The holiday season is usually a time to enjoy, with festive celebrations, family reunions, and great food in abundance. But in the midst of the festivities, it is easy to forget that some features of the season are actually influencing your skin. Whether it be the rich foods of Christmas or the environmental changes, the holiday may be doing more to your skin than you know. Knowing how these factors might be effecting your skin will help you take the proper steps for healthy skin through the rest of the holiday season.

These Christmas foods often rich in refined carbohydrates, sugars, and fats could result in unwanted side effects to your skin. Mulled wine, holiday cookies, cakes, and the many sweet desserts have resulted in blood sugar spikes. The spikes of blood sugar induce inflammation in the body. This can cause you various issues related to the skin, like acne, redness, puffiness, and general irritation.

One significant process linked to high-sugar diets is glycation. This occurs when sugar molecules bind to proteins in the skin, forming advanced glycation end products (AGEs). AGEs can damage collagen and elastin fibers, which are essential for skin elasticity, leading to sagging and wrinkles. Additionally, high glycemic foods can increase insulin levels, promoting excess oil production, clogged pores, and acne outbreaks. While it is nice to indulge in holiday treats, moderation is key. Enjoy these rich foods in moderation so as not to trigger any unwanted skin reactions.

In addition, refined carbohydrates and sugars make dehydration and water retention contribute to drying, dull-looking skin, plus make one's skin even more prone to fine lines. In order to balance festive foods with hydrating ones and beverages, include vegetables, fruits, and lean proteins in your holiday spread to help the healthy-looking skin condition be achieved and prevented by dehydration.

Dehydration and Dryness through Environmental Changes

Winter months are when the temperature is colder and the air tends to be drier, making the skin dehydrate and prone to irritation. The decrease in humidity causes your skin to lose its moisture rapidly, which results in dryness, flakiness, and discomfort. Indoor heating coupled with the chilling outdoors makes it all the more challenging to maintain moisture levels, thus aggravating general issues like cracked lips, red patches, and rough patches on the face.

It's a good idea to switch over to oil-based moisturizers when it gets colder. These more richly textured moisturizers help keep the moisture inside, keeping your skin from drying out. The oil-based moisturizers act as a protective barrier on the surface of the skin that holds hydration and reduces moisture loss. For dry skin, switching is more essential because the oil-based product would do better replenishing lost moisture compared to the light, water-based one.

In addition to using the appropriate moisturizers, you may also consider installing a humidifier in your home during the colder months to help maintain moist air and prevent further dehydration of your skin. If you have sensitive skin or eczema, you should moisturize regularly to keep your barrier healthy.

Drinking Overload

During the holiday season, most of us indulge in a drink or two, or maybe more. An occasional glass of wine or champagne is unlikely to have significant effects, but overindulgence in alcohol can lead to dehydration and skin flare-ups. Alcohol increases blood flow to the face, which may worsen skin conditions such as rosacea, redness, and puffiness. Moreover, alcohol can disrupt the natural balance of the skin, leaving it looking dull and tired.

Research has shown that people increase their drinking habits more frequently during holidays, and in America, it is reported that 29% of drinkers say that their drinking patterns increase more than usual over the holiday period. When the alcoholic drinks are consumed in combination with other high sugar foodstuffs typical of holiday feasts, they exacerbate the glycation process while weakening the skin's healing ability. If you drink alcohol, drink plenty of water to counterbalance dehydration and keep your skin hydrated.

Stress

Holiday time is all in good fun but brings with it elevated levels of stress. Between the crowds at malls, holiday parties to attend, travel arrangements and family get-togethers, things can be overwhelming. The most significant direct impact of stress, on the skin, results in cortisol, the stress hormone that the body uses in excess. Elevated cortisol means higher levels of inflammation and thereby, flare-ups, breakouts, and eczema or psoriasis conditions.

Another finding from research is that stress raises the level of free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules causing damage to the cells of your skin, and this promotes premature aging. Manage your holiday stress with time to practice relaxation techniques, such as yoga, meditation, or even just spending some time in nature. By controlling your stress, you help not only your mental self but also the appearance and well-being of your skin.

