Holiday Self Care for Glowing Skin + Hair (Without Extra Stress)
Holiday Self Care for Glowing Skin + Hair (Without Extra Stress)
The holiday season is officially here—and if your schedule is already packed, same. Between family events, long shopping lists, holiday menus, work parties, and everything in between, our skin, hair, and stress levels take the hit first.
I’m Monina, and today we’re breaking down simple holiday self-care that’s actually doable, even if your calendar is saying: “Girl, try again.”
This guide won’t give you new things to buy or routines that take 25 minutes. Instead, we’re walking through the small everyday habits that help your skin and hair stay healthy while your life gets a whole lot busier.
Let’s get into it.
How Holiday Stress Really Shows Up on Your Skin
We all joke about “holiday chaos,” but the stress that hits during November and December is real—and so are the changes it causes in your skin.
When stress rises, cortisol rises. And when cortisol rises, you might notice:
- Dry, tight skin
- Slower natural oil production
- Dullness
- Breakouts
- Irritation
- Low mood or low energy
And on top of that, this season usually includes:
- Food that’s richer and sweeter
- More alcohol
- More caffeine
- Late nights
- Not enough water
So if your skin suddenly feels off, don’t panic. It’s normal—and it’s fixable with some simple shifts.
Keep Your Routine Simple (Seriously—Don’t Add More Right Now)
The biggest mistake people make this time of year? Trying to overhaul their routine.
Please don’t.
This is not the month to panic-purchase five serums because TikTok said so. Your skin wants consistency, not chaos.
Here’s the only routine you really need:
- Cleanser
- Treatment serum (hydrating or calming is perfect right now — email me to get my current recommendations!)
- Moisturizer
- Sunscreen during the day
If you want tiny winter upgrades that won’t overwhelm your skin (email me to get my recs):
- Keep a hydrating facial mist in your bag
- Add a nighttime hyaluronic acid serum
- Use a gentle enzyme exfoliant once or twice a week
- Try LED light therapy (in-office or safe at-home)
- Use a hydrating sleep mask the night before a big event
Your skin doesn’t need more—it needs the right basics done well.
A Budget-Friendly Hair Mask That Works Like a Treat
Cold weather + heat styling + holiday running around = hair that looks and feels tired.
Instead of splurging on extra products, here’s a DIY hair mask that gives shine, softness, and moisture fast.
DIY Moisturizing Avocado Hair Mask
You’ll need:
- 1 ripe avocado
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- (Use grapeseed oil if your hair is thin or fine)
How to apply:
- Shampoo hair first
- Apply mask from mid-length to ends
- Leave for 20 minutes
- Rinse well and shampoo again
- Style like normal
A tip we always share: Use those avocados that went from rock-hard to totally mushy overnight.
They’re perfect for this.
And if DIY isn’t your thing? 👉 Big tip: Just grab our favorite pro hair mask instead!
Eat + Drink Like Your Skin Depends on It (Because It Does)
Holiday treats are fun, but they can also take a toll. Here’s how to stay glowing and enjoy everything.
Hydrate before you celebrate
Drink a full glass of water before events and between drinks. Alcohol drains moisture fast—inside and out.
Protein before caffeine
Having coffee first thing in the morning spikes cortisol. But when you eat protein first, your cortisol stays steadier.
Protein before caffeine helps with:
- Mood
- Energy
- Skin clarity
Add omegas + vitamin C
Both keep your skin plump, radiant, and calm.
Try adding:
- Salmon
- Flaxseed
- Citrus
- Berries
- Bell peppers
Watch the sugar + dairy combo
This duo can make breakouts appear more easily.
You don’t need to avoid holiday food—just balance it:
- Add greens
- Add water
- Add nutrient-dense foods where you can
Winter Skin Boosts That Make a Big Difference
Want a quick holiday glow before photos or parties? These upgrades make a huge difference and take barely any time.
1. Drink enough water
Use this as a baseline:
Your weight ÷ 2 = ounces per day
Bump it up in winter.
2. Gentle exfoliation
This removes dry, dead skin so your serums and moisturizer actually work.
3. LED therapy
Boosts circulation + gives you that awake, healthy look.
4. A hydrating sleep mask
Use it the night before an event for plump, hydrated skin in the morning. Here’s the one we love!
Small things add up—especially when the weather is cold and dry.
The Power of Scalp Touch (and a Sweet Family Tip)
This is one of my favorite ways to unwind because it helps both your hair and your nervous system.
Your scalp has hundreds of thousands of nerve endings, which is why brushing or massaging your head is instantly calming.
Here’s a cozy ritual to do at home:
At-Home Scalp Time
Turn on a movie and:
- Ask your child to brush your hair
- Brush theirs after
- Slow down, talk, or just relax together
This releases endorphins, lowers stress, and strengthens connection.
It’s simple, sweet, and builds memories—especially during a busy season.
Want the elevated version?
👉 If you’re in the Bay Area, treat yourself (or gift a friend) a Japanese scalp massage. It’s next-level relaxation.
Don’t Forget to Schedule Actual Downtime
One last thing:
Protect your peace.
Put quiet time on your calendar the way you would any other appointment.
You’re allowed to say:
- “I can’t make that event.”
- “I need tonight to rest.”
- “Let’s keep it simple this year.”
You deserve joy and rest—not just a packed schedule.
If you have your own holiday self-care tips, share them in the comments! We love hearing what helps you reset, recharge, and feel your best.
Until next time, keep exploring your beauty routines and taking care of yourself from the inside out. 💛
