Photo: ActionVance
Partying is fun. The music, the dancing, the tasty alcohol, the amazing company, it all makes us feel good as we spend the night laughing and enjoying ourselves. But then you wake up in the morning, after a sleepless night and with a strong hungover, and you look in the mirror. With those dark, puffy under-eye circles and that sallow complexion, it looks like you’ve spent a month working in a salt mine, not just having a nice time with your friends.
Don’t worry though, this does happen to everyone. You overindulge in partying, maybe you fall asleep with your party makeup on, and then you wake up feeling like a mess. But hey, it can totally be fixed and that’s why we’re here. Let’s rejuvenate ourselves and feel great again darlings!
What Partying Does to Your Skin?
Partying can take a toll on your skin, leaving it looking worse for wear. The culprit? A combination of factors. Alcohol acts like a diuretic, pulling moisture from your skin cells, and leaving them dehydrated and dull. Sleep deprivation, another common consequence of late nights, disrupts your body's natural renewal process, leading to dark circles and a sallow complexion. On top of that, sugary cocktails and greasy late-night snacks can wreak havoc on your skin, promoting breakouts and inflammation.
7 Effective Post-party Hacks for Glowing Skin
- Hack #1. Let Your Skin Breathe
That silicone primer, foundation, setting powder, and fixing spray that you caked on for the night might have made you look great in selfies, but keeping so much makeup on your face for hours on end can lead to clogged pores and inflammations. It’s time to give your skin some rest and skip the makeup, or at least skip heavy foundation and just wear some light BB cream or a tinted moisturizer.
You can still do low-key neutral makeup for the day if you hate going out bare-faced, just make sure to keep it light and take it off as soon as you come home.
- Hack #2. Do a Full Body Scrub
Time for a long, luxurious bath and some pampering. You want to do both a body and a face scrub to get rid of all the piled-up sebum and dirt that’s clogging your pores, so exfoliate with something like the Josie Maran Argan Sugar Balm Body Scrub, which will clean and nourish. For the face, you can go with something from St. Ives, like their cult-favorite Fresh Skin Apricot Scrub.
Make sure to scrub your lips as well and apply a thick coat of Vaseline or your favorite lip balm on them after you’re done; it will make them smooth and velvety soft.
- Hack #3. Ice, Ice Baby
An age-old trick that often gets overlooked is the magic of ice cubes. After a night of revelry, take a few ice cubes and gently massage your face. This simple act helps reduce puffiness, tighten pores, and improve blood circulation. For an added boost, freeze green tea or chamomile tea in ice cubes; the antioxidants will work wonders in calming irritated skin.
- Hack #4. Use Some Powerful Skincare Products
Your skin is probably in dire need of some intense hydration, and you must rejuvenate it with the help of skin care products with beneficial ingredients. Vitamin C serum is a well-known wrinkle-defying ingredient that prevents the breakdown of collagen and brings us back that bright, healthy glow that we lose after a night of partying, so slather your face with it and enjoy the benefits.
- Hack #5. Give Yourself a Facial Massage for Lymphatic Drainage
Facial massages aren't just for spa days; they can be a game-changer in your post-party skincare routine. Gently massage your face using upward and outward strokes to stimulate lymphatic drainage. You can use your fingers or invest in a jade roller or gua sha tool for added benefits. This massage technique reduces puffiness, increases blood circulation, and promotes the elimination of toxins, leaving you with a refreshed and sculpted appearance.
- Hack #6. Make A DIY Face Mask with Natural Ingredients
To soothe and make your skin silky soft, use this mask: 2 tbsp of raw honey, 2 tbsp of coconut oil, 15 drops of essential oil of your choosing (tea tree is good for acne, argan or jojoba oil is good for dryness). Whisk all of this together and put it in a little jar, and you can keep it in your fridge and use it several times. The mask should sit on your face for about 20 minutes before rinsing it off. Homemade skin care (masks and other treatments) are pretty great because they let you use all-natural ingredients, so here are a few more recipes for you to try.
- Hack #7. Clean All Your Makeup Tools
Do you remember when was the last time you thoroughly cleaned your makeup brushes and sponges? If it’s been too long, you should probably do it now, because excess makeup on your tools can easily trap bacteria and transfer it to your face. Clean brushes and sponges also give you a better finish and make your face look cleaner, fresher, and smoother.
Go Back to Your Normal, Healthy Routine
Now, when your healthy look is back, it is time to revive your body and mind. First and foremost, quench your thirst! Down a large glass of water as soon as you wake up to combat dehydration caused by alcohol and late nights. Replenish lost electrolytes with coconut water or a sports drink.
Follow this with a light, easily digestible breakfast filled with beneficial (but light on the stomach) vitamins like fruit and yogurt. I like to crunch on some whole-wheat crackers and eat avocado-infused salad after partying. Skip the greasy hangover foods – they'll only weigh you down! Finally, have a good night of beauty sleep to allow your body to repair itself and wake up feeling refreshed.
Let's Wrap Up...
While the revelry of a good party is undoubtedly worth it, the toll it takes on your skin can leave you feeling less than glamorous the next day. By incorporating these simple post-party hacks into your skincare routine, you can ensure that your skin glows up ASAP, ready to face the world with radiance and confidence. So, the next time you dance the night away, don't forget to treat your skin to some extra love the morning after – it deserves it!