Lack of Sleep and Busy Schedules

The hustle and bustle of the holidays can also lead to lack of sleep, which, in turn, impacts skin health. Your skin repairs itself while you sleep, so missing out on restful nights can prevent your skin from regenerating effectively. Inadequate sleep often results in dark circles, puffiness, and a tired, dull complexion. Furthermore, sleeplessness can trigger hormonal imbalances, leading to breakouts and other skin issues.

Busy schedules and late nights tend to make you forget your skincare routine. But forgetting those essential steps such as cleansing and moisturizing can worsen skin conditions. Always remember to take off makeup properly before bedtime; sleeping in makeup will block pores and cause breakouts. If you're running out of time, you can either use micellar water or a double cleanse to remove makeup and impurities.

Holiday Travel and Skin Sensitivity

Traveling during the holiday season may also affect your skin. Changes in climate, exposure to different environmental conditions, and use of unfamiliar products can lead to skin irritation. The air cabins are particularly dry, stripping moisture off your skin. New products at hotels and relatives' homes can cause allergic reactions or sensitivities.

If you’re traveling during the holidays, make sure to pack your own skincare products and avoid using unfamiliar products that could cause irritation. Keeping your routine consistent is key to maintaining healthy skin.

Tips for Healthy Skin During the Holidays

To minimize the impact of holiday-induced skin issues, follow these tips:

• Drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated from the inside out.
• Moderately indulge in holiday treats to avoid a rise in blood sugar and irritation on the skin.
• Keep on with your skincare routine despite having busy days.
• Get 7 to 8 hours of sleep nightly as this would support the skin's healing process.
• Take out time to practice stress relief activities like yoga or meditation to keep both your mind and skin at peace.

Even though holidays are times of great merriment, they also pose certain threats to the skin. Rich foods and drinks, alcohol, environmental changes, stress, and lack of sleep can cause damage to the complexion. The best way to stay beautiful and healthy during the festival is by taking good care of your skin and diet along with maintaining a good level of stress and ensuring hydration.

The Pathophysiological Mechanisms and the Quest for Biomarkers in Psoriasis, a Stress-Related Skin Disease. 2018. Disease Markers.

Holiday Highs and Lows. 2024. American Addiction Centre

A few years ago, we were being warned how air pollution may affect our lungs and make us weak. Now, we are facing this reality and much worse! High levels of air pollution may worsen Alzheimer's disease by speeding up the buildup of harmful proteins in the brain.

According to a new study, people with Alzheimer's disease who lived in areas with more air pollution had a greater buildup of these proteins and a faster decline in their thinking and memory skills.

The study, published in the JAMA Neurology from the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, showed that small toxins from pollution can damage our brain. The researchers explained that not only does this increase the risk of dementia, but it also makes Alzheimer’s worse. Could this mean pollution ages and damages our brain faster than our biological age? The researchers explored these question as well as how the small particles from pollution cause our brain health to deteriorate.

How Does Air Pollution Raise Risk Of Dementia?

For the first time, researchers studied brain tissue from people who had Alzheimer's. They found that those who lived in areas with higher levels of tiny air particles, even for just one year, had more severe buildup of amyloid plaques and tau tangles. These are two key signs of Alzheimer's in the brain. These individuals also experienced a quicker decline in their mental abilities, including memory loss, poor judgment, and difficulty with daily tasks.

"This study shows that air pollution doesn’t just increase the risk of dementia—it actually makes Alzheimer’s disease worse," said Dr. Edward Lee, a co-director of Penn's Institute on Aging.

What Are Harmful Pollution Particles Called?

Air pollution contains very small particles, often called fine particulate matter or PM2.5. These particles are less than 2.5 micrometers wide—about half the width of a single spider web strand. They come from things like car exhaust, factory smoke, and wildfires. Because they are so small, they can be inhaled and absorbed into the bloodstream, causing health problems. Past studies have already linked PM2.5 to memory loss and cognitive decline.

