How to Keep Your Skin Happy During the Holidays

We hate to say it, but your mom’s advice was right when it comes to skin care.

-PJ Gach

Ah, the holidays. This is the time of the year where we really burn the candle at both ends. I know that cliché conjures up a giant mess, but hey, if you don’t take care of you this time of year, you and your skin will become a giant mess. Here are five ways to make sure your skin stay happy, healthy and gorgeous all holiday season long.

1. You know how your mom always said you needed eight hours a sleep or else? According to the Sleep Foundation if you don’t get enough sleep, you will acquire a sleep debt. This debt can lead to decreased ability to pay attention, higher chances of obesity, heart disease and getting sick. When you’re sick or feeling under the weather, your skin suffers too. If you want to have a beautiful complexion, get some rest! As much as you’re going to be tempted to hit every party, you need to pace yourself. I mean, what’s the point of going out if you don’t feel fab? Your skin will give away your dirty little secret — the fact that you’re not sleeping!

2. Remember when your mom would yell at you to wash your face? The absolute worst thing you can do is to sleep with your makeup on. Yes, you might come home a tad too late from a holiday party or dinner and think that “just this once I’ll sleep with my makeup on…no biggie.” Um, yes, it’s a biggie. When you sleep with your makeup on, not only is there all that makeup you’ve applied (and sometimes reapplied) during the day, but environmental pollutants and bacteria are nestling on your skin too. They’re worming their nasty way into your pores. Yup, while you’re sleeping, they’re all dancing on your skin having a party. We’re not sure if they’ve brought a disco ball with them, but you never know.

To keep all that nastiness at bay, you might want to look into using the Clarisonic Mia ($119, sephora.com). What is the Clarisonic cleansing system? It’s a device and cleanser that gently deeps cleans and exfoliates your skin. It will actually remove makeup six times better than any makeup remover out there. Since it gets your skin so clean, moisturizers absorb better and faster. Plus, it’s super fun to use. The Mia is small enough so that if you travel during the holidays, you can pack it.

3. Speaking of traveling during the holidays, airplane air is notorious for sucking the hydration right out of your skin. You get off the plane and could pass for a cactus. Who needs that especially, if you’ve got a hot guy picking you up? Tuck into your carry-on a TSA approved size of moisturizer and a small water spritzer. Any moisturizer you take with you on the plane can be used to prevent dried out skin on your face and hands. And remember to drink water on the plane.

4. Speaking of water, your mom, your doctor and all your friends agree that it’s a very good idea to drink eight glasses of water a day. Drinking water, even in the winter time, will keep your skin hydrated and healthy. If you’re on the go, bouncing between sitting in an office and running out to purchase holiday gifts, your skin is moving quickly from heat to cold and back again. By drinking water, you’re actually protecting your skin from the ravages of cold weather.

Also on the plus side, sometimes when we think we’re hungry, we’re actually dehydrated. Drinking enough water can help curve cravings for all theose little treats popping up everywhere this time of year. Save those indulgences for the really yummy goodies that you especially love.

5. Speaking of indulging … it’s tempting to indulge in a little holiday cheer at parties, dinners and brunches. To keep skin creamy and healthy looking, watch your alcohol intake. As yummy as champagne, wine and cocktails are, they also have hidden calories (boo, hiss, boo) and will dry out your skin. By simply moderating your libations, you’re once again protecting your skin (and your waistline).

Why is it that mom’s always right?

Tell us: how do you plan to protect your skin during the holiday season?

PJ Gach is Senior Editor: Style + Beauty at BettyConfidential.