Wreaths and trees with beautiful lights line the streets. Holiday films are playing on more channels than you can count. Walking into a store means hearing Mariah Carey’s voice more often than not. It’s officially the holidays.

Despite its magic, there’s a lot going on this time of year. Company parties, friend get-togethers, and family gatherings pack your schedule. You’re shopping for gifts for your loved ones, hoping to find the perfect one. 

With everything going on, it’s no wonder your skin care routine falls further and further down your priority list. The good news? Getting back on track doesn’t have to be an uphill battle. Here are a few ways to ensure your skin can look its best despite the hectic nature of this time of year.

1. Get Ahead of Acne

Holiday parties and family photo shoots are staples of the year’s end. Naturally, you want to look your best. Acne-riddled skin, however, prevents that from being possible. So, it’s important to work to get ahead of breakouts before the holiday season is in full swing.

Start incorporating acne-fighting ingredients into your daily routine as soon as you can. Whether it’s niacinamide to help control sebum production or salicylic acid to help clear out your pores, add specialized products. Then, you can test how your skin reacts to it before deciding if it’s an ingredient you want to stick with. If your acne won’t budge, take advantage of online acne treatment for a convenient holiday fix. After a quick consultation, you can have a prescription-strength treatment at your door. 

Remember that acne can come from physical contact, too. That Santa hat may look festive, but it could be leading to forehead breakouts that weren’t on your wishlist. Create a routine for cleaning your makeup brushes, phone, and pillowcases to reduce bacteria and prevent zits. Washing your hands frequently and avoiding touching your face unnecessarily is also good while you’re at it.

Combined, these steps can all set you up for your clearest skin ever. That way, you’ll be ready for ugly sweaters, mistletoe kisses, and anything else the holidays throw your way. After all, clear skin is something to be cheerful about.

2. Hydrate Away

Wintery weather is great for cozying up with a warm blanket and some hot cocoa. However, it is not so pleasurable for your skin. From dryness to skin flare-ups, there’s no shortage of troubles your skin can endure. That’s why it’s critical to stay hydrated during the holiday season.

Start with ensuring you’re drinking enough fluids throughout the day. (And not just eggnog and cocoa!) Hydrating from the inside out is one of the best, most effective methods during colder months. It’s recommended that adults consume roughly half their weight in ounces of water per day. Remember that foods can also have high levels of water content, providing even more hydration.

Of course, your skin also needs topical hydration. The cold breeze can disrupt your skin barrier, making it more susceptible to cracking and flaking. Stop intensely dried-out skin this winter by investing in a potent moisturizer. Look for a thick cream or gel that includes moisturizing ingredients like glycerin or hyaluronic acid. These are known as humectants, ingredients that draw water to themselves, which as a result, provide significant moisture.

The combination of consuming sufficient water and applying topical products to boost moisture is a winning one for your skin. You’ll be actively combatting the colder winter weather inside and out. And that’s a great step for healthier skin throughout the holidays.

3. Keep Up Your Cleansing Routine

Last-minute gift shopping and holiday-themed gatherings leave you with a packed schedule this time of year. It’s no wonder you’re exhausted when you get home. That, however, doesn’t mean you should be more chill about your cleansing routine. Doing so can lead to the skin concerns you’re trying to avoid.

At the bare minimum, you should be removing all of your makeup every night. This can be done with a reusable makeup-removing towel, a cleansing balm, or a makeup wipe. The main point is to remove the product that’s been sitting on top of your pores for hours on end.

If you want to take it a step further to boost your skin’s appearance, consider going in with another step. A gentle cleanser can reach the crevices of your face a makeup wipe can’t. That means you get the benefit of even cleaner skin in just two steps. From there, you can follow up with your regular (or abbreviated) skin care routine.

It’s easy to skip steps while you prepare for bed post-holiday festivities. However, failing to clean your skin won’t help it be clear and glowing. Fight through the exhaustion for a few minutes to remove products from your face. You and your skin will be grateful for it.

Have Holly Jolly Skin

The holiday season gives you something to celebrate. With twinkling lights on trees and family traditions in full swing, it’s truly magical. Don’t let your skin stand in the way of you enjoying it to its fullest. Adding one or two of these tips can help put your skin on the nice list. Then, you’re left to soak it all in and relax.