How Small Pollution Particles Affect Brain

Researchers looked at over 600 brain samples from a brain bank. By using satellite data and local air monitors, they were able to estimate the level of PM2.5 where each person lived. They found that for every small increase in PM2.5, the risk of more severe amyloid and tau buildup increased by 19 percent.

In addition, the study showed that those who lived in highly polluted areas and had more advanced brain damage also had more severe memory loss, speech difficulties, and poor judgment.

While this study focused on air pollution based on where people lived, researchers noted they couldn't account for other personal exposures, like secondhand smoke or exposure to chemicals at work.

According to Dr. Lee, "even just a year living in an area with high levels of pollution can have a big impact on a person’s risk for developing Alzheimer’s disease. It underscores the value of environmental justice efforts that focus on reducing air pollution to improve public health."

Periods are different for all women. While some may experience mild pain and discomfort during their periods, others experience extreme pain and a myriad of symptoms. Sharing an instance of the same, in a recent post, Dr Sudhir Kumar, a Hyderabad-based Neurologist shared the story of a young woman struggling with debilitating pain, with real answer for it.

Anita, a 35-year-old school principal from Hyderabad, was full of energy and passion for her work. But for several months, two days a month became a nightmare. Like clockwork, right around her period, she would get terrible, throbbing headaches. These headaches were so bad they would often come with nausea and a strong dislike for light. On these days, it was hard for her to do anything, but she would still force herself to go to work with a fake smile.

At home, her family saw her pain. At school, her staff noticed she was pulling away. The headaches were slowly stealing her confidence at work and her happiness at home.

What Causes Headaches During Periods?

Anita first went to her family doctor and then to a women's health specialist. Some medicines helped for a short time, but they didn't stop the headaches from coming back every month. She was frustrated that no one seemed to understand what she was going through.

Finally, she came to see Dr Sudhir Kumar, a Hyderabad-based neurologist. In the post he explained that after listening carefully to her story the diagnosis was clear: Anita had menstrual migraines. These are headaches that are directly connected to the hormone changes that happen during a woman's menstrual cycle.

With the right treatment, Anita's migraines became less frequent and easier to manage. Her energy and vibrant personality returned. The school principal who once dreaded those two days of the month was now back to her confident self. When she last visited the clinic, she told her doctor, "You gave me my life back," expressing her relief and gratitude for finally being understood and effectively treated.

Why Do I Get Headaches Before Periods?

According to the Migraine Trust, a menstrual migraine is a type of migraine that's specifically linked to a woman's menstrual cycle. These migraines typically occur from about two days before a period begins to the third day of the period, but the timing can vary from person to person.

Menstrual migraines are very common. It's estimated that as many as two-thirds of women who experience migraines have attacks that are related to their periods. This condition can start when a woman first gets her period and can continue until menopause.

How Are Menstrual Migraine Different Than Regular Migraines?

Menstrual migraines often stand out from other types of migraines. They tend to be longer and more severe. Besides head pain, they're more likely to cause nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light or sound.

Also, these migraines usually happen without an aura, which is a visual disturbance or other symptom that can come before a migraine. They can also be harder to treat than migraines that occur at other times of the month.

Why Do Menstrual Migraines Happen?

The main reason for menstrual migraines is the link between migraines and hormones. A drop in the hormone estrogen is a well-known migraine trigger. As a woman's period approaches, her estrogen levels naturally fall, which increases the likelihood of a migraine attack.

Hormone-like substances called prostaglandins also play a role. The body releases more prostaglandins during a period, which can cause period cramps and also increase the risk of a migraine.

How To Recognize Menstrual Migraines?

A key factor in this condition is that to identify it no specific test exists. Doctors can't run a lab test to diagnose a menstrual migraine. The Migraine Trust reveals a few key points that can help you identify whether you have menstrual migraines.

Keep a diary to track symptoms

The most accurate way to check for a link is to keep a detailed diary for at least three months. In it, you should record both your migraine attacks and the dates of your menstrual period.

