Essential Steps for Glowing Skin on New Year's Eve

One thing we’re vowing to leave behind in 2017? A dull, lifeless, lackluster complexion. Start the new year off on the right foot by spending the last few days of 2017 prepping your skin to look at feel its best during the big New Year’s Eve bash you’ve had on your calendar for weeks now. Ahead, we’re laying out the steps to take to ensure your skin has a natural lit-from-within glow by the time the clock strikes midnight—and all the way through 2018.

The Days Before New Year’s Eve…

HIT THE GYM

In the coming days before New Year’s Eve, hit the gym to get your heart pumping and blood flowing. According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), exercise can improve the immune system and circulation, which can result in a more youthful appearance.

Editor’s tip: Once your sweat sesh has come to a close, be sure to cleanse away the impurities lingering on your skin to help prevent unwanted breakouts. Hop into the shower within 10 minutes of ending your exercise, or if you’re nowhere near one, store cleansing wipes or micellar water in your gym bag to cleanse your facial skin until you have a chance to rinse off completely. Here’s a fast and effective post-gym workout regimen. 

HYDRATE FROM THE INSIDE OUT

Dry skin doesn’t cause wrinkles and fine lines, but it can certainly accentuate their appearance. Help promote a more youthful-looking visage and keep your skin looking its best by hydrating from the inside out. In addition to drinking the recommended amount of water per day to stave off dehydration, be sure to layer on your favorite moisturizer daily.

DRINK ALCOHOL IN MODERATION

If you plan on ringing into 2018 with a few glasses of bubbly, we recommend moderating your alcohol consumption leading up to the big day. Alcohol can dehydrate the skin and cause it to appear less fresh and vibrant, which can certainly hinder your skin care efforts.

The Day of New Year’s Eve…

STEP ONE: DOUBLE-CLEANSE YOUR SKIN

Your skin won’t look glowing and radiant if there’s a buildup of makeup, oil, dirt, and other impurities on the surface. The longer you go without cleansing your face, the higher your chances of experiencing clogged pores and subsequent breakouts. To help ensure all traces of dead cells and impurities are whisked away, follow the double-cleansing method. Start with a gentle cleanser, like micellar water. Follow with an exfoliating cleanser to help slough away any dead skin cells that could be causing your skin to appear rough and dull.    

STEP TWO: TONE YOUR SKIN

Once you’re finished double-cleansing your skin, apply a toner. It serves as a backup for your cleanser(s), helping to remove any lingering dirt your cleanser(s) may have missed. What’s more, some harsher cleansers can strip our skin of moisture and cause its pH level to go off balance. Incorporating a multi-tasking toner can help to bring that balance back while priming and hydrating the skin.

STEP THREE: MOISTURIZE YOUR SKIN

By now you know that the secret to a glowing canvas comes from well-hydrated skin. Lock in your skin’s moisture by massaging a lightweight moisturizer into your skin. If you plan on wearing makeup to your New Year’s Eve party, opt for one of these moisturizers that can be worn under makeup.