Beauty Boss How to toast super, silky skin and banish those boozy blues
Lisa Kordecki, from Skincity UK, shares her expert advice for avoiding a skin hangover this festive season
In the heat of the moment, throwing shapes on the dancefloor or laughing with friends, that extra glass of bubbly always seems like a good idea – but the same can’t be said the next morning, when you’re faced with grey, dehydrated skin and puffy eyes.
In fact, did you know a tipple or two has a big impact on your complexion?
“Alcohol is one of the skin’s greatest enemies, bringing inflammation and dehydration with every drink,” explained Lisa Kordecki, head therapist at Skincity UK.
“It is a diuretic, actively drawing water away from the body, significantly lowering the water level, and dehydrating every inch of it. Dehydrated skin exposes fine lines and pores and encourages a sallow and dull complexion.
“In addition to dehydration, alcohol also dilates blood vessels and increases blood flow above normal levels, resulting in a puffy and bloated face.”
Think before you drink
Kordecki explained: “although all alcoholic drinks negatively affect the skin, some cause far more damage than others. Cocktails and wine are the worst culprits, as their high sugar content brings additional skin problems.
“As a general rule, the clearer the alcohol, the better. Gin, vodka and tequila are some of the least skin-damaging alcohols available as they leave your system quicker.”
Keep H2O handy
The secret to avoiding a sore head and achieving better skin? Refill your glass.
“Ensure every glass of alcohol is followed with a glass of water. Recommended by doctors, this technique will significantly help to counteract the dehydration effect alcohol has on the body. your head will thank you for it too!”
Sleeping beauty
“Don’t go to bed without tending to your skin – you don’t want to add insult to injury,” said Kordecki.
“Double cleanse to remove all traces of make-up and dirt then apply quality products that are designed to minimise the damage.”
Skincare saviours
You might be tempted to reach for disposable face wipes for a quick pre-bed cleanse, but Kordecki recommends packing your bathroom cabinet with nourishing post-party products.
She continued: “hyaluronic acid will instantly hydrate, while caffeine will compress blood vessels, reducing redness and flushing, as well as swelling and puffiness.
“Niacinamide and vitamin C will restore radiance, even skin tone, and soften fine lines and wrinkles, while charcoal will cleanse the skin, unclog pores, remove excess oil, and prevent breakouts.”
As told to Alice Hinds