With all the usual holiday events and parties, I've found most of my patients really want to look their best. So why does this time of year seem so prone to breakouts and problems? Here are some of the reasons why:

More Alcohol - Limit yourself to no more than 1-2 drinks in a day and drink 1-2 glasses of water for each drink.

More Food - If you're eating out more, order before you have your first drink and tell the waiter you want low salt. Drink more water.

Less Sleep - Really, really try to cut back on work obligations if you can, plan 1 night out, next night home, and say yes to only the things you really want to do.

More Stress - When you find yourself panicking, take 3 deep breaths and tell yourself that no one is dying here. If you can't find a present for so and so or really don't want to attend something, it will be fine!

See Dr. Irwin's Product of the Month.  If you are not on a retinol, late fall and winter are a good time to start.