Holiday Skincare Routine Tips from Dr. Pimple Popper
How to keep your skin merry and bright — no matter what the season brings.Published:
3 minute read
The holiday season can be bittersweet: all that fun and festivity can also come with stress, fatigue, and overindulgence, which can take a toll on your skin, from party-crashing pimples to dry winter flakes (and we don’t mean snow).
But here’s the good news: It is possible to sleigh this season and maintain a healthy glow. Here, dermatologist and SLMD Skincare founder Sandra Lee, MD (aka Dr. Pimple Popper) unwraps her secrets, sharing her top holiday skincare routine recommendations.
#1 Keep your holiday skincare routine consistent
Holiday schedules get chaotic, but sticking to your basics keeps your skin steady. A skincare regimen does not need to be complicated to work: Dr. Lee often reminds patients that it is consistency, not perfection, that makes the biggest difference.
“Even during the busiest time of year, try not to skip your core steps,” says Dr. Lee. “Consistency is what keeps your skin balanced.”
Her go-to lineup includes a salicylic acid face wash for all skin types, followed by one or two treatment products that target your specific concerns, finished with a lightweight moisturizer. Keeping it to just three steps makes it easier to stay on track.
#2 Exfoliate wisely during the winter
Winter tends to bring on dullness and buildup, which is why AHAs like glycolic acid and lactic acid are especially helpful this time of year. These ingredients smooth and brighten by lifting away dead skin while also supporting hydration.
Try: SLMD AHA/BHA Swipes, gentle exfoliating pads that combine alpha and beta hydroxy acids to smooth and refresh without over-drying.
“Gentle exfoliation keeps winter skin looking bright,” says Dr. Lee. “Just listen to your skin and adjust how often you use acids.”
If your skin is easily irritated, scale back your exfoliating frequency. Pay attention to any tightness or redness and use exfoliating products only as often as your skin can comfortably tolerate.
Dr. Pimple Popper's Holiday Routine Recs
#3 Wear sunscreen daily even in winter
Clouds and cold weather do not block UV rays. Snow can even reflect sunlight, which means more exposure than you might expect. While you are less likely to burn, cumulative UV damage still contributes to dark spots and wrinkles.
Dr. Pimple Popper tip: “In the winter, I like using a moisturizer that includes SPF. It keeps skin hydrated and makes daily sun protection easy.”
Try: SLMD Daily Moisturizer with SPF 15
#4 Hydrate deeply to counter winter dryness
Between cold outdoor air and dry indoor heat, your skin loses moisture more easily during the holidays. This is where humectants shine. Ingredients like glycerin and hyaluronic acid draw water into the skin and support a healthy barrier.
“Hydration is everything in the winter,” explains Dr. Lee. “If your skin feels tight or flaky, add a humectant serum under your moisturizer.”
Try: SLMD Hyaluronic Acid Serum under your daily moisturizer for extra holiday radiance.
#5 Stock spot treatments for holiday breakouts
Late nights, heavier makeup, comfort foods, and stress can all lead to seasonal flare-ups. Dr. Lee recommends keeping a few different types of spot solutions on hand so you can treat whatever pops up during the holidays.
Dr. Pimple Popper tip: “When you know what kind of pimple you’re treating, you’ll get faster results. Keep a few different ingredients handy so you’re ready for anything.”
Here’s what to reach for:
- Salicylic acid for clogged pores, blackheads, and whiteheads
- Benzoyl peroxide for red, inflamed pimples
- A pimple patch to protect healing pimples and keep fingers off
Dr. Pimple Popper's Spot Treatment Picks
#6 Get enough sleep for healthy, glowing skin
Sleep plays a major role in skin recovery. Nighttime is when your skin regenerates and repairs itself, which is why beauty sleep is more than a saying. When you're sleep deprived, cortisol levels can rise and increase oil production.
“Think of sleep as part of your skincare routine,” says Dr. Lee. “Your products work better when your body has time to repair.”
#7 Watch your diet during holiday indulgence
The relationship between food and acne is still being studied, but some people do find that certain foods seem to make them break out more. It is not the grease itself, but the way your body responds. If you know particular foods trigger flare-ups for you, try to stay mindful even during the holiday spread.
“If you know your skin reacts to certain foods, trust that pattern and adjust when you can,” says Dr. Lee.
Dr. Lee's Last Word
Do your best to stay consistent this time of year, and give yourself grace when you slip. Enjoy the season and get right back to your routine when you can.
