How To Rescue Your Skin This Party Season

Stress Skin

The party pressure: Work deadlines. Financial strains. Family get togethers. It hits at once at the end of the year and it can be extremely stressful. When we are feeling anxious our bodies release hormones, like cortisol, which can cause an overproduction of oil which in turn can lead to congestion and breakouts [often around your chin] explains Jessica Nichol, product trial coordinator at Ultraceuticals.

The effect: Extended periods of stress can also impact our immune systems, causing our complexions to become more reactive and sensitive, which may trigger hives, rashes and redness. It can also exacerbate existing skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis and flare up rosacea.

The fix: When it comes to stress and your skin, the founder of tbh skincare Rachel Tyers explains that keeping on top of congestion is key.

Thoroughly cleansing every night is nonnegotiable. Try: Korres Greek Yoghurt Foaming Cream Cleanser.

Tyers recommends incorporating a chemical exfoliant (once every four days) to help manage oil. Try: Saint Louve 12% AHA BHA Exfoliating Serum.

Rehydrate your skin with a barrier supporting serum like tbh’s hero product (and a PRIMER fave) rebound serum which calms, clears and hydrates thanks to it’s cocktail of niacinamide and panthenol, as well as a good quality SPF (we love: Naked Sundays SPF50 Collagen Glow Creme).

Spot treat unwanted blemishes with Ultraceuticals Ultra Clear Purifying Mask or BFF Pimple Patches and never pick!

Sugar Skin

The party pressure: The sugar we turn to prop up our energy levels at the end of the year, combined with a few too many delicious festive treats ,doesn’t do our skin any favours. Cue: Spots, inflammation, redness, and acne flare ups especially around your T-zone.

The effect: “Eating too much sugar causes your blood sugar levels to rise which increases inflammation in the body,” explains Nichol.

In fact, one of the more damaging effects of consuming too much sugar is premature aging known as ‘glycation’, where sugar molecules attach to the proteins (collagen and elastin), which can potentially make skin saggy and loose.

The fix: Apart from keeping an eye on what you eat, drinking plenty of water and getting a few extra hours sleep – incorporating a mild vitamin A serum to your nightly routine is a good trick for smoothing, firming and maintaining your skin’s resilience. Try: Dr Naomi. Vitamin Amen. So are double-duty products that work while you sleep. We love Emma Lewisham’s luxe Supernatural Sleeping Mask. And, finally, minimise unwanted puffiness by gently massaging L’Occitane Immortelle Precious Balm around your eyes.

Alcohol Skin

The party pressure: A few too many (but well-earned!) celebratory end of year drinks.

The effect: After a big night out you’ll generally be affected by two main issues: dehydration (alcohol is a known diuretic) and sleep deprivation. Both of these make your skin appear red, dull, and puffy and – yes, it gets worse – more susceptible to breakouts.

The fix: “The best way to deal with alcohol- impacted skin is to rehydrate it,” Tyers suggest. A cooling face tool like Kendall Jenner’s instafamous Contour Cube Original Contour Crew provides instant relief to tired, puffy skin (trust us it works for us mere mortals too).

Then support your skin with a gentle moisturiser (packed full of redness-reducing Vitamin B) like La Roche-Posay Toleriane Dermallergo Fluid. Finally repair and restore your skin with an at-home LED mask CurrentBody Skin Complete LED Kit.

Sunburnt Skin

The party pressure: While summer alfresco events are beautiful – forgetting to slip, slop, slap is NOT.

The effect: Nasty sunburn – and we all know where that can lead.

The fix: You need to keep burnt skin cool and hydrated, says Tyres (and not make it a regular occurrence). Avoid super-hot water and make sure you aren’t using anything abrasive on it. (In other words, pat your face rather than rub it with a towel.) She also recommends temporarily staying away from actives like retinols or AHAs. Instead opt for calming, cooling ingredients found in Standard Procedure Aloe Vera and Mario Badescu Facial Spray. And stay protected (and glowing) at your next outdoor event with Naked Sundays SPF50 Golden Glow Body Sunscreen.

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Photography: Georgian Egan