holiday season skincare tips

How to Avoid Stressed Skin This Holiday Season

‘Tis the season for full social calendars, frantic gift shopping and more weather whiplash than we’d like. Throw in seasonal allergies and a touch of burnout, and you’ve got the ultimate Christmas cocktail one that can wreak havoc on your skin.

If your complexion tends to act up this time of year, you’re not alone. Over 50% of adults report experiencing skin inflammation at some point in their lives. From inflammatory acne to redness, itching, flaking or tightness, these flare-ups often stem from more than just skincare. Emotional stress, environmental irritants, diet, and household products can all disrupt your skin’s balance. That’s why during a high-stress period like the holidays, it's essential to take a holistic approach to skin health one that nurtures both body and mind.

Before you feel overwhelmed by the idea of adding more to your to-do list, here are a few realistic and doable ways to show your skin some love over the silly season.

Just Take Five Minutes

If your mornings aren’t quite zen-guru material, don’t stress. You don’t need a full meditation practice to reap the benefits of downtime. Even five minutes of quiet, whether it’s a longer shower, stepping outside with a cuppa, or sitting in silence before bed, can help regulate stress levels and reduce the chance of inflammatory acne or skin inflammation caused by emotional triggers.

A calm mind = calmer skin. Start small and stay consistent.

Don’t Punish Yourself for Celebrating

Skipping dessert or cancelling plans to “detox” rarely ends well. Guilt creates more stress, and stress is a known contributor to sensitive skin flare-ups. Instead of cutting everything out, try adding something in like skin-supportive supplements.

Omega-3, Curcumin, and Vitamins C, D and E are widely recognised for supporting skin health and reducing internal inflammation. They won’t cancel out every Aperol, but they’ll support your skin’s resilience while you enjoy the season.

Keep It Simple with Skincare

When your skin’s angry, your instinct might be to layer on more actives, retinol, AHAs, or every calming serum in sight. But when it comes to skincare for sensitive skin, less is more. Harsh ingredients can disrupt your barrier, especially when your body is already under stress.

Rather than treat the symptoms with strong actives, try restoring balance at the root. This is where the principles of holistic skin health come into play. Think barrier repair, microbiome support, and inflammation-soothing ingredients.

Start with our go-to essentials for sensitive skin:

best powder cleanser
Biobod Replenishing Hydra-Soothe Serum for dry sensitive skin bottle with green cap on a white background
Yellow bottle of Barrier Restore Nutrient Oil with dropper on a white background, featuring SHE-com Awards badges.

Each product is part of our Biome Advantage System, formulated with sensitive skin in mind. Gentle, effective, and designed to work with your skin’s natural ecosystem, not against it.

Focus on Balance, Not Perfection

True self-care during the holidays isn’t about nailing a 10-step routine or eating perfectly. It’s about being in tune with your needs. Give yourself permission to enjoy the season while staying mindful of what your body and skin are telling you.

Some bonus holiday skin-saving tips:

  • Stay hydrated, your skin barrier needs water to function
  • Don’t skip SPF just because it’s cloudy
  • Get some sleep when you can (your skin does most of its repair work overnight)
  • Switch to fragrance-free laundry detergent to avoid unexpected irritation

Want to Go Deeper? Download Our Sensitive Skin eBook

If you’re ready to take a more informed approach to your skin, our Sensitive Skin eBook is packed with insights on everything from skin inflammation triggers to skincare for sensitive skin routines rooted in science and nature.

Whether you’re dealing with inflammatory acne, seasonal flare-ups, or long-term sensitivity, we believe in a new way to care for skin one that supports your whole self.

Skin is a mirror of what’s going on inside. And while the holidays can throw a lot your way, it’s possible to protect your peace and your skin with small but powerful choices. Embrace holistic skin health, simplify your routine, and most importantly, go easy on yourself. You’re doing better than you think.