Festive breakouts are all too common during the holiday season — but there are a few simple ways to manage them, according to a skincare expert.

Parul Sharma GAU audience writer

08:00, 25 Dec 2025

A skincare expert is revealing her top tips for the festive season(Image: VladimirFLoyd via Getty Images)

The festive season brings joy, lavish feasts, lengthy evenings and perhaps an excess of everything — yet for numerous people, it’s also when their skin begins to act up. Blemishes, congested pores and inflammation are common results of rich cuisine, boozy beverages, inadequate rest and erratic skincare regimens.

If you’re among the many folk who’ve turned to the internet seeking solutions for skin breakouts — we’ve got some good news. A skincare specialist has revealed her essential advice for battling those unavoidable holiday season flare-ups, requiring only a handful of straightforward adjustments to your daily skincare regime.

Laura Porter, expert facialist and founder of FAB Skincare, reveals that post-festive season skin troubles rank amongst the most common concerns she witnesses in her treatment room each January. Laura explains: “Your skin is often the first place to show signs of internal stress. Overindulgence doesn’t mean you’ve ‘ruined’ your skin — it just needs a gentle reset rather than harsh treatments or over — cleansing, which can make things worse.”

What causes holiday overindulgence to trigger breakouts

Alcoholic drinks, sugar and decadent dishes can spark inflammation and moisture loss, while extended nights and poor sleep disrupts the skin’s natural restoration process. Combined with heavier cosmetics and inconsistent cleansing habits, pores can quickly become blocked – leading to spots, dull skin and patchy texture, reports the Mirror.

Many people’s skin starts to rebel during the festive season due to all the excess(Image: SWNS)

Skincare expert shares post-festive skincare advice

Steer clear of excessive skin cleansing

In the wake of a breakout, it’s common to reach for potent cleansers, exfoliators or strong acids in an effort to “dry out” blemishes.

However, Laura advises against this: “Over-cleansing and harsh acids can compromise your skin barrier, leading to more inflammation, sensitivity and ongoing breakouts. Your skin needs support, not punishment. Cleanse thoroughly but gently, ideally twice a day, and avoid anything that leaves your skin feeling tight or squeaky.”

A robust skin barrier aids in controlling oil production and enhances the effectiveness of active ingredients.

Prioritise nocturnal skin repair

Night-time is when the skin naturally enters repair mode: “This is the ideal time to support healing, collagen production and hydration. While you sleep, your skin is more receptive to active ingredients, so an overnight treatment can significantly reduce redness, improve texture and help prevent lingering dark spots after a breakout has healed.” Regular overnight care can yield noticeable results within just a few days.

Hydration is crucial — both internally and externally

The skin just needs a gentle reset rather than harsh treatments(Image: Getty Images)

Dehydration is a common but often neglected trigger for skin breakouts: “When skin is dehydrated, it often overproduces oil to compensate, which can clog pores. Drinking plenty of water, reducing alcohol where possible and using products that hydrate at multiple layers of the skin will help restore balance and improve clarity.”

Well-hydrated skin is also better prepared to heal and shield itself against further congestion.

Address spots with precision, not panic

Instead of slathering numerous products all over your face, Laura recommends a more focused approach: “Spot treatments, such as the FAB Skincare No.6 Overnight Spot Treatment, are far more effective when used correctly. Apply directly to the blemish before bed and allow it to work overnight, rather than spreading strong ingredients across healthy skin.”

This technique aids in clearing congestion while reducing the risk of dryness, redness and post-inflammatory marks.

Exercise patience and maintain consistency

When skin acts up, the urge to change everything at once can be strong – but this can backfire and prove counterproductive. Laura warns: “Quick fixes rarely work. Consistency beats intensity every time. Stick to a simple, supportive routine and give your skin time to recover. Constantly switching products or overloading your skin will only slow the healing process. Avoid switching products too frequently.”

As we usher in the new year, Laura’s advice is straightforward and unambiguous: steer clear of severe treatments and radical actions, focusing instead on bolstering your skin’s innate healing process. “Your skin is incredibly resilient when you treat it with care. A calm, targeted approach will always deliver better results than trying to undo festive indulgence overnight.”

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