While many of us may have experienced a different Christmas in 2020 to what we’re usually accustomed to, there are some elements that will always endure, namely a proclivity to overindulge. But while Netflix marathons and towering tubs of chocolates may be synonymous with the holidays, we’d all rather do without the bad skin days that inevitably follow.
Below, you’d find a list of activities we engage in that are very detrimental to us having healthy skins.
Overindulgence
This includes but is not limited to excessive eating and drinking. In times of festivities, rules go out the window; after all, binging on food and alcohol is one way to pass the time during the holidays or even on the weekends. Unfortunately, it’s rather less cheery news for your skin.
Excessive sugar or alcohol intake
When the body is exposed to high levels of glucose (or sugar) collagen and elastin proteins in the skin become impaired, causing a breakdown of its springy structure. As well as skin losing its elasticity it can also lead to increased sebum production, dehydration and a rougher, more uneven skin surface.
Copious amounts of sugar in alcohol are also problematic for skin. Alcohol is a diuretic and leads to dehydration of our skin and body. It makes the blood vessels in our skin dilate and leaky causing flushing, redness and puffiness. Alcohol is also a known trigger for rosacea and psoriasis.”
Stress
It’s not just our propensity for excess which can cause problems for our skin. When you consider the enormity of the year 2020 we’ve all endured and the likely second phase lockdown, away from family and friends, it’s inevitable that stress will creep in. Stress increases stress hormones levels of cortisol and leads to inflammation, worsening inflammatory skin conditions such as acne, rosacea, eczema and psoriasis. Stress increases the skin barrier permeability leading to increased water loss and dehydrated skin.
Stress can also reduce collagen synthesis leading to a loss of elasticity and skin thickness. Stress can cause changes in the way we implement our skincare routines too. We shouldn’t underestimate the impact stress plays on our daily skincare routines which are often thrown by the wayside. At times when we are under stress, we may find ourselves skipping out usual skincare routines, which negatively impact our skin.
Increased cortisol levels
Cortisol can also indirectly affect the activity of oil glands and contribute to acne. Our skin thrives on having a daily routine and if this is interrupted for some reason that leads to an increase in cortisol levels, then it can aggravate issues and cause flare ups.