Look for a pattern

Menstrual migraines are defined as attacks that happen between two days before your period and the third day of your period. This pattern must occur during at least two out of three menstrual cycles.

Consult a doctor

Your doctor can review your diary and confirm if you have a menstrual migraine based on the timing and your symptoms.

Weight loss dependent on Ozempic has increased immensely, however, does Ozempic work for everyone? A new study showed that people who eat due to extreme emotions actually may not lose weight.

Ozempic and Wegovy are powerful drugs that can help people with diabetes manage their blood sugar and lose weight. But they don't work the same for everyone. A recent study from Japan sheds light on why, suggesting that how you eat, whether it's due to external triggers or emotional feelings, can affect how well these drugs work for you.

How Your Eating Habits Affect Weight Loss On Ozempic

Scientists in Japan followed 92 people with type 2 diabetes for a year after they started taking GLP-1 receptor agonists (like Ozempic). They wanted to see if a person's eating habits had any connection to the success of the treatment. They focused on three eating behaviors:

Emotional eating: Eating in response to feelings like sadness or stress, not because you're hungry.

External eating: Eating because of outside cues, like the sight or smell of delicious food, even if you're not hungry.

Restrained eating: Actively trying to control your diet to lose weight.

After a year, the study found that most people on the drugs lost weight and saw improvements in their body fat and cholesterol. However, when they looked at the different eating behaviors, they found some key differences.

How Do You Lose The Most Weight On Ozempic?

The study found that people who were prone to external eating at the start of the study had the best results in terms of weight loss and blood sugar control. The drugs seemed to be most effective for them over the long term.

On the other hand, the drugs were less effective for people who were prone to emotional eating. The researchers believe this is because emotional eating is tied to psychological factors that the medication doesn't directly address. This suggests that people who eat for emotional reasons might need extra support, like counseling, to see the best results from these drugs.

Dr. Daisuke Yabe, the study's senior author, noted that assessing a patient's eating behaviors before treatment could help doctors predict who will benefit most from these medications.

This was an observational study, which means it can't prove that eating habits directly cause the different outcomes. But the findings are promising and suggest a potential link. More research is needed, but if these results are confirmed in larger studies, doctors might one day use simple questions about eating habits to help personalize treatment plans for people taking drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy.

Which Diet Works Best For Ozempic

Your Diet plays a very important role in ensuring how much weight you will lose, even while taking medication like Ozempic. Here is how you maximize the benefits of the same according to American Association of Retired Persons (AARP,

Focus on Nutrient-Rich Foods

Because your appetite will be smaller, every bite counts. Choose whole, unprocessed foods like vegetables, fruits, and lean proteins. This is especially important for older adults who are more prone to vitamin deficiencies.

Don't Skip Meals

The medication can make it easy to forget to eat. To avoid feeling weak or losing muscle, try to schedule your meals or even set an alarm to remind yourself.

Make Protein a Priority

Protein is essential for keeping your muscles strong. Aim for at least 60 grams of protein a day, focusing on sources like chicken, fish, eggs, yogurt, and beans. A good tip is to eat your protein first at every meal.

Stay Hydrated

Drink at least 64 ounces of water or other fluids each day. This helps prevent dehydration and a common side effect: constipation. If you feel tired or get muscle cramps, you might need to add electrolytes to your water.

Avoid Fatty and Sugary Foods

Since the drugs slow down digestion, heavy, greasy foods like French fries and pizza can cause bloating, gas, and an upset stomach. It's also best to limit sugary foods and refined carbs (like white bread) as they can cause blood sugar spikes that make you feel tired and nauseous.

Eat Smaller, More Frequent Meals

Instead of three big meals, try eating smaller portions more often. This gives your body time to properly digest food and can help with nausea and heartburn.

Increase Your Fiber Intake

Constipation affects up to a third of users. To keep things regular, eat plenty of fiber-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, and beans. A fiber supplement can also help, especially in the beginning.