Halloween can really take a toll on your skin—in more ways than one. Face paint and poly-blend costumes are irritating to the skin and can cause acne, while Halloween candy and pumpkin-spiced drinks flare annoying skin conditions like rosacea. And then there’s the whole seems-like-a-great-idea-at-the-time Halloween cocktails. Yikes. In order to keep you in tip-top shape during (and after) your night of masquerading and fancy-free fun, we talked to Joanna Vargas, celebrity facialist and founder of Joanna Vargas Salon and Skincare Collection, as well as notable dermatologist Rachel Nazarian of Schweiger Dermatology Group. They regaled us with special tips and tricks to keep everything running smoothly (on the inside and the outside of your body).
Step 1: Order takeout. Chinese food is acceptable and frankly, necessary. But it’s imperative to get some nutrients in your body as well. Vargas recommends, “Drink green juices at least once a day. This will hydrate you from the inside out and get your digestive system back on track. Poor digestion means breakouts, and partying usually includes eating things that can’t be digested properly (or somehow inhibit the body from its normal functions).”
Step 2: Get naked. Well, take off your costume and perhaps put on other pajamas. Or get naked—whatever makes you feel comfortable, girlfriend. “Halloween costumes are classically made with cheap fabrics that don’t allow the breathability of normal clothing. The fabric itself can make skin itchy and irritated, and can flare underlying eczema. Take off the costume as soon as the party is over, jump into the shower and wash with a moisturizing gentle wash (I like Dove body wash), and apply a generous amount of hydrating lotion (try Cerave Moisturizing Lotion) immediately after,” Nazarian suggests.
Step 3: Clean off the mess. If you’re going to be wearing face paint with your costume, it’s important to thoroughly clean the skin as soon as possible, using a more heavy-duty cleansing regimen than normal. Nazarian advises, “All makeup should be removed, skin washed, and a glycolic-based cleanser or peel helps to unclog pores for deeper removal. In addition, this is a great time to use a leave-on mask to allow for prolonged exposure to acne-fighting and pore-cleaning properties (reach for those with salicylic acid or charcoal).” Vargas proposes you exfoliate as well, “Exfoliation usually acts as a mini facial. It will bring our glow back immediately!”
Step 4: Hydrate. In fact, stock up on water bottles and your favorite coconut water the week before to prepare. Nazarian explains, “The high-sugar, high-glycemic Halloween (maybe even alcohol-fueled) menu can leave skin dehydrated and dull. As soon as you’re able, cut back on all high-sugar foods and make an effort to drink several extra glasses of water for a few days.” You can also hydrate your skin with a face mask. Vargas recommends taking ingredients from your fridge including yogurt and honey and applying for about 10 minutes. She adds, “The yogurt deflames the skin while the honey hydrates.”
Step 5: Get some sleep. You skin resets and repairs itself best at night, while you’re sleeping. Take a few days and try to get to bed early—clocking in a solid 8 hours of restful sleep.
Step 6: De-puff. Chamomile tea bags are a great solution if you need to eliminate eye puffiness. Vargas explains, “Steep the tea bags in hot water, let them cool, and then put one on each eye for 10 minutes. You will look refreshed in no time.” Nazarian agrees, “Don’t neglect your eyes. After a Halloween-fueled night of partying, your eyes can be the first indication that you’re in need of TLC. Sleep with your head slightly elevated (rather than face-down), avoid high-sodium (salty) foods which can cause more bloating, and use cold compresses under your eyelids to help deflate puffiness.”
Step 7: Hit the gym. It sounds terrible, we know. But, exercise will absolutely help with your recovery. Nazarian says, “There is enough evidence from research to support exercising to help with boosting the repair mechanisms in your skin. Exercising will also help increase blood circulation and flow, helping you feel better faster.”
This article originally appeared on MIMI.com