The festive season might be full of joy and celebration, but for those living with eczema or dry skin, it can spell trouble.
Unsurprisingly, the Christmas indulgences we all know and love, from rich festive foods to generous pourings of mulled wine, can actually trigger uncomfortable flare-ups.
And that’s not all. The combination of freezing temperatures outside and toasty central heating indoors creates the perfect storm for irritated skin.
Throw in disrupted daily routines, late nights at parties, and the general chaos of the holiday period, and your skin barrier faces a real battering.
For eczema sufferers, this means the likelihood of outbreaks increases significantly during what should be the most wonderful time of the year.
Beyond Christmas feasting and festivity, stress is a known trigger for eczema and dry skin, as it contributes to inflammation and makes it harder for the skin to repair itself.
Christmas is a stressful time for a whopping 45 per cent of Brits, according to YouGov research, with one in 10 describing it as “very stressful”.
Dry skin and eczema can be triggered by cold weather, rich foods, alcohol, and stress
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Between family obligations, packed social diaries, and those dreaded end-of-year work deadlines, it’s no wonder tension levels creep up – and you have your skin troubles to show for it.
Ali Hedley, clinical engagement manager at skin care range Epaderm, stated: “The festive season brings together multiple factors that place extra strain on the skin, such as stress, disrupted routines, colder temperatures, and indoor heating.
“These quickly affect the skin barrier, leaving it more vulnerable to irritants and inflammation, which is why eczema flare-ups are common around Christmas.”
Staying hydrated, eating well, minimising stress, and getting enough sleep all give the skin a boost
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GETTYThe good news is that there are simple ways to keep your skin happy through the festive madness.
Ms Hedley said: “Easy ways to help manage this include keeping an emollient in your bag to use on the go; being consistent with your daily skin care routine; and taking steps to reduce stress, such as getting enough sleep, staying hydrated, and eating balanced meals.”
These goals can feel a little more difficult once the Christmas party season rolls around, but small changes are possible.
So pop a moisturiser in your handbag before heading out for drinks and stick to your regular skin care routine – even when you’re exhausted from all the festivities.
And don’t forget the basics: stay hydrated, try to get decent sleep, and try to enjoy some balanced, nutritious meals alongside the copious mince pies you’ll likely be offered.
Protecting your skin from sudden temperature shifts and keeping it well moisturised throughout the season can help reduce dryness and irritation.
The experts recommend Epaderm Cream, a “hydrating, moisturising, and softening” product which doubles up as a face/body moisturiser and an alternative to shower gel.
Meanwhile, the “intensive” Epaderm Ointment can be used as a moisturiser or soap substitute and only contains three ingredients. It’s suitable for very dry skin, and offers “deep hydration”, working as a daily or overnight solution.