There’s no denying it; Christmas season is here, so it’s time to put up the Christmas tree, place a few presents underneath, crank up the Christmas music and celebrate with loved ones.

While this sounds like a good time, in reality December is often filled with attending many Christmas parties or gatherings, hitting the shops along with everyone else and going to the supermarket every day after you forget one item.

And to top it off, your Santa hat is not the only red thing in sight – you have an acne breakout brewing and your skin looks like someone hit the ‘redness’ button.

So what’s causing the Christmas breakout?

If you read over the reality of the Christmas period above with your acne glasses on, you’ll see it includes some common pimple risk factors: stress, holiday food and drink and being out of routine.

Stress can cause an increase in your levels of the hormone cortisol, which can in turn affect your other hormones, increasing sebum production and the growth of skin cells. That increased sebum production can block or clog your pores, trapping acne-causing bacteria.

While we are big fans of enjoying good food, and all treats should be welcomed (in moderation), Christmastime does often mean more of those high glycaemic index foods that can spike your insulin levels, again affecting those hormones and sebum levels.

Spending time with friends and family, often away from home, plus the Christmas busyness can also mean you get a bit out of routine. Perhaps you don’t do your Epiology 3 step system twice a day (gasp)?!

You may be thinking a lot of this sounds unavoidable – it’s just what happens at Christmas. But what can you do to decrease the likelihood of that seasonal breakout?

Preventing a Christmas pimple-storm

Christmas is about taking some time out with your loved ones, and perhaps having a few treats after a big year. So we’re not going to suggest you leave the candy canes on the tree, or sidestep a tasty Christmas feast.

But you can take a step back when you feel yourself getting stressed, and work out how to move forward and reach that calming horizon. Maybe it’s simply taking a walk in the sunshine, making time for the gym or a hobby, or seeing if someone can help you out. After all, a problem shared is a problem halved!

Thinking about looking after your skin and following your skincare routine, keep it as simple as possible. Put your Epiology cleanser and cream in plain sight, or a note next to your bed so you don’t get in without removing your make-up.

And when you’re enjoying all the treats, why not follow them up with a big glass of water? Your hydrated skin will thank you for it.

If a pimple does pop up the day before the work Christmas party, grab a tube of our Extra Strength Spot Gel. It’s great for handling those hotspots you can feel developing under the skin and reduces redness.

Parting words

After the year that was 2021, most of all we want you to have fun and relax this Christmas and New Year’s. Hopefully these tips will just keep a few of those pimples at bay!