December is fun, busy, and very social. More events, later nights, heavier makeup, more alcohol, and more time in the sun. It is also the exact mix that can leave skin looking dull, feeling dehydrated, and behaving unpredictably.

The goal is not perfection. It is keeping your skin barrier steady so you can enjoy the season and still feel fresh, calm, and confident in your skin. If your skin is already feeling tight or lacklustre, start here with our guide to dry, dehydrated and dull skin and then come back to this article for your December game plan.

Why festive season habits show up on your face

Alcohol and dehydration

Alcohol can contribute to dehydration, which may show up as dullness, tightness, and fine dehydration lines that look more noticeable around the eyes and mouth. When skin is dehydrated, it can also overproduce oil, leading to congestion and an uneven texture.

Late nights and reduced repair

Your skin does a lot of recovery overnight. When sleep is shorter or disrupted, you may notice more puffiness, less radiance, and slower recovery from breakouts or irritation. Add summer heat and UV, and the skin barrier can feel even more sensitive.

Party makeup, sunscreen, sweat and buildup

Long wear makeup plus daily SPF is a summer essential, but it also means your evening cleanse has to be thorough. If it is not, buildup can contribute to congestion, especially around the chin and jawline. If breakouts are your main concern, explore our acne, blemishes and congestion support options.

Your festive skin routine that actually works

Step 1: Keep cleansing gentle, but complete

• Use a gentle cleanser as your daily staple
• If you wear makeup or water resistant SPF, double cleanse at night
• Avoid harsh scrubs or strong foaming cleansers that leave skin feeling stripped

Step 2: Hydrate in layers, not heaviness

A lightweight hydrating serum plus a barrier supporting moisturiser is often more effective than one heavy cream, especially in summer.

Look for ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, glycerin, panthenol (vitamin B5), ceramides, and niacinamide. These support hydration and help the skin barrier stay resilient through heat, air conditioning, and late nights.

Step 3: SPF is the non negotiable

If you only nail one habit in December, make it SPF. High UV is one of the biggest drivers of pigmentation, redness, and premature ageing in Australia. Apply SPF 50 every morning, and reapply when outdoors, sweating, or near water.

If you are concerned about sunspots or uneven tone, you may also want to read our pigmentation support page: pigmentation and brown spots.

Step 4: Keep actives steady, not aggressive

When life is hectic, skin often becomes more reactive. Try not to introduce multiple new active ingredients right before events. Keep your routine consistent and focus on hydration, barrier support, and sun protection.

Fast resets for the morning after

• Cool compress or chilled eye gel for puffiness
• Hydrating serum, then moisturiser
• Avoid strong exfoliation if skin feels sensitive
• SPF 50, even if you are mostly indoors
• Keep makeup lighter if skin feels congested

In clinic options that support festive season skin

If your skin feels dull, dry, or congested in December, supportive treatments can help you feel fresh without disrupting your routine.

Many clients love HydraFacial as a go to option during summer because it cleanses, gently exfoliates, and infuses hydration in one treatment. It is ideal when your skin needs a reset after heavy SPF use, events, or travel.

If your skin is feeling inflamed or reactive, LED light therapy can be a great support, helping to calm visible redness and support skin recovery.

For stubborn dullness or texture, our clinicians may also recommend gentle resurfacing options depending on your skin’s sensitivity and the time of year. Your best starting point is always a consultation so the plan is personalised.

Book a skin consultation

If your skin feels dull, dehydrated, or congested heading into the festive season, book a professional consultation so we can tailor your home routine and in clinic plan to your skin and lifestyle.

Book here: VISIA Skin Consultation