The Truth About Holiday Breakouts: Sugar, Stress, Makeup… or Something Else?

Holiday lights, cozy gatherings, and festive treats make December feel magical, but your skin may not agree. Many people notice breakouts, congestion, redness, or stubborn flare-ups during the holiday season, even if their skin is normally well-behaved.

So what’s really behind holiday breakouts? Is it sugar? Stress? All that glam makeup? Or is something deeper happening under the skin?

Let’s break down the real reasons acne ramps up in December and what you can do to calm it down and prevent future flare-ups.

1. Holiday Stress Sends Oil Production Into Overdrive

December is a wonderful month… but it’s also extremely stressful. Shopping, social events, travel, family time, year-end deadlines, your nervous system is working overtime.

And when stress rises, your body produces more cortisol, a hormone that increases inflammation and oil (sebum) production.

More oil + more inflammation = higher chance of clogged pores and breakouts.

Dermatologist Tip:

Pair stress management with skin management. Treatments like:

• PlaDuo Pro (Plasma Glo Acne Treatment)

• JetPeel

• Blue LED light therapy

…help reduce inflammation and regulate oil, giving your skin a break even when life feels chaotic.

2. Sugar + Dairy + Holiday Snacks Can Trigger Breakouts

We are never going to tell you not to enjoy holiday treats, but it is true that December eating habits can contribute to acne.

Certain foods increase inflammation or spike insulin, which increases oil production and can worsen breakouts.

Common holiday acne triggers include:

• Desserts (cookies, chocolates, pastries)

• Sugary cocktails

• Dairy-heavy dishes

• Refined carbs (breads, pastas)

But food is only one piece of the puzzle, it amplifies acne if the skin is already inflamed or congested.

Dermatologist Tip:

Support your skin during treat season with:

• A consistent routine (cleanse, treat, moisturize, SPF)

• Oil-balancing products

• Acne-safe makeup choices

• Professional extractions or facials before/after big events

3. Winter Skin Barrier Damage Makes Acne Worse

When temperatures drop, the air becomes dry and moisture levels in your skin decrease. A compromised skin barrier means:

• More redness

• More irritation

• More flaking

• More inflammation

• More acne that doesn’t heal properly

Winter acne isn’t just “breakouts”—it’s inflammation layered on top of dryness.

Dermatologist Tip:

Winter = repair season. Treatments like:

• Chemical peels

• Hydration facials

• Beauty Boosters

• Medical-grade moisturizers

…help rebuild your skin barrier, which reduces inflammation and prevents future breakouts.

4. Heavy Makeup + Longer Wear Time = Clogged Pores

Holiday parties = glam makeup, long wear time, and lots of events back-to-back.

Even high-quality, non-comedogenic makeup can lead to congestion when:

• You’re wearing it for 8–12 hours

• You’re sweating under layers

• You forget to double cleanse

• You’re reapplying powder

• You’re using old or expired products

Dermatologist Tip:

Try:

• Double cleansing every night

• Cleaning your brushes weekly

• Avoiding sleeping in makeup (even “accidentally”)

• Booking a JetPeel after weekends of events

Your skin will thank you.

5. Travel & Changing Routines Disrupt Your Skin

Between dry airplane cabins, new climates, late nights, and inconsistent skincare routines, travel can be a huge trigger for breakouts.

The combination of dehydration + interruption of your normal routine often leads to:

• Clogged pores

• Increased redness

• Texture changes

• New breakouts or cysts

Dermatologist Tip:

Keep your routine simple and consistent; cleanser, moisturizer, SPF. Add an acne spot treatment if needed.

If you want extra insurance before or after travel, try:

• Microneedling with Exosomes for repair

• Plasma Glo for acne reduction

• LED Light Therapy to reduce inflammation

6. Sometimes It’s Not Holiday Triggers at All — It’s Underlying Acne

If breakouts pop up every year around this time, it could be seasonal, but if they’re becoming more frequent or severe, it may be time to look deeper.

Acne can be caused by:

• Hormonal shifts

• Genetics

• Barrier damage

• Incorrect products

• Medication changes

• Chronic inflammation

• Bacterial imbalance

• Lifestyle factors

No two acne journeys are the same, which is why professional diagnosis and a customized plan are so important.

How Market Mall Dermatology Can Help You Treat Holiday Breakouts

We offer dermatologist-approved treatments that address both the surface issues and the root causes of acne.

Most popular acne-focused treatments in December:

✔ Plasma Glo Acne Treatment (PlaDuo Pro)

✔ Acne treatment packages

✔ Chemical peels

✔JetPeel

✔ Microneedling with exosomes

✔ LED light therapy

✔ Medical-grade acne skincare routines

Whether your acne is mild congestion or deeper, hormonal breakouts, we create a plan that’s tailored to your skin.

Ready to Get Your Skin Back Under Control Before the New Year?

Holiday breakouts are common, but they don’t have to follow you into 2026. With the right treatments and a personalized plan, you can calm inflammation, clear congestion, and prevent future flare-ups.

Book a consultation at Market Mall Dermatology by calling 587-779-9999 and let our team guide you toward healthy, balanced, clear skin for the holidays and beyond.