How to Have the Best Holiday Season EVER – Even If You Have Acne

The holiday season is a wonderful time of year to catch up with friends and family. For many, however, the season comes with a slew of social commitments, commuting through busy airports, or entertaining a house full of guests.

The stress of the season can really do a number on your skin, especially when paired with the dry, cold air. Keeping your face clean and moisturized can go a long way to help breakouts from ruining your good time. However, when it comes to treating acne, it’s what’s on the inside that counts; acne is an external manifestation of an internal disorder - so even though topical tips may help temporarily, it won’t go away until you deal with the internal issue of acne.

While keeping that in mind, also try utilizing these skincare tips to bring your best face forward this holiday season!

Stay hydrated. A good way to keep your skin looking fresh and your energy level up is to drink the recommended 64 ounces of water a day, which will help your liver to flush out toxins, leaving your complexion with a rosy glow. If you’re flying the friendly skies, carry an empty water bottle through security, then fill it from a fountain and drink up once you’re through. You can also try adding juicy fruits to your diet such as apples or grapes for a tasty source of hydration.

Keep it moving. Exercise is a great way to keep your body healthy; and those benefits definitely don’t stop at your skin! Physical activity increases blood circulation, which sends oxygen to your skin cells, and also helps carry cell waste away. The most beneficial aspect of exercise on the skin is the easing of stress. Because stress hormones affect the sebaceous glands, which produce sebum (an oily substance that can clog pores), keeping stress levels low can result in happier skin, and fewer breakouts.

Eat clean. The condition of acne is an internal problem. The same way our diet affects our energy levels and weight, the foods that we put into our bodies can show up on our faces. Because acne is hormonal, there is no miracle food that will cure the condition, but eating the right foods can benefit the appearance of the skin. Stay in season with vitamin A-rich orange foods such as sweet potatoes, carrots and squash. Most nuts are rich in zinc, iron and vitamin E, which are all essential for maintaining healthy skin, and antioxidant-rich apples and pomegranates can be used to fight free radicals.

Stay Clean. Don’t underestimate the simple act of washing your face and other parts of your body that are affected by acne. Use a mild cleanser without alcohol or other harsh ingredients which will prevent the sebaceous glands from trying to overcompensate by producing extra sebum, leading to acne. If you are traveling by plane, be sure to take a shower and wash your face and body as soon as possible. This is also recommended after a night out, regardless of what time the fun ends.

Good clean makeup. Holiday parties and countless photo ops can make the season tough on those with acne-prone skin. If you choose to wear makeup, be sure to opt for fragrance-free, non-comedogenic formulas that won’t clog pores, and keep those brushes clean. For oily or combination complexions, resist reapplying and opt for oil-blotting rice paper instead.

Get your beauty rest. Sleep allows the stress levels of the body to adjust naturally (an important part of healthy skin function). For your best night’s sleep, try to resist caffeine and alcohol at least a few hours before bed and keep the room temperature on the cooler side, around 65 degrees F.

Relax. The most widely-suggested measure to keep in mind for those with acne-prone skin is that of managing stress levels. Take a minute to breathe. If you are traveling or commuting a lot, be sure to bring a soft, warm blanket to wrap up in and a good book to dive into. For the social butterflies, try not to overcommit if making that extra engagement will lead to more stress than it’s worth. The holidays are intended to be a time to share appreciation for what we have with those we love, so do your best to make the most of it with the least stress possible. Your skin will thank you for it.

Don’t forget your AcnEase^®. The best way to actually show off a clearer complexion and less oily skin is by targeting the source of those problems internally, and AcnEase^® does just that. Acne is usually the result of a hormonal imbalance. Because stress can elevate levels of certain hormones, the production of sebum by the sebaceous glands may increase which leads to shiny, dull skin and eventually to clogged pores. This may exacerbate acne symptoms and result in breakouts and other forms of acne.

AcnEase^® acts as a buffer between hormones and other substances in our bodies that overstimulate the sebaceous glands and causes them to produce excess sebum. AcnEase^® helps the sebaceous glands return to normal activity and production levels. Users of AcnEase^® benefit both in the short-term and long-term. In the short-term, existing pimples and cysts will start healing and skin will become clearer, less oily and less sensitive. Users will benefit in the long-term as AcnEase^® actually prevents the formation of new pimples and breaks the cycle of ance. The botanical ingredients that make up the various AcnEase^® treatments were selected based on years of research and trials and are the safest and most effective combination of herbs to achieve both short-term and long-term results. AcnEase^® is the only natural treatment on the market that PREVENTS acne, with a user success rate of 96%.

We want to hear from you! What are your best tips for staying acne-free around the holidays? Tell us in the comments below!