Here’s what you need to do for your skin when you’re hungover

#1 Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate

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The first thing alcohol does is to dehydrate the heck out of your body, especially your skin. When your skin is dehydrated, it tends to look dull and your fine lines and pores are even more visible than usual – yay. While you should definitely drink as much water and coconut water as possible (we like it infused with some lemon for added vitamin C), you should also look into hydrating topically by slapping on a face mask with ingredients like hyaluronic acid. When you’re hungover, your skin is extra dry, so you should opt for products that are slightly richer than you would normally use.

We like Dr.Dennis Gross’ Hyaluronic Marine Hydrating Modeling Mask for this. Designed to specially aid your skin in retaining and producing moisture, the formula also promises to boost radiance, remove impurities (think make up you might not have managed to clean off properly) and blur fine lines.

Pro tip: pop the mask in the fridge before heading out so you can benefit from the de-puffing effects the next morning.

 

#2 Sweat it out

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Yes, we know hangovers can feel like Death himself is literally knocking on your door with this scythe, but a little exercise goes a long way. We’re not saying HIIT the gym or pile on the weights – think a gentle yoga flow or even a 15-minute stretch session would do wonders for getting your blood circulating.

If you can manage it, some light cardio (a brisk walk, for example) that will get your sweating is even better as it’ll quicken the process of purging those booze toxins from your system. Besides, when did you not glow after a workout?

#3 Roll with the punches

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You’re hungover, you feel and look like hell – there’s no turning back the clock. You can however, reach for a facial roller (jade or rose quartz) and try to smoothen out some of the previous night’s bad decisions.

Facial rollers promote lymphatic drainage and makes your face look less puffy. We recommend popping your roller into the freezer for a couple of minutes before for extra de-puffing and firming benefits. If you’re unsure how to use it, Jade Roller Spa’s Roller Beauty comes with a handy how-to instructional card, cleaning cloth and even a little satchel.

#4 Eat your glow

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We know it’s only human nature to want to reach for a greasy (delicious) burger when you’re hungover but since you were not able to exercise self control last night, you should do that now and instead, load up on all colours of the rainbow.

We’re not talking candy – think red tomatoes, blueberries, green kale, orange squash and pink radishes, you get the idea. Colourful fruit and vegetables are loaded with all the various antioxidants your body (and skin) needs to restore itself to fighting form – this is the one time we highly recommend eating as much as possible!

#5 Shock yourself

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This might seem like a weird one, but when you step into the shower, alternate between as-hot-as-your-skin-can-handle and freezing cold temperatures. The dramatic fluctuations will kickstart your circulation and help your skin lose the deathly pallor that seems to always accompany hangovers.

If you don’t want to put your entire body through that, then just fill up your sink with cold water and witch hazel and dunk your face in it 10 times. Witch hazel is a powerful anti-inflammatory that also helps reduce puffiness.