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Festive Skin Survival Guide: How Alcohol & Sugar Impact Your Glow (And What To Do About It)

Updated: Apr 7

As we enter the festive season—a time filled with social gatherings, indulgent treats, and celebratory toasts—it’s easy to go a little overboard with two major skin saboteurs: alcohol and sugar. While the occasional indulgence is part of the joy of the holidays, understanding how these elements affect your skin can help you make smarter choices—and glow all season long.


Let’s break it down.



Alcohol & Your Skin: What Happens Beneath the Surface


It’s no secret that alcohol can take a toll on your overall health, but it has particularly visible effects on your skin. During the holidays, increased alcohol consumption can cause:


1. Dehydration

Alcohol is a natural diuretic, meaning it flushes water out of the body. This leaves your skin looking dull, dry, and tired. Fine lines and wrinkles become more prominent due to the lack of moisture.


2. Inflammation & Puffiness

Alcohol can trigger inflammation and histamine release, leading to redness and swelling — especially around the eyes and cheeks. This worsens skin conditions like rosacea, acne, and eczema.


3. Collagen Breakdown

Chronic drinking can impair your liver’s ability to detox, increase oxidative stress, and slow collagen production. This accelerates signs of aging like sagging skin and loss of elasticity.


4. Nutrient Deficiencies

Alcohol reduces your body's ability to absorb skin-loving nutrients like vitamins A, C, and E, which are vital for skin repair, glow, and resilience.



The Sugar-Skin Connection: A Recipe for Premature Ageing


While festive treats may be hard to resist, high sugar consumption can silently sabotage your complexion.


1. Glycation: The Silent Skin Ager

When you eat excess sugar, it binds with proteins (like collagen) in your skin, forming harmful molecules called Advanced Glycation End Products (AGEs). This process damages skin elasticity and accelerates ageing.


2. Breakouts & Oil Production

Sugar spikes insulin levels, which can lead to increased oil (sebum) production and clogged pores — especially around the jawline and cheeks.


3. Inflammation & Sensitivity

Sugar promotes internal inflammation, which can flare up conditions like acne, psoriasis, and even trigger skin allergies.



How to Cut Back (Without Feeling Deprived)


You don’t need to ditch all the fun to protect your skin — just make mindful tweaks. Here’s how to reduce alcohol and sugar intake while still enjoying the festive spirit:


1. Alternate Alcohol with Hydration

Sip a glass of water between alcoholic drinks. Infuse it with lemon, mint, berries or cucumber for a festive touch and a skin-loving antioxidant boost.


2. Choose Skin-Friendly Cocktails

Opt for drinks with less sugar and fewer additives. Think: red wine (in moderation), vodka with soda water and lime, or mocktails made with herbal infusions and fresh fruits.


3. Prioritise Protein and Fiber

Before heading to events, eat a balanced meal with protein and fiber to stabilise blood sugar and curb cravings for sugary snacks and alcohol.


4. Swap Sugar for Natural Alternatives

Craving something sweet? Try dark chocolate (70%+), fruit-based desserts, or festive recipes using maple syrup, dates, or coconut sugar in moderation.


5. Support Your Skin with Nutrients

Load up on antioxidants (vitamin C, E, zinc, and selenium) to counteract oxidative stress. Add foods like berries, leafy greens, avocados, and fatty fish to your plate.


6. Practice the 80/20 Rule

Allow yourself a treat, but make 80% of your choices supportive of your skin and health. This creates a sustainable balance that doesn’t feel restrictive.



Holistic Skin Support During the Holidays


To help your skin stay radiant throughout the festivities:


  • Double down on hydration (aim for 2-3 liters of water daily).

  • Double Cleanse thoroughly at night to remove makeup, pollutants, and excess oil.

  • Use calming and hydrating skincare ingredients like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and aloe vera.

  • Don’t skip your SPF — UV rays don’t take a holiday.



Celebrate, Don’t Sabotage


The festive season is a time to connect, celebrate, and enjoy. By staying informed and making empowered choices, you can protect your skin from the toll of alcohol and sugar — without sacrificing the joy of the moment.


Your skin is a reflection of what’s going on inside. With a bit of balance and mindfulness, you’ll not only look radiant—you’ll feel it too.



Ready to Get Your Glow Back?


If your skin is feeling the effects of festive indulgence, let’s reset with a personalised holistic skin consultation or a nourishing and rejuvenating facial.


Book your appointment today and step into the new year with skin that reflects your best self.



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