With the holiday season in full swing, our social calendars are packed to the brim with family gatherings, work functions, late nights, and endless opportunities to sparkle. While the festive cheer is undeniable, the toll it can take on our skin is equally apparent. 

Whilst we all want our skin to look its absolute best as we catch up with friends and family, quite often a few too many late-night festivities can leave our skin looking less than its best. Dehydration, dullness, dry patches and even the occasional breakout can be unwelcome gate-crashers to our party-season glow. But fear not! With a little clever planning and a few insider tricks, you can keep your complexion looking fresh and radiant right through the season.

Here’s your ultimate guide to holiday skin survival – from pre-party prep to post-celebration recovery.

1. Hydrate Like It’s Your Job

Let’s start with the basics: hydration. For a lot of us, the festive season means increased alcohol consumption Alcohol and between the celebratory cocktails and late nights, your skin is probably crying out for some H2O. Alcohol is notorious for dehydrating the body and, by extension, our skin, leaving it looking tired and lacklustre.

Serums and sheet masks are always a quick way to plump up dehydrated skin. As a humectant and hydration-hero product, HA will immediately plump up skin that’s in need of a good drink, helping to hydrate and replenish lost moisture.  

  • Drink plenty of water throughout the day, especially on days when you know will be consuming alcohol. Aim for at least 2-3 litres, and add a squeeze of lemon for a refreshing detox boost.
  • Topically, incorporate hydrating skincare products into your routine. Serums and sheet masks are always a quick way to plump up dehydrated skin. As a humectant and hydration-hero product, HA will immediately plump up skin that’s in need of a good drink, helping to hydrate and replenish lost moisture.  
  • Don’t forget to layer a good moisturiser to lock in all that hydration. Look for formulas containing ceramides or glycerine –  a lightweight, gel-based option is ideal for summer.

2. The Glow Starts with Exfoliation

If there’s ever a time your skin needs some exfoliation, now is the time. Coming out of the cooler weather, quite often our skin has been left on the dryer side and helping to remove dead skin cells as well as any build up dirt or grime will ensure our skin looks refreshed and rejuvenated. Sloughing off dead skin cells not only reveals fresher, brighter skin but also helps your makeup go on smoother and last longer – a must for those long holiday events.

  • Use a gentle chemical exfoliant with AHAs (like glycolic or lactic acid) a couple of times a week. It’s less abrasive than physical scrubs and gives a more even result.
  • Avoid over-exfoliating, as this can strip your skin and leave it more vulnerable to irritation. Stick to 1-2 times per week for best results.
  • Tip: don’t forget your lips. Keep your lips in tip top shape by exfoliating with a sugar scrub, followed by an overnight lip mask to plump and hydrate! 

3. Pre-Party Pampering

Nothing screams party-ready skin like a professional treatment. If you’re looking for an instant glow-up, book yourself in for a facial or skin treatment a few days before the big event.

Top treatments to try:

  • Hydrodermabrasion: This exfoliating and hydrating treatment gives immediate results by removing dead skin cells and infusing the skin with nourishing serums at the same time. Treatments with Hydro dermabrasion machines are the ideal pre-party pick me up, ensuring your skin is smooth and hydrated. 
  • LED Light Therapy: Blue light zaps acne-causing bacteria, while red light boosts collagen production and calms inflammation. The result? Smoother, clearer, and more radiant skin. LED light therapy treatments are often included as the last step in part of a layered facial to help 
  • Skin Boosters: Consider micro-needling or collagen induction therapy for a more intensive glow-up (just allow a week or so for recovery). Skin needling pens work by using tiny needles to create a controlled injury, triggering a healing response within the body which in turn produces more collagen. 

4. Never Skip the SPF

Summer in Australia is no joke, and UV damage is a major culprit behind premature aging. No matter how fabulous your makeup looks, nothing beats the power of sunscreen to keep your skin protected and youthful. There’s so many different types of SPF on the market these days that there’s absolutely no excuse for not lathering up…. the more the merrier! 

  • Use a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ or higher daily, even if you’re spending most of your time indoors. UV rays can penetrate clouds and windows – the can in fact be magnified as a result. 
  • Layer up your SPF, opt for a tinted sunscreen or SPF-infused BB cream for a natural, glowy finish that also protects and carry an SPF spray for touch ups on the go.
  • Reapply every two hours if you’re outdoors, and don’t forget areas like your neck, chest, and hands.

5. Makeup Removal is Non-Negotiable

We’ve all been there: coming home late and crashing into bed with a full face of makeup still on. But skipping your cleansing routine can lead to clogged pores, breakouts, and dullness – not exactly the party favour you were hoping for.

  • Keep micellar water or makeup wipes on your bedside table for emergencies. While not ideal, they’re certainly better than nothing.
  • Double-cleanse whenever possible. Start with an oil-based cleanser to dissolve and remove the bulk of your makeup, followed by a gentle gel or cream cleanser to remove any residue and deeply cleanse.

6. Recovery Mode: Post-Party TLC

After a big night out, your skin will need some extra love. Think of this as your post-party recovery plan.

  • De-puff and soothe: Apply a cold jade roller or chilled cucumber slices to your eyes to reduce puffiness.
  • Hydrate and repair: Use a soothing mask packed with hydrating and calming ingredients like aloe vera or ceramides. Again, you can keep some sheet masks in the fridge for super hot days.
  • Detoxify: A clay mask can help draw out impurities and help unclog pores, especially if you’ve been wearing heavy makeup.

7. Manage Breakouts Quickly

Nothing puts a damper on your party look like an unwelcome breakout. Stress, indulgent foods, and a disrupted routine can all contribute to those pesky pimples.

  • Use spot treatments with ingredients like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide to target active breakouts.
  • Consider blue light therapy to zap bacteria and reduce inflammation. Treatment with IPL machines are also great at targeting the acne causing bacteria in the skin, helping to prevent future breakouts.
  • Resist the urge to pick! For that brief moment of satisfaction will only lead to potential scarring and prolong the healing process.

8. Feed Your Skin from Within

While it’s tempting to indulge in all the festive treats, your skin will thank you for balancing it out with some nutrient-rich foods.

Skin-loving foods to include:

  • Avocado: Rich in healthy fats and vitamin E for supple, hydrated skin.
  • Berries: Packed with antioxidants to fight free radical damage.
  • Salmon: Loaded with omega-3 fatty acids that help reduce inflammation.
  • Leafy greens: Full of vitamins and minerals that support overall skin health.

9. Sleep is the Ultimate Beauty Treatment

It’s called beauty sleep for a reason. Late nights are inevitable during the festive season, but make sure you’re still getting enough rest on the days when you don’t have a function on, allowing your skin to repair and regenerate.

  • Create a wind-down routine: avoid screens an hour before bed and try relaxing activities like reading or a guided meditation instead.
  • Invest in a silk pillowcase to reduce friction on your skin and hair as you sleep.
  • If you’re struggling with puffy eyes, try elevating your head slightly with an extra pillow.

10. Embrace the Glow

Finally, don’t underestimate the power of confidence and a good highlighter. After all, your skin reflects not just your skincare routine but also how you feel inside. Take time to relax, pamper yourself, and enjoy the season – because a happy glow is the best kind of glow.

So go ahead, shine bright this festive season. With these tips in your arsenal, your skin will be ready to party as hard as you do – and still look flawless the next day.

This article is in partnership with beauty salon suppliers, The Global Beauty Group. To learn more about LED light therapy machines, Hydrodermabrasion machines or any of the other technology mentioned in this article or to find a treatment provider in your area, visit their website.