The countdown to Christmas brings with it a whirlwind of late nights, festive drinks, cold weather outings, and sugary indulgences. While we’re busy soaking up the seasonal spirit, our skin is quietly keeping score.
Not all holiday habits impact your complexion equally, and some of those cherished traditions might be doing more damage than you think.
From back-to-back parties to outdoor Christmas markets, the festive period creates the perfect storm for skin stress. That’s why Dr. Kevin Hayavi, Medical Director and Managing Partner at Beverly Hills Physicians, a premier medical group offering comprehensive beauty and wellness services across Southern California, has ranked the most common festive shenanigans from best to worst for your skin.
Below, Dr. Hayavi reveals which Christmas traditions you can enjoy guilt-free and which ones are leaving you with dryness, breakouts, and a dull complexion come January.
The Good News (Best for Your Skin)
Cosy Nights In
While it might not sound as exciting as a night on the town, staying in with a good film and your favourite blanket is one of the best things you can do for your skin during the festive season. Your skin repairs itself while you sleep, and those early nights give it the time it needs to recover from daily stress.
“When you’re well-rested, your skin produces more collagen and has better circulation,” explains Dr. Hayavi. “A cosy night in means you’re getting quality sleep, which is when your skin does its most important repair work.”
Warm, Nourishing Meals
Christmas dinners packed with vegetables, roasted meats, and healthy fats are brilliant for your skin. Turkey is rich in zinc, which helps with skin repair, while vegetables provide antioxidants that fight inflammation.
Low-Alcohol Festive Drinks
Opting for a single glass of wine or a mocktail keeps your hydration levels stable, meaning you wake up looking fresher.
The Middle Ground (Proceed with Caution)
Outdoor Christmas Markets
Wandering through twinkling stalls with a hot chocolate sounds magical, but that freezing air is working against your complexion. Cold weather strips moisture from your skin and weakens its protective barrier.
“The combination of cold air outside and heated indoor spaces creates a moisture deficit,” says Dr. Hayavi. “Your skin loses water faster than it can replenish it.”t
The fix? Apply a thick moisturiser before heading out and reapply throughout the day.
Sugary Treats
Mince pies, Christmas pudding, and chocolate truffles are hard to resist, but sugar triggers inflammation in the body, which shows up on your face as redness, puffiness, and breakouts.
“Sugar causes a spike in insulin, which increases oil production,” Dr. Hayavi explains. “That’s why you might notice spots appearing a day or two after indulging heavily.”
The Danger Zone (Worst for Your Skin)
Late-Night Parties
Those festive gatherings that run until the early hours disrupt your sleep cycle and spike cortisol levels. High cortisol breaks down collagen, increases oil production, and slows down skin repair.
Festive Cocktails and Mulled Wine
Alcohol dehydrates your entire body, and your skin shows it first. These drinks are particularly problematic because they’re often high in sugar as well as alcohol, creating a double hit of inflammation and dehydration.
“Alcohol dilates blood vessels, which is why you might notice redness or broken capillaries after heavy drinking sessions,” says Dr. Hayavi.
Back-to-Back Nights Out
Stringing several late nights together without recovery time is one of the worst things you can do for your skin. Your complexion doesn’t get a chance to bounce back, and the damage accumulates.
Forgetting to Remove Makeup
After a night out, the last thing you want to do is a full skincare routine, but sleeping in your makeup is a recipe for clogged pores and breakouts.
“Makeup traps dirt, oil, and pollution against your skin all night,” Dr. Hayavi notes. “This prevents your skin from breathing and repairing itself properly.”
Freezing Outdoor Air with No Barrier Protection
Heading out into harsh winter weather without proper protection strips your skin’s natural oils, leaving it vulnerable to damage and irritation.
“These festive habits combine to create the perfect environment for winter dryness, redness, and fatigue,” says Dr. Hayavi. “Understanding which activities cause the most damage helps you make smarter choices.”
Dr. Kevin Hayavi, Medical Director and Managing Partner at Beverly Hills Physicians, commented:
“The key to protecting your skin during the festive season is balance. You don’t have to skip every party or avoid all treats, but being mindful makes a difference.
“Start by never going to bed with makeup on, no matter how tired you are. Keep micellar water and cotton pads by your bedside as a backup. Before heading outdoors, apply a rich moisturiser with ceramides to strengthen your skin barrier against harsh weather.
“Stay hydrated by drinking water between alcoholic drinks, and try to get at least one or two early nights each week to give your skin recovery time. A good vitamin C serum in the morning helps combat inflammation from sugar and late nights.
“Small protective steps mean you can enjoy the festivities without your skin paying the price in January.”
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