Women warned to avoid a common practice that can 'accentuate fine lines and wrinkles'

Dr Vanita Rattan explained indulgent diets and updated lifestyle choices over the Christmas period can show up on the face.

Skin can become drier and look dull, with breakouts often more likely.

Late nights, sleeping in makeup and exposure to winter weather conditions can make this worse. What we eat and drink will also impact the skin, according to Dr Rattan.

Alcohol

She said: “Alcohol is one of the fastest ways to dehydrate your skin because it’s a diuretic, increasing urine production and causing the body to lose more fluids than it takes in.

"Dehydrated skin lacks the moisture it needs to appear plump and glowing, instead it looks dry, flaky, and rough in texture. As well as this, fine lines and wrinkles can become accentuated with dry skin, giving an aged appearance.

"Alcohol depletes the skin of essential nutrients required for repair, which hinders cell repair to achieve bright, supple skin.

"To rehydrate and restore the skin’s glow, use a ceramide and peptide-rich moisturiser, like a CeraPep cream, to boost hydration and improve skin texture while strengthening the skin barrier.”

Dehydration

Cutting down on alcohol is a great way to limit how dehydrated the skin becomes, and drinking water and eating water-rich foods is also important.

Dr Rattan explained: “Hydration doesn’t just come from topical products—it starts from within. During the festive season, it’s easy to forget to drink enough water, especially after an evening of celebratory drinks and rich foods.

"Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water is essential to maintaining plump, glowing skin the next day.

"To give your skin an extra boost, include hydrating snacks in your Christmas menu, such as cucumbers, watermelon, and celery sticks, which are packed with water and skin-friendly nutrients.

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"As well as this, opt for sparkling water or herbal teas for an enjoyable alternative to sugary soft drinks throughout the day.”

Sugary treats

The foods often eaten over the Christmas period can bloat your face and cause breakouts. The expert explained: “Christmas indulgences, like roast dinners and sugary treats, are typically high in saturated fats and can trigger inflammation by disrupting gut bacteria.

"This leads to increased sebum production which can clog the pores, resulting in increased acne breakouts. To keep your skin in balance, cleanse twice a day with a blemish-controlling cleanser to remove dead skin cells, oil, and dirt.

"After cleansing, apply a PM Gel Moisturiser with glycerin to hydrate, niacinamide to control sebum, and salicylic acid to unclog the pores. It’s important to remember that achieving clearer skin isn’t just about avoiding certain foods, it’s about maintaining a solid skin care routine to combat inflammation which can lead to acne.”