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How to fix your party season skin care woes

Late nights, canapé dinners and one too many champagnes? We’ve got you

By Erin Docherty

Beauty Crew Beauty Writer / December 06 2019

Late nights, canapé dinners and one too many champagnes? We’ve got you

By Erin Docherty

Beauty Crew Beauty Writer / December 06 2019

Festive season is now well and truly underway, and if you’re anything like us your diary is filling up quicker than your bank account. But as the fun times roll through, and the late nights kick on, there’s no denying that this time of the year can be tough on your skin.

We’re talking dark under-eyes, dull and dehydrated skin, pesky breakouts – the whole gang. So, if you’re in possession of less-than-ideal skin, know that there are some things you can do to fix it (including not falling asleep with three layers of foundation on).

Got a silly season skin concern? Here’s what you need to do.

1

Dark circles

Ah. There’s nothing that says “I was the last one to leave the party” quite like dark circles and puffiness under your eyes. But they’re not just the result of ripping up the dance floor past your bedtime. Ultraceuticals Education Coach Sarah Shephard says snacky foods and too much alcohol can also contribute to tired eyes and dark circles. To prevent looking a little dark around the eyes, Shephard says there are a few important things you should do pre-party. “In the lead up, make sure you are drinking plenty of water throughout the day so that you are hydrated for the evening, eat healthily and try to have a good meal before your night out to avoid snacking on junk food. Schedule a few nights where you aren’t consuming celebratory bubbles and can get to bed early. Alcohol deprives us of a good night’s sleep so drink plenty of water before bed,” she adds.

“To avoid those puffy eyes the next day, apply Ultraceuticals Energising Mask after cleansing onto the face and eye area just before you hop in the sheets. In the morning, ensure you drink lots of water, avoid submerging your delicate eye area under a hot shower and apply Ultraceuticals Ultra C Firming Eye Cream to reinvigorate and firm the eye tissue,” says Shephard.

2

Breakouts

Let’s get real here. Nothing sucks quite like party season pimples. With so much on, the last thing you want to do is ask for a plus one for the giant angry pimple that’s popped up on your chin. Sigh. While things like foundation can definitely contribute to breakouts, Shephard says food is a major factor – because if your diet is slowly becoming 80 per cent canapés, it’s going to be an issue for your skin. “There is much research now on the gut and skin connection, so try and be as kind to your body as you can to avoid those breakouts. Drinking plenty of water - sparkling if necessary - alongside your wine and choosing fresh salads and crudités instead of hot chips and party pies will help you to swerve the dreaded pimple on Christmas Day. Try as best you can to have one glass of water to every glass of champagne or beer; this will enable you to stay hydrated and help to detoxify your system,” she says.

“The festive season can often be a stressful time with work deadlines and family. Take the time out to have a massage or a good quality skin treatment to ease any tension. And no matter how much alcohol you have consumed or how late at night, it is NEVER ok to sleep in your makeup,” says Shephard. You heard the lady! Removing makeup is key to stopping pimples in their tracks. If you’re a little fuzzy after a night out or running late, keep a bottle of Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water on your bedside table (and a couple of cotton pads) for a quick and easy way to remove makeup (sans water).

3

Dull skin

Wondering where that summer glow is? If you’re struggling with a dull, dry base, chances are all the glasses of (insert your fave here) could be to blame. When the body is dehydrated, it sends all the remaining moisture to your organs, leaving your skin parched, irritated and blotchy. On top of that, alcohol is high in sugar, which is known to cause inflammation in the skin.

Shephard also says that the icy cold air from the air conditioning doesn’t help either. “The temperatures are rising and with the increased heat everywhere you go, you are blasted with icy cold air from the air conditioning. Although it feels great, air conditioners can literally suck the moisture out of your skin.”

The solution? Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. Use products that contain hyaluronic acid to alleviate the look of a dull complexion. For the holiday season, we recommend incorporating a hydrating serum into your routine like endota New Age Peptide 8 Hyaluronic Serum.

4

Sensitive, blotchy skin

“The skin is a mirror image of internal health,” says Shephard. “When we get tired, run down or simply partied out, your skin is often the first thing to show signs of fatigue. The skin tries daily to maintain a healthy barrier to protect it from the environment that we live in. It needs lots of water, good nutrition and plenty of sleep while it repairs any damage - all the things we lack over the festive period. The end result? An impaired barrier function that can make your face sting like crazy or look red and blotchy. Try and ensure a few good night’s sleep over the party season - eat a well-balanced diet with lots of seasonal fruit and salad and make sure you remain hydrated.”

As well as this, ensure you’re using SPF. Every. Single. Day. “The sun is at its strongest in the summer, which can also contribute to a more irritated skin,” explains Shephard.

If you’ve really screwed things up and your skin is feeling delicate, flaky and irritated, try and pare back your skin care routine and keep things simple. Avoid irritants, allergens and additives as they can often lead to flare-ups and lead to further sensitivity. Cleanse with a mild non-fragranced cleanser and opt for a gentle moisturiser like La Roche-Posay Toleriane Sensitive Riche Facial Moisturiser.