Boo! It’s that time of year already! If you’ve got plans for Halloween, chances are they may involve copious amounts of candy, costumes and face paint to help you look the part, and a long night of spooky fun.
But looking extra-good for one night isn’t worthwhile if it’s going to come back to haunt your skin after it’s all over. So go have fun this Halloween – but remember to give your skin the attention it deserves before, during, and after the festivities.
Before: Prep your Skin
Regardless of what your costume look requires, seek out products that are skin-friendly. The costume makeup at your Halloween store may not be hypoallergenic. Read the fine lines on all products before you buy, paying attention to ingredients and allergens.
Exfoliate gently before putting on your face paint to help prevent your pores from clogging over the course of the night. This is essential if you want to prevent breakouts from haunting you long after the Halloween festivities have ended. Moisturize to fortify your skin and use a primer to provide a protective barrier.
During: Indulge Wisely!
The first thing that “Halloween” brings to mind is definitely candy — and tons of it. Sweets are an essential for any Halloween party. Even if you’re staying home, you might be tempted to nibble out of the candy basket you’ve filled up for trick-or-treaters. Even those who usually avoid indulging in sweets will likely find themselves surrounded by chocolate bars, candy corn, and Kit Kats.
As you likely know, overloading on sweets on one day will leave your skin looking less-than great the next. Candies contain tons of simple carbohydrates. Simple carbs are pro-inflammatory and rapidly break down into glucose, which results in insulin spikes. Whether it’s cookies, cupcakes, or candy bars, all refined sugars can accelerate the aging of your skin and induce breakouts.
Indulge, but know your limits when it comes to sweets. Eat a healthy meal before heading out. Low-glycemic index foods, like legumes, nuts, and whole grains are best when it comes to protecting your skin. High-fiber foods can also delay sugar absorption and help moderate your blood sugar levels. Be sure to stay hydrated throughout the night – skip the punch and opt for a glass of water instead.
Stay out and have fun, but remember to get some sleep too. When you don’t get enough shut-eye, your body releases cortisol, which mobilizes sugar stores and can cause your insulin level to spike. This plus all the candy you’ve eaten can make for a scary combination when it comes to your skin on Halloween night. They say “beauty sleep” for a reason – so head home at a reasonable hour.
After: Refresh and Rejuvenate for November
You get back from the party late, your sugar high gone, and want nothing more than to crash in bed. We sympathize, but please make sure you remove all of your makeup. Cleanse thoroughly regardless of whether or not you were wearing anything on your face.
There is no shortage of online tutorials on makeup techniques to help you transform into pop stars, super heroes, and witches… but what do you know about removing all that makeup? We’ve got you covered. When it comes to face paint and heavier makeups, use a heavy-duty oil-based cleanser to wash it all off. Use cleansing products that are specific to the kind of makeup and your skin type. This will leave your skin clear and pores open. After you’ve cleansed, moisturize liberally to rehydrate your skin before bed.
Fast forward – you wake up after a long night feeling not-so-fresh. The aftermath of your Halloween plans may not be pretty. Even if you’ve been spared from breakouts, you may notice your skin looks dull and dry. Fortunately, there are steps you can take in the coming days to rejuvenate your complexion for November. Look for an exfoliating cleanser with salicylic acid and anti-inflammatory mask to freshen and fortify for your skin.
Have a blast this spooky night, but take great care of your skin too. The dermatologists at SkyMD are here to help. Visit with a dermatologist online today.