Do you break out during the holidays? You’re not the only one. Christmas parties, stress and the sudden explosion of sun during your time off can wreak havoc on your face.

As the creator of Samson & Charlie, an Australian natural skincare brand, Carole Staeck helps people deal with their skin issues – and breakouts over the holidays is one of them.

So, here are some easy ways to keep your skin clear and fresh these holidays, with tips from Carole Staeck herself.

Use skincare products with Vitamin C

Vitamin C is your secret weapon this holiday season.

Skincare containing vitamin C is a way to defend your skin against insults like dehydration from sun exposure, pollution, and artificial air from air conditioners.

It works to ease inflammation and boost collagen production (that stops skin from sagging), and it helps your skin retain moisture after those late nights of champagne-filled festivities.

Use sunscreen but wash it off daily with a cleansing oil

If you work inside, the holidays can mean an abrupt and huge dose of sunshine to your skin.

While that feels great for a change, your skin doesn’t love the sun, and it can lead to dehydration, premature ageing and hyperpigmentation, as well as sunburn.

Your options? Stay out of the sun and use sunscreen. Look for SPF 50+ and use it daily.

Too many people don’t cleanse their faces well enough in the evenings, and if any sunscreen stays on overnight, you’ll likely break out.

Top tip: Cleanse for at least 60 seconds every night with a cleansing oil. The oil particles cling to make-up and sunscreen to ensure even the smallest particles are removed when you wash it off.

Use non-comedogenic skincare and make-up

Non-comedogenic is the industry term for products that ‘won’t clog your pores’. This is important year-round, but particularly in summer.

In the hotter months, your skin is more likely to sweat. If your pores are clogged, the sweat can’t escape and causes oil buildup and eventually breakouts.

Instead, look for nourishing face oils with ‘non-comedogenic’ in the label.

Just because it’s hot, it doesn’t mean your skin doesn’t need face oils to help balance your skin’s natural oil production and hydrate deeply.

Make sure you choose high-quality face oils designed for your face, not random oils as these will leave your pores clogged and your face sweaty at the Christmas party.

Use lighter products

Your skincare routine needs to change with the seasons and your skin condition at the time, and the holidays are no exception.

If you struggle with dryness in winter so you have a heavy serum, face oil and nourishing moisturising routine, consider dropping one step.

Use lightweight face oils and moisturisers during the day and keep the serum for nighttime.

Drink more water

It’s hotter, you’re out at Christmas parties, and you’re sipping champagne more than usual in the name of the holidays. You need hydration more than ever.

While the skincare you choose helps a lot (as we discussed above) drinking a lot of water is an easy way to keep your skin hydrated.

Hydrated skin helps to minimise the appearance of fine lines, makes your skin appear plumper and brighter, and helps boost cell turnover.

Don’t let the stress take over

One last tip: take it easy. The holidays can mean huge amounts of stress if you’re hosting large family gatherings or you’re busy travelling.

Find some quiet time for you each day as minimising stress is a big factor for healthy, glowing skin.

The holiday season can be wonderful, stressful and busy, and this craziness can manifest in your skin.

Try the steps above to prepare your skin for the busy season, giving it the best chance of staying clear and fresh.