#Japan #Tokyo #Christmas #Skin Care #stress

The Connection Between Holiday Stress and Skin Issues

As we approach the end of the year, many individuals find themselves grappling with a dual challenge: the excitement of festive events like Christmas and year-end parties colliding with hectic work schedules and mounting stress. This paradox can often manifest in skin troubles, raising the question of how these elements are interlinked.

According to a comprehensive survey conducted by the Tekketsukai Medical Corporation, more than 63% of participants reported experiencing skin issues in the one to two weeks leading up to Christmas. The survey encompassed 300 adult professionals across Japan, aged between 20 and 50, conducted from December 1 to December 10, 2025, through an online format.

Year-End Skin Challenges: A Survey Breakdown

The survey findings revealed that over 68.3% of respondents felt that their skin deteriorated during the year-end holiday season compared to other times of the year. Specifically, 24% reported feeling this impact strongly, while 44.3% felt it to a moderate extent.

Key Causes of Skin Issues

When asked about potential contributors to skin troubles during this busy season, respondents cited several factors:
1. Lack of Sleep: 76.8% indicated that insufficient sleep was a primary cause of their skin problems.
2. Work Stress: 74.2% noted that stress from work-related tasks was also a significant factor.
3. Dietary Disruptions: 58.6% connected irregular eating patterns, often due to social events, to the skin issues they faced.
4. Packed Schedules: 52.4% pointed to having overly packed schedules as a contributing factor.
5. Neglecting Skincare: 47.3% admitted that they weren't able to dedicate enough time to skincare due to their busy lifestyles.

These statistics paint a picture of individuals feeling compromised under the pressures of work and festivities, leading to notable skin concerns.

The Beauty of Awareness

Interestingly, despite the challenges posed by this festive season, the survey revealed that 81.3% of participants reported a heightened awareness of beauty, particularly before events like Christmas and year-end parties. While many respondents expressed a desire to present their best selves, the contradictory reality of increased stress and decreased skin health remained prevalent.

Responding to Skin Issues

In terms of responses to their skin troubles, 54.2% of respondents indicated they adopted more meticulous skincare routines during this time.
However, a notable 32.8% confessed to taking no particular action at all, highlighting a common disconnect between awareness and actionable steps. Other strategies included:

• - Prioritizing sleep: 41.6%
• - Taking supplements: 28.4%
• - Focusing on nutritional balance: 26.8%
• - Seeking professional treatments: 12.3%

Expert Commentary

Dr. Kota Takakuwa from the IC Clinic stated that this survey sheds light on the significant toll the holiday rush takes on skin health. He explains that factors such as stress and lack of sleep raise cortisol levels, leading to excessive oil production and disrupted skin renewal cycles. This often results in issues like acne and dryness.

Dr. Takakuwa emphasizes that while many are aware of their appearance, they may not implement effective solutions. He advocates for improving sleep quality as an effective first step and encourages individuals facing persistent skin issues to seek professional advice rather than relying solely on over-the-counter treatments.

Conclusion

As we navigate the busy holiday season, it is crucial to prioritize self-care and establish a balance between work, social activities, and skincare. Ensuring adequate sleep and managing stress effectively can help minimize the skin issues commonly associated with this time of year. Consulting with professionals for tailored skincare strategies can also play a pivotal role in maintaining healthy skin during this bustling period.

For those eager to enhance their skin health, the IC Clinic offers personalized treatment plans designed by experienced experts. With convenient locations in Shinjuku, Shibuya, Ueno, Ikebukuro, Tokyo, and Omiya, help is always within reach.

• ---