The holidays are coming up and this is the time that we all slip a little with our eating habits. What some may not realize is that our waistband isn’t the only physical side effect – your skin suffers too. So, what should we look for and limit during the holidays?

Drinking Alcohol—Alcohol dehydrates the skin!  This is a direct cause of fine line and wrinkles. A huge misconception is that drinking tons of water the day after drinking and partying will rehydrate skin. Well I hate to burst your bubble, but sorry, that is simply not the case.

Eating Junk Food—Now there is no scientific proof that eating more green leafy veggies will result in better looking skin, but limiting the amount of simple sugars and greasy food will save the waist line and help you feel better. However, the good news is that small amounts of caffeine and chocolate will help the skin because of the antioxidant benefits they provide.

Lack of Sleep—During the holiday season we tend to stay up later preparing for the next party or spending time with family and friends. Not getting enough sleep limits the body’s ability to release the toxins that are stored up during the day. Sleeping allows the body to cleanse itself of the toxins, therefore sleep is a skin-saving technique.

Late Nights—Partying into the wee hours are fun but at what cost to your skin? You get home late from the party and the five minutes you normally take to cleanse and moisturize your face before bed is typically lost. The problem with not removing the days grime, dirt and makeup is that it can clog pores which leads to irritation and inflammation, which is enemy number one to healthy skin.

So during the holiday season remember these simple tips to keep skin looking healthy so you can look great for the next event you’re going to.

1. Use a good moisturizer daily like SKIN1 daily moisturizer.

2. Increase water intake to stay well hydrated, 6-8 8oz. glasses per day is ideal.

3. Eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables.

4. Limit sun exposure time. if your job requires you to spend ample time outdoors, use a moisturizer with SPF.

5. Wash your face no more than twice daily and use a non-drying cleanser or scrub.

6. Shorter shower time with warm water rather than hot.  Hot water tends to dry the skin faster.

7. When drying after the shower pat dry instead wiping dry because wiping with a towel wipes off natural oils on the skin.

8. Apply moisturizers while the skin is still damp.

9. If you live in a dry climate buy a humidifier because dry heat or too much air conditioning can dry the skin.

10. Read the SKIN1 Blog regularly for more great tips!