If you’re noticing breakouts, dullness, dryness, or uneven texture after the holidays, don’t panic! The holidays bring great joy, but they also bring seasonal shifts that can negatively impact our skin.
Post-holiday skin changes are common—and they’re a clear sign that your skin needs a little extra support to rebalance and recover. The most effective way to do that? Using a gentle skincare routine that focuses on calming inflammation, supporting the skin barrier, and restoring skin’s natural glow.
In this article, you’ll learn more about why the holidays are so hard on skin. You’ll also get our step-by-step reset routine, complete with Beekman 1802 product recommendations!
Why Your Skin Might Be Unhappy After the Holidays
Here are a few common reasons your post-holiday skin might not be happy:
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Too much sugar. Increased sugar intake can cause inflammation in the skin and stimulate oil production that leads to clogged pores, redness, and post-holiday acne.
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More stress. Stress hormones like cortisol can weaken the skin’s natural protective barrier, increasing skin irritation and dehydration.
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Not enough sleep. Late nights and poor-quality sleep interfere with the skin’s natural repair process, which leaves skin susceptible to toxins.
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Poor air conditions. Cold temperatures, indoor heating, and recycled air found in airplanes all pull moisture from the skin and cause dryness, flaking, and a rough texture.
Added together, these seasonal shifts can wreak havoc on the skin. That’s why it’s so important to reset and restore skin after the holidays using a gentle, barrier-supporting skincare routine.
A Gentle, Step-by-Step Skin Reset Routine
Step 1: Gently Exfoliate to Remove Skin Irritants
Use a gentle exfoliant regularly (2–3 times per week) to help remove the buildup of dead skin cells, excess oil, and environmental toxins that cause breakouts.
Our recommendation: Milk Scrub Oat & Goat Milk Exfoliating Cleanser
Step 2: Smooth Uneven Texture with a Resurfacing Treatment
Add a resurfacing treatment to your routine (2–3 times per week) to help soften rough patches, brighten dull skin, and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Our recommendation: Potato Peel Rapid Resurfacing Milk Facial
Step 3: Give Your Skin Barrier a Much-Needed Boost
Apply a targeted facial oil or serum daily to help repair, nourish, and balance the skin’s microbiomewhile hydrating and brightening dull, dry skin.
Our recommendation: Oh! Mega Milky Oil Fermented Barrier Boosting Facial Oil
Step 4: Lock in Hydration with a Multilayer Moisturizer
Use a multilayer moisturizer twice a day to help seal in moisture, strengthen the skin barrier, and promote overall skin health and longevity.
Our recommendation: Milk RX Advanced Better Aging Cream
Bonus Tips for Supporting Skin After the Holidays
Help your skin recover faster and maintain a healthy glow after the holidays with these additional tips:
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Protect skin with SPF 50. Apply sunscreen daily (no matter the season!) to help protect skin against sun damage, discoloration, and premature aging.
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Prioritize hydration (inside and out). Use ultra-hydrating products to help prevent moisture loss, and don't forget to drink plenty of water!
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Support overnight skin repair. Prioritize rest and use nourishing nighttime products to help support your skin’s natural repair process.
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Be patient. It may take damaged skin a few weeks to show visible signs of healing. Trust the process!
A Reminder to Be Kind to Your Skin
When post-holiday skin concerns like dryness, breakouts, and dullness happen, it’s tempting to do more or use harsher products for faster results. But real healing comes from consistency, not intensity. Skin responds best to gentle, supportive, consistent routines. By prioritizing gentle exfoliation, thoughtful treatments, and deep hydration, you can help your skin reset and regain its natural glow.
Support your skin, give it time, and let consistency do the rest.