PREP WORK
Pre-soiree, the objective is maximum luminosity. If you have a day beforehand, book a noninvasive in-office treatment, which can boost brightness and smooth without side effects. Intense Pulsed Light (IPL), when administered at a low setting, "temporarily shrinks pores," which makes skin more lustrous, says L.A. dermatologist Jessica Wu, MD. Alternatively, try a gentle exfoliating peel, such as the in-demand Radiance Peel from New York derm Patricia Wexler, MD. The low-concentration trichloroacetic acid blend "tightens, closes pores, and gets rid of imperfections," Wexler says. "You look better immediately, but the peak effect is the day after."
To make skin look "superdewy" on the day of a party, New York derm Kavita Mariwalla, MD, recommends the easily tolerated HydraFacial—a four-step system involving the application of a cell-sloughing serum; exfoliation with salicylic and glycolic acids; pore-clearing via vacuumlike suction; and an infusion of peptides, hyaluronic acid, and antioxidants.
For a last-minute radiance lift, seek out a no-downtime procedure like the new Oxylight, a one-hour skin-beautifying mega-session that New York derm Dendy Engelman, MD, says is now trending among the social set. Oxylight combines delicate diamond microdermabrasion with a circulation-enhancing oxygen infusion, ultrasound to stimulate collagen, microcurrents to temporarily firm facial muscles, and a roller-ball massage to aid lymphatic drainage. "You look better the second you're done," Engelman says. "But results last up to three weeks."
AFTER PARTY
After an indulgent night, the principal facial foes are dehydration, puffiness, and redness. When deprived of sleep, the body releases the stress hormone cortisol, which breaks down collagen and makes skin appear dull. Meanwhile, alcohol inhibits the release of ADH, the antidiuretic hormone that maintains the body's water equilibrium, causing vital sodium, potassium, and other minerals to leak from the blood vessels and upper layers of skin into subcutaneous tissue—hence looking bloated while simultaneously lacking moisture. Engelman suggests sipping Pedialyte, the electrolyte-rich tonic intended for kids with upset stomachs. "Through osmosis, the fluids go back into the blood vessels," she says. "In an hour, your face is less puffy, and you'll feel better than if you ate a cheeseburger."
To topically alleviate dryness, L.A.-based derm Karyn Grossman, MD, advises swapping your day lotion for a rich night cream—or "if you're prone to acne," she says, "add a hyaluronic acid gel underneath your moisturizer to hydrate without piling on oils."
Alcohol also dilates blood vessels, which is why flushed cheeks might last hours after your last sip. Cold temperatures can help (Engelman suggests storing a calming face gel in the fridge), as can two other unexpected redness reducers: OTC hydrocortisone cream, which narrows blood vessels (its anti-inflammatory properties also help quash breakouts), and medicine-cabinet staple Visine. "It contains a vasoconstrictor similar to the one used in [prescription rosacea cream] Mirvaso," says Mariwalla, who suggests patting a few drops onto skin for a quick fix that lasts up to six hours. Just enough time to tide you over till the next party.
1. Hylamide Booster Low-Molecular HA, $20; joyus.com
Low-Molecular HA Multi-Depth Rehydration Booster serum contains five forms of ultraquenching hyaluronic acid.
2. Leaders Daily Wonders What Happened Last Night? Revitalizing Mask, $4 each; ulta.com
With antioxidant-rich artemisia and rejuvenating ginseng extracts, Leaders Cosmetics' What Happened Last Night? Radiance Mask leaves skin glowing.
3. Belif First Aid Anti‑Hangover Soothing Mask, $34; sephora.com
Chill Belif First Aid Anti-Hangover mask in the refrigerator to enhance the refreshing impact of anti-inflammatory chamomile extract.
4. La Roche-Posay PigmentClar Eyes, $43; laroche-posay.us
Light-reflecting pigments in La Roche-Posay PigmentClar Eyes help conceal dark circles, while the metal-tipped applicator cools and depuffs on contact.
5. Fresh Rose Face Mask, $62; sephora.com
The calming effects of Fresh Rose Face Mask come from its intensely hydrating blend of rosewater, algae, and aloe.
This article originally appeared in the December 2015 issue of ELLE.
