As much fun as Halloween can be, it can wreck havoc on our skin.There is something about picking the perfect costume and dressing up that brings back childhood memories. It is fun to let our hair down for the day (and night) and become a character from our favourite scary movie or perhaps our most loved superhero. Often, the costumes involve painting our faces with Halloween make-up, applying facial decals or temporary tattoos, or wearing a mask. Our skin is not used to this treatment and so special care is required once we return to our regular, everyday selves.

My recommended post-Halloween skincare routine is

• First, ensure you use a good cleanser so that all remnants of make-up, adhesive, tattoos, sweat, and environmental pollutants are removed. The cleanser should be gentle enough that it doesn’t negatively affect the skin. It is beneficial if the cleanser contains ingredients that soothe the skin, such as aloe and chamomile. Take your time cleansing your skin, you may even have to cleanse your skin more than once.

• After cleansing, apply a good quality clay mask to draw out impurities and help cleanse and exfoliate the skin.

• While the mask is on, you can use a lip scrub to exfoliate your lips and then apply a balm to your lips to keep them moisturized.

• Once you remove the mask, apply a hydrating serum suitable for your skin type, such as a hyaluronic acid serum.

• Follow the serum with a soothing moisturizer.

Always consult a skincare professional to determine the appropriate products for your skin. 

OCTOBER 29, 2020