13 Ways the Holidays Can Ruin Your Looks

Dec. 12, 2013— -- intro:It's the most wonderful time of the year—right? The holidays are joyful, but with the cheer also comes chilly weather, out-of-town guests, stress, sleep deprivation, and more.

In fact, the holidays—a time when you want to be looking your party best—can be a potential minefield of beauty hazards.

Here are some of the grinches that might steal your radiance this season, and what you can do to stop them.

Winter Skin Annoyances, Solved

quicklist: 1 category: 13 Ways the Holidays Can Ruin Your Lookstitle:Weight gainurl:text:The holidays can seem like an endless parade of cookies, pies, special drinks, and traditional desserts. But a few smart moves can help you avoid holiday weight gain.

You can have your beloved cheesecake if you stick to reasonable portions and cut back on calories when you can.

Choose hot cocoa over creamy eggnog (a calorie atomic bomb!). Watch out for finger foods at parties, as mindless munching can add up. Have a light breakfast and lunch so you can enjoy all the holiday fare at dinner, and aim to fit in some exercise each day, even if it's just a brisk walk around the block.

15 Ways to Avoid Holiday Weight Gain

quicklist: 2 category: 13 Ways the Holidays Can Ruin Your Lookstitle:Sleepless nightsurl:text:Catching a red-eye to your relatives or setting a crazy-early alarm for shopping can mean sacrificing a good night's rest.

One too many of those nights (or even just one for that matter) can cause dark circles, bags under your eyes, and a dull complexion. Over the long run, lack of sleep can actually speed the signs of aging, and who wants that?

Now more than ever, you should make sleep a real priority. You'll not only look better, but studies suggest sleep can improve memory, help vaccine efficacy (as in flu shot!), and lessen weight gain.

7 Tips for the Best Sleep Ever

quicklist: 3 category: 13 Ways the Holidays Can Ruin Your Lookstitle:Shorter daysurl:text:When the clocks turn back, the days get darker sooner, and sunshine becomes a distant memory. For many, this also marks a time when they put away the sunblock.

Don't let the weather fool you. Even though UVB rays—the ones that cause sunburns—are less intense, harmful UVA rays are the same year-round. These can cause skin cancer and premature aging, so use sunscreen under makeup or use a foundation with SPF, particularly during winter sports.

If you're concerned about your vitamin D intake, there are other ways to get vitamin D besides sunlight.

Surprising Causes of Winter Depression

quicklist: 4 category: 13 Ways the Holidays Can Ruin Your Lookstitle:Stressed out skinurl:text:Unfortunately holidays often bring stress. Money troubles, pressure to host or attend parties, and cooking a meal for a large crowd are only some of the reasons you may feel tense this time of year.

But all that worry can cause more than just your mood to plummet. Stress can lead to skin issues like acne and psoriasis flares, as well as hair loss.

Take time to actually enjoy the season, and understand plans probably won't go off without at least one tiny hitch. Relax by the fire, get a massage, let someone else cook—just take some you time, and watch stress melt away.

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