Get your skin ready for a big festive night out with our step-by-step guide
Christmas time can wreck havoc on skin.
The cold weather can cause flaking, which radiator heat can exaggerate, and excess alcohol can take its toll, along with late nights and a different diet.
It’s also a time filled with partying, from the work do, to gatherings with friends and family, as well as Christmas Day itself and then New Year’s Eve.
This makes skincare all the more important at this time of year.
But there are some key things you can be doing to maximise skin health in the lead-up to big events.
Dr Emma Wedgeworth, La Roche-Posay’s consultant dermatologist, says: ‘While we often concentrate on a makeup during the season, prepping skin, is the key to a great canvas for a party look.
‘It’s important to identify what our individual skin needs.
‘For some hydration will be key while for others exfoliation and glow will be priorities.
‘For normal combination or oily skin, exfoliating twice a week before the event and help smooth the skin and help makeup sit perfectly.
‘Try a chemical exfoliant such as salicylic, acid, or glycolic acid, which gently removes dead skin cells from the surface.’
She warns, however, just before a big event is not the time to add in several new products because of the risk of irritation or reactions.
‘Stick with formulas you know works for your skin,’ she suggests.
The night before
Go gentle to avoid flaking or irritation.
Emma recommends using a hydrating mask, applied all over the face, neck and décolletage left for 20 to 30 minutes to boost hydration.
‘This is perfect the day before prep, particularly in cold weather,’ she says.
Now isn’t the time for strong acids – even if they promise glowy skin, unless you’ve used those products countless times and are confident with them.
On the day
When you get to the day itself, Emma says: ‘For me moisturiser is the perfect primer under make up choose a texture suitable for your skin for dry skin.
‘Richer creams and for oily skins, lighter lotions and fluids. Leave until touch dry before applying any makeup.
‘Moisturisers can help smooth down skin cells filling cracks between the cells and increase luminosity.
‘A great lip balm such is ideal under lipstick and will sit well without feathering.’
Dr Emma Wedgeworth’s ‘night out’ skincare tool box:
La Roche Posay Cicaplast Baume Lips
Prep lips before lipstick so they don’t look flaky.
La Roche Posay Toleriane Dermallergo Night Cream
This new night cream is designed to soothe sensitive skin.