The 5 Things You’re Doing Right Now That Are Wrecking Your Skin—And How to Fix It Before Christmas

It’s the season for joy, love, and indulgence. But let’s face it—between the whirlwind of holiday parties, last-minute shopping, and indulging in festive treats, your skin could be taking a hit. Whether it’s that extra glass of mulled wine, a few too many mince pies, or simply forgetting to follow your usual skincare routine, these little slip-ups could be showing up as dull, tired skin, breakouts, or fine lines.

But don’t panic! We’ve pinpointed the five common mistakes you're probably making right now, and we’re here to share exactly how to reverse the damage. With a few adjustments to your daily habits and skincare, you’ll be able to restore that youthful glow just in time for Christmas. Ready to turn back the clock? Let’s dive in.

Skipping the Sunscreen (Even in Winter!)

Let’s be honest: when the cold weather sets in, sunscreen is probably the last thing on your mind. But did you know that the UV rays can still damage your skin, even when it's grey and dreary outside? Whether you're inside by the fire or outside braving the frosty air, the sun's harmful rays are still there, ready to accelerate ageing, cause pigmentation, and leave your skin looking lacklustre.

Dr. Laura Geige, Senior Aesthetic Expert at It’s Me and You Aesthetic Clinic, explains:
“It’s easy to forget sunscreen in the winter, but UV rays don’t take a holiday. Protecting your skin from the sun all year round is essential for keeping your complexion youthful and glowing. Even on cloudy days or when you’re inside, it’s a must!”

Make SPF part of your daily skincare routine, no matter the season. Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 and apply it every morning before you head out, even if you’re spending most of the day indoors. Your skin will thank you when you're glowing like the Christmas lights at your next festive gathering.

Late Nights (And No Sleep!)

Ah, the late-night holiday parties—where the mulled wine flows and the laughter never stops. But while you’re having a blast, your skin is likely paying the price. Lack of sleep disrupts your skin’s ability to repair itself, leading to puffiness, dark circles, and a tired, lacklustre complexion. Plus, stress from juggling holiday plans and alcohol from those late nights can cause inflammation, redness, and premature ageing.

Dr. Snieguole Geige, Medical Director at the clinic shares: “Sleep is crucial for skin health. Your skin repairs and regenerates while you rest, so getting enough sleep is vital for a youthful appearance. Lack of sleep makes your skin more prone to damage and shows up as puffiness and dullness.”

Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep every night, even if it means cutting the party short. If you’ve had a late one, treat yourself to a hydrating facial mask or serum to combat the effects of sleep deprivation. Your skin will thank you by looking refreshed, revived, and ready to sparkle at your next Christmas event.

Eating Too Much Sugar (Oops, We Mean the Christmas Pudding!)

Let’s face it—Christmas treats are just too good to resist. From sugary sweets to that giant slice of Christmas pudding, it’s easy to overindulge. However, all that sugar can wreak havoc on your skin, triggering a process called glycation, where sugar molecules bind to proteins like collagen and elastin. The result? Wrinkles, fine lines, and a dull complexion.

Elisabeth Leclerc, Fashion and Aesthetic Expert at the clinic, explains:
“Sugar may taste sweet, but it’s not so sweet for your skin. Overindulgence leads to skin breakdown over time, making it harder for your skin to maintain its youthful look.”

While you don't have to give up every holiday treat, you can make some swaps. Try choosing fruit over sugary snacks, or opt for dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate. And remember to hydrate—drinking water will help flush out toxins, keeping your skin healthy and glowing. For an added boost, consider collagen-boosting skincare products that can help fight the effects of glycation.

Neglecting Your Skincare Routine (Because ‘Who Has Time?’)

We get it—the holidays are busy. But skipping your skincare routine to squeeze in another festive activity can lead to build-up and clogged pores, causing breakouts and dryness. It’s easy to let your routine slide, but neglecting to cleanse, tone, and moisturise means your skin misses out on much-needed care. And that pesky pimple before Christmas? It's all too common when we forget our skincare.

Birute Sutkiene, Marketing Lead at the clinic advises: “We all get busy during the holidays, but your skin still needs attention. Neglecting your routine can lead to buildup and clogged pores, which cause breakouts and dryness. A quick five-minute routine will keep your skin on track.”

Make time for a simple five-minute skincare routine every morning and night. Cleanse your face to remove makeup and impurities, tone to balance your skin, and moisturise with a product suited to your skin type. Don't forget to exfoliate once or twice a week to get rid of dead skin cells. Consistency is key to keeping your skin fresh, smooth, and ready for the holidays.

Forgetting to Hydrate (The Winter Air Strikes Again)

If your skin feels tight, dry, and uncomfortable, it’s probably crying out for hydration. The cold winter air, combined with indoor heating, can leave your skin parched and prone to fine lines. But if you’re drinking more coffee than water, you’re not doing your skin any favours. Dehydrated skin looks dull and can become more prone to wrinkles.

Dr. Rimas Geiga, Senior Medical Expert at the clinic, explains: “When your skin is dehydrated, it becomes more prone to fine lines and wrinkles. Moisturising is important, but drinking plenty of water and using hydrating skincare products are key to maintaining that plump, youthful look.”

Start by drinking more water throughout the day, even if it’s chilly outside. You’ll be amazed at how quickly your skin responds. Top it off with a rich moisturiser that includes hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, and consider using a hydrating serum to lock in moisture. Your skin will feel soft, smooth, and rejuvenated.

Reverse the Damage: Treatments to Revive Your Skin Before Christmas

If you've made these mistakes and now find your skin looking lacklustre, don’t panic—there’s still time to reverse the damage before the big day. Dr. Laura Geige recommends: “Facial treatments like hydrating masks, skin boosters, and dermal fillers are great for giving your skin the boost it needs before Christmas. These treatments help restore hydration, smooth out fine lines, and give you a fresh, radiant glow.”

The Bottom Line

This holiday season, don’t let your skin take the back seat. By avoiding these common mistakes and taking steps to hydrate, protect, and care for your skin, you’ll be ready to glow from the inside out. Whether it’s adding sunscreen to your winter routine, getting enough sleep, cutting back on sugar, or committing to a skincare regimen, it’s never too late to turn things around.