The truth is, for the most part, when we’re heading out for a night of fun with the girls, responsibilities are usually at the bottom of our priority list, especially when it’s a holiday. We don’t really think about the fact that the dreaded “morning-after” will be as awesome as sitting down to lay out a five-year career goal plan with your parents over breakfast. However, it turns out that one night of what seems to be harmless enjoyment might be taking a toll on more than just the day after… with your skin paying the highest price. Here’s how a crazy night out on NYE could be ruining your skin:
1. You drink heavily
While we often think that drinking any type of liquid will hydrate us and render us lively, it turns out that alcohol, a night out’s favorite drink, is the one thing that can really dehydrate your body’s largest organ: the skin. “Alcohol is a notorious dehydrator, and many of your hangover symptoms are a direct result to a lack of fluids, including your skin’s appearance,” dermatologist Dr. Ariel Ostad told HuffPost Style. “The dehydration associated with hangovers can make skin appear dull, dry and puffy.”
2. You get NO sleep
Sleeping late and getting up early for NYD breakfast does not a healthy skin palate make. Like drinking too much alcohol, not getting those hours of beauty rest can dehydrate the skin, and can also make it imbalanced. According to Cosmopolitan, not getting enough sleep can lower your pH levels (remember that phrase from science class?), causing your skin to lose its moisture and become more susceptible to acne breakouts, uneven skin and redness.
3. You leave your hair down
Leaving your hair in its post-party state cannot only cause split ends in the hair follicles, but can also affect your skin when going to sleep and your hair accidently invades your facial territory. “Many people have perimeter and forehead breakouts due to the oil and hair care products that they use—especially those with long hair or bangs,” aesthetician Andrea DeSimone told Bustle. “Pull all of your hair off your face and clip your bangs back before bed.”
4. You fall asleep with a face full of makeup
Falling asleep with your makeup on is a habit we are all guilty of whether it’s coming from partying on NYE or being exhausted from a long day of school and work, but Bustle says the major beauty enhancers we wear on NYE can majorly clog our pores and oil glands. According to Dr. Dennis Gross MD, “When makeup becomes impacted in pores, it makes them appear larger. Once your collagen levels decline, the pore won’t snap back as easily once it has been enlarged.”
5. Your skin isn’t ready to face the cold weather
Makeup isn’t exactly known for moisturizing our skin or keeping it protected from cold weather and winds that you’re sure to encounter on a winter night out. Make sure you’re prepping with a skincare routine that will lock moisture; apply a serum while your skin is still damp, and then layer a moisturizer on top before priming your face for makeup.