The Blog BODY+SOUL: How To Take Care of Your Skin This Party Season
Australian lifestyle publication BODY+SOUL recently sought advice from some of the country’s finest authorities on skin care, investigating the impact of party season on our skin’s health, and what we can do to prevent or rectify the damage.
Our own Dr. Josh Wall, Medical Director of Contour Clinics, shared his expert advice on the matter. If you want to keep your complexion in tip-top shape this festive season (and well into summer!), then read on for his valuable insights on caring for your skin at this time of year.
The following is an excerpt from BODY+SOUL‘s article:
The biggest skin concerns during the festive season
Dehydration and acne are the two main skin concerns people struggle with during the festive season, with pigmentation rearing its head in the weeks and months that follow.
Pair rich foods with alcohol and late nights, and you’ve got a “dull and lifeless appearance as a consequence of burning the candle at both ends,” co-founder and Medical Director of Contour Clinics, Dr Josh Wall, tells Body+Soul.
“The festive season often involves increased partying and alcohol consumption, which can contribute to dehydration, dullness, and overall skin issues,” he says. “Additionally, the rising prevalence of smoking and vaping further impacts skin health, leading to a dull and lifeless complexion,” he says.
Makeup that’s not removed properly is one of the biggest causes of acne, as it clogs pores and causes a build-up of bacteria, which leads to blackheads, breakouts and inflammation.
One more unexpected cause of sad skin during the party season is the sun – a guest that’s welcome at most events, but leaves one hell of an impact when she shows up.
“Over the festive season, our skin faces various challenges due to the harsh Australian sun, with many people enjoying outdoor activities like beach outings and picnics. Notably, not everyone religiously applies sunscreen, leaving the skin vulnerable to sun damage,” says Wall.
Your party skin-prep checklist
Got a special event coming up? Dr Wall shares his top tips for preparing party-ready skin.
Always: Double cleanse, avoid stacking too many products and over-exfoliating, which will damage the skin barrier.
Two weeks before: “This is an ideal time for injectables, as they leave the skin looking smooth and fresh, providing the perfect preparation for a special occasion,” he says.
10 days before: “Opt for a Q-switch laser treatment to achieve a youthful look, complemented by appropriate extractions.”
5 days Before: “Consider a red carpet laser facial that includes a gentle chemical peel and LED light therapy for a rejuvenated appearance.” Focus on maintaining a consistent, gentle and effective skincare routine.
Day before: “Focus on avoiding sun damage and get a LED light treatment to achieve a glowing and radiant complexion,” he says. Nourish the skin, and don’t make any drastic changes to your routine ahead of the event.