The Effect of Holiday Stress on Skin & Wellness
Stress, Travel, Routine Changes, and Indulgent Foods Can Impact Inflammation, Breakouts, and Hydration

Holiday Stress = Inflammation & Breakouts

When stress levels rise, your body produces more cortisol. Cortisol increases oil production, inflammation, and worsens acne and flare-ups (such as rosacea, eczema, and psoriasis).

Fun Fact: Your skin has its own miniature stress-response system. Even when you’re holding it together mentally, your skin cells can sense stress and respond instantly.

Support Your Skin:

• Skinbetter Mystro Revive Renewing Serum — helps balance stressed skin, calm inflammation, and improve overall clarity
• GlyMed+ Sulfur Mask/Spot Treatment — ideal for stress breakouts; reduces inflammation, redness, and bacteria
• MIXI Skincare Mist — perfect for soothing reactive, overworked skin

Sarai’s Quick Tip: When you’re feeling maxed out, do a quick “skin reset.” Cleanse, hydrate, moisturize, and take a moment to breathe or meditate. Your skin (and your nervous system) will thank you.

Travel = Dehydrated Skin

Whether you’re flying to see family or road-tripping somewhere cold, travel can seriously dehydrate the skin. Airplane cabins are extremely dry, and climate changes can throw the skin barrier out of balance—leading to dullness, flaking, and even “travel breakouts.”

Fun Fact: Most airplanes keep humidity around 10–20%. Your skin is happiest around 40–60%.

Travel-Friendly Hydration:

• MIXI Skincare Dew Drops — a hydration superhero for plump, moisturized skin
• CO2Lift Carboxy Masque (travel packets) — instantly restores moisture after long flights; increases skin hydration by 117%
• Skinbetter Trio Rebalancing Moisture Treatment — lightweight yet deeply hydrating

Sarai’s Quick Tip: Pack hydrating minis and avoid exfoliating right before a trip—your skin barrier needs to stay as strong as possible.

Routine Disruptions

Between shopping, parties, and late nights, skincare routines often get shortened or skipped. When that happens, skin shows it: buildup, breakouts, dryness, and fatigue. Fine lines appear more pronounced due to dehydration.

Fun Fact: Your skin regenerates most between 10 PM and 2 AM. Those late nights mean you’re missing your body’s prime repair window.

Easy “Busy Season” Essentials:

• Alastin C-Radical Defense Serum — a powerful antioxidant boost for hectic days
• Skinbetter AlphaRet Overnight Cream — gently resurfaces and refreshes skin, even with a minimal routine
• Obagi Hydrate or Hydrate Luxe — effective moisturizers to support the barrier when time is tight

Sarai’s Quick Tip: Even if you’re exhausted, just cleanse, hydrate, and moisturize. Your skin will thank you.

Holiday Foods = More Inflammation

Sugary treats, alcohol, and rich foods are part of the season—but they can increase inflammation, puffiness, and dehydration. Sugar attaches to collagen in a process called glycation, which weakens its structure and accelerates aging. Alcohol pulls moisture from the skin, making fine lines more visible and increasing inflammation.

Fun Fact: After high-sugar foods or alcohol, skin can lose up to 30% more water than usual.

Support & Soothe With:

• Alastin Restorative Skin Complex — keeps collagen strong and supported
• Alastin C-Radical Defense Serum — antioxidant protection during indulgent weeks
• CO2Lift Carboxy Masque — reduces puffiness and restores hydration

Sarai’s Quick Tip: Enjoy your holiday favorites, but balance with hydration. Drink water between cocktails and include antioxidant-rich foods like berries, leafy greens, and avocado to help skin recover.

How to Stay Glowing Through the Holidays (Sarai’s Essentials)

These are the products and habits I recommend most often:

Hydration Essentials

• MIXI Skincare Dew Drops or Alastin HA Immerse
• Skinbetter Trio Moisture Rebalancing

Barrier Protection

• Obagi Rebalance Cream
• Obagi Hydrate Luxe

Daily Musts

• Alastin C-Radical Defense Serum (antioxidant)
• Skinbetter ToneSmart Sunscreen or Alastin Hydratint Sunscreen (yes, SPF is still necessary in winter)

Non-Negotiable Habits

• Stay hydrated inside & out — avoid heaters when possible, they dry out skin
• Use a hydrating serum daily (HA, peptides, or niacinamide)
• Protect the barrier with a ceramide-rich moisturizer
• Don’t skip SPF — winter UV still ages the skin
• Prioritize sleep — your skin repairs while you rest
• Schedule a post-holiday refresh facial or CO2Lift Carboxy Masque for an instant glow

The holiday season is busy, but your skin doesn’t have to suffer through it. With the right products and a few consistent habits, you can enjoy every moment while keeping your skin healthy, hydrated, and glowing.

If you’d like a customized routine or need help choosing the best products for your skin type, I’m here to help.

— Sarai, Licensed Aesthetician at ReGenesis Wellness & Medspa