Last Christmas… we indulged. And yes, we'll do it again this year. The 48grams blog team is full of Christmas enthusiasts. We love cookies, we're addicted to the smell of cinnamon and gingerbread, and yes… a mulled wine or two is perfectly acceptable. But… what's a treat for the soul is a challenge for our skin. Breakouts, redness, a sallow complexion – these seem to be unavoidable part of the holidays. But there are ways we can enjoy the Christmas season without our skin taking revenge!
Skin as a mirror of our diet
The skin is the largest organ in the human body. And yes, it is a (sensitive) reflection of our lifestyle. It reacts particularly strongly to dietary indiscretions. Sweets, alcohol, or highly processed foods put it under real stress. This promotes inflammation. That explains why the season of cinnamon and sugar is a real challenge.
Sugar: The enemy of elastic skin
Sweets are as much a part of Christmas as a tree and lots of presents (don't forget: everything should come from the heart – and not be about material things). But sugar contributes to a process called "glycation." This is the process in which sugar molecules react with proteins like collagen. The result is a stiffening and damage to the fibers responsible for skin elasticity. What none of us want, but is very likely to happen, is that the tissue becomes looser, and fine lines and wrinkles become more pronounced. Furthermore, increased sugar consumption raises insulin levels. Even those who aren't doctors know that this fuels inflammatory processes in the body. Breakouts and redness develop more easily.
Alcohol: Liquid stress for the skin
Mulled wine, punch, or a glass of champagne are part of the festive atmosphere for most of us. But alcohol also has its downsides, affecting the skin. It draws moisture from the tissue, making it drier and less radiant. Alcohol also dilates blood vessels. In sensitive skin types, this can lead to redness or even rosacea. Finally, it puts a strain on the liver, the body's central detoxification organ. If the liver is overburdened, the result is a pale, unhealthy complexion.
Indulgence – without regrets for the skin
Does this mean we all have to forgo festive indulgences? Basically… it's about being mindful. With just a few simple choices, we can make the time of markets and festivals more skin-friendly.
The right choice when it comes to sweets
Heads up: Not all treats are equally harmful. Dark chocolate (with at least 70% cocoa) contains less sugar and is quite rich in antioxidants. Yes, it fights free radicals and thus protects the skin. Furthermore, many stalls now offer homemade sweets – with a controlled amount of sugar; these use honey or maple syrup as sweeteners. Just ask – or keep an eye out for the advertising.
Alcohol: Less is more
Those who absolutely cannot abstain from alcohol should also look for less sugary options. Dry red wine contains significantly less sugar than sweet mulled wine. It also contains antioxidants such as resveratrol, whose anti-inflammatory effects are well-documented. Of course, non-alcoholic versions of mulled wine or punch are an alternative: Winter spices like cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom make them taste just as festive.And: A tea made from herbs or rooibos is also a healthy option.
Care from the inside and outside
We at 48grams – as mentioned before – don't want to completely forgo the wonderful Christmas treats. Therefore, we also follow some helpful tips that simply make the indulgence a little less indulgent. Anyone who wants to consume alcohol should always drink plenty of water. This counteracts dehydration. The rule of thumb is: Two liters of water (or unsweetened tea) a day helps the skin retain moisture.
Nutrient-rich diet
Not only important during the cold holiday season, but even more so then: A balanced diet (fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds) provides the skin with vitamins and antioxidants. Vitamin C (for collagen production), vitamin E (against free radicals) and omega-3 fatty acids (anti-inflammatory) are particularly important.
The right skincare
December is also a good month to adjust your skincare routine. More moisturizing creams, more frequent gentle exfoliation (to remove dead skin cells), and plenty of skincare products with hyaluronic acid or aloe vera will protect your skin. Then you're sure to have a Christmas without regrets!
