The best way to beat hangover skin right here

If you’re currently sitting, pounding head in hand, trying to total up last night’s cocktails (or mulled wine) while your throat feels like a dry sponge and your skin looks dull and blotchy, you’re probably not alone. All forms of alcohol are dehydrating, resulting in this morning from hell scenario. But the good news is, you don’t have to look as bad as you feel. Following these tried and tested tips, before and after a fabulous night out will have you have you looking – if not feeling – good in no time.

Cleanse thoroughly
First things first – make sure every last bit of makeup has been removed. I’m willing to wager last night’s cleansing was a rushed job, if you bothered to cleanse at all. Now that you’re awake, take off any residual mascara, eye shadow or foundation. It’s easier to revive your skin with last night’s makeup out of the way. The Banila Co Clean It Zero balm will leave your skin clean and refreshed without further stripping it of moisture.

Use glycolic or lactic acid toner
The next step is to focus on renewing skin, and a glycolic or lactic acid toner will gently slough off dead skin thus brightening tone and smoothing texture. The Mario Badescu Glycolic Acid Toner is alcohol free and contains grapefruit extract, which together with glycolic acid remove any build up so your skin is better prepped to absorb moisture.

Slap on a sheet mask
Using a sheet mask, as opposed to a rinse off hydrating mask, helps better penetration of moisture and other nutrients as a sheet mask hugs the contours of your face. The Sephora Lotus Invisilk mask refreshes tired and fatigued skin to erase any traces of last night’s sins. Energise your body from within as well by sipping or chewing on vitamin C. Not only will it help restore electrolytes, it also helps sop up toxins. (Yes, the body considers alcohol a toxin.) While the sheet mask is on, pop your eye cream into the refrigerator to cool.

Seal in moisture
Once you’ve peeled off the sheet mask, dab on the cool eye cream, which will help constrict blood vessels and reduce the puffiness. Next apply your moistursier, which will help seal in the hydration and restore bounce and radiance to your complexion.

Prepare for the worst
When it comes to taking care of your skin, my first instinct is prevention rather than cure. If you know it’s going to be a long night, here are a couple of tips to prevent waking up looking and feeling like sh*t.

Pop a pill before you leave
Give your hydration levels a boost before you leave the house with a fish oil supplement or a B12-complex vitamin. While you’re out drinking, ensure you follow each alcoholic drink with a glass of water. This will help keep your hydrated and minimise the damage.

Keep your beauty arsenal ready
Chances are you’re going to want to get into bed ASAP, which means you’re less likely to want to double cleanse and apply an essence, serums and a moisturiser. A quick and efficient way to cleanse after a night out is to use cleansing wipes like the Biore Cleansing Oil Cotton Facial Sheets the wipe off even the most stubborn mascara. Just remember to be gentle. Follow up with a hydrating mask like the Botani Rose Whipped Hydra Mask that will replenish moisture while also preventing further dehydration and strengthening the skin’s natural barrier. Once you’re awake, follow the above steps and you’re good to go.