Party season usually means a lot more alcohol than usual, less sleep and a few extra layers of makeup (and the non-meticulous make-up removal routine) – which can contribute to puffy eyes, dark circles, dull looking skin, dehydration and spots.
So what can we do to avoid it?!
1. Hydrate Hydrate Hydrate
It might sound like an obvious one but during the festive season water really is your skin’s new best friend.
We all know alcohol dehydrates your skin leaving it dry and dull and as difficult as it may be not to indulge in a few more beverages than usual my advice is to balance it out by having a glass or two of water as well, your skin will thank you for it.
Another tip is to add a hyaluronic acid serum to your routine. Hyaluronic acid can hold up to 1000 times it own weight in water – your skin will never be thirsty again. My go-to hydrating serum is SkinCeuticals B5 Hydrating Gel.
2. Always remove your make-up thoroughly
Even if you’re super tired you really should wash your face before heading to bed. Sleeping with your makeup on once or twice isn’t exactly the worst thing ever. But what happens when you don’t remove your makeup at night regularly?
If blackheads and unwanted pimples are enough to may you want to reach for the nearest face wipe sleeping in your makeup over time can lead to flare-ups, especially in oily or acne-prone skin.
We all know deep down that face wipes are the quick and easy option and I agree can make a good initial step in removing makeup after a night out but my advice is to always follow with a proper cleanse that involves a cleanser + water.
Face wipes can leave a chemical residue sitting on your skin all night so by following with a gentle cleanser (normal to dry skin) or alpha-hydroxy acid cleanser for more oily or acne prone skin will ensure your skin is squeaky clean and free from impurities, makeup and dirt to prep your skin for penetration of those all important hydrating serums and moisturisers.
3. Avoid tired eyes
Dark circles can be the price we have to pay for all of those late night parties.
During the party season I recommend using an eye product containing caffeine, the key ingredient that will increase circulation to the area and as a result will help to remove unwanted toxins and reduce dark circles as a result.
I love NeoStrata Skin Active Intensive Eye Therapy and Obagi ELASTIderm Eye Complete Complex Serum.
Anna Gunning is here to answer all of your questions on skin care, cosmetic treatments and so much more.
Anna runs The Laser And Skin Clinic, located in Dublin, Athlone and Mullingar, which is recognised as one of Ireland’s most reputable and innovative aesthetic skin clinic groups – offering the most innovative, safe and highly effective treatments, alongside a five-star service.
When she’s not treating clients at The Laser and Skin Clinic, you’re sure to find her at SkinShop.ie; Ireland’s most advanced online one-stop-shop for cosmeceutical skincare.Â
Make sure to mail your questions to [email protected].
Complete an indepth consultation with me:Â http://skinshop.ie/ask-the- expert/
The Laser and Skin Clinic:Â www.laserandskin.ie
