall appearance of your skin.

The other huge element you want to be mindful of during the holiday season is your personal stress level. With the sheer volume of parties and presents and commitments in such a short amount of time it’s easy to get overwhelmed. The problem is that the stress from the season can start showing up on your skin.

To help combat stress during the peak of the holidays, make sure to incorporate some solid downtime into your hectic schedule. Something as simple as making sure you get at least eight hours of sleep each night will make a huge difference.

For a little extra help keeping stress from showing up on your skin, treat yourself with a relaxing facemask and take 15 minutes out of your day to turn off your phone, dim the lights and just breathe. This will not only help your skin, but you will also notice a difference in your mental and physical health as well.

While it can be challenging to shift your focus from the sugar and stress that so often accompanies the holiday season, you’ll feel much better if you are more mindful of your overall health.

Struggling to find a healthy balance that’s right for you and your skin? Schedule an appointment with one of our board-certified dermatologists today!