How to Prep Your Skin for Prom, According to an Esthetician

Prom season is upon us, so it’s time to start gearing up for the big night. You’ve got your dress, you know exactly how you want to style your hair, now you have to make sure your skin is in tip-top shape before you take all those photos. Here, tips for ensuring your skin looks camera-ready—aka #flawless—on prom night.

MAINTAIN A SKIN CARE ROUTINE

There’s no arguing that maintaining a regular, customized skin care routine is important for everyone. Healthy, cared-for skin requires time and energy, especially if you want to see results. But let’s face it: It’s easy to forget to stick to our regimen every single day, when we’re constantly on the go—and you know, studying for finals! Leading up to prom night, try not to slack. Keep your routine simple and set reminders to cleanse and moisturize your skin every day. For a simple skin care routine, Dr. Michael Kaminer, board-certified dermatologist and Skincare.com expert, recommends using an antioxidant product in the morning followed up by a thick moisturizer at night. “If you make this a foundation, everything else sort of works together,” he says.

REMOVE YOUR MAKEUP EVERY NIGHT

It’s a simple fact that clogged pores can lead to breakouts. To keep your pores free from cosmetic buildup, make sure you cleanse off makeup on your face prior to hitting the sack. “If you’re somebody who wears any kind of makeup that has a little bit of thickness to it or a cover-up component, the advantages of the cover-up [during the day] become disadvantages at night, because it can block your pores,” Kaminer says. “It’s really tough to have your skin stay healthy if it’s constantly being blocked or suffocated.” Check out some of our favorite drugstore makeup remover wipes, and be sure to wash and moisturize your face after use. 

If you’re somebody who wears any kind of makeup that has a little bit of thickness to it or a cover-up component, the advantages of the cover-up [during the day] become disadvantages at night, because it can block your pores. It’s really tough to have your skin stay healthy if it’s constantly being blocked or suffocated.

PUT ON A CLAY MASK

Getting a facial is a great way to clean, exfoliate, and nourish your skin for a clearer-looking complexion. But when you’re short on time leading up to prom, opting for a good quality facial mask twice-weekly can do just the trick. To purify the skin and help minimize the appearance of large pores, try Kiehl’s Rare Earth Pore Cleansing Masque. It’s formulated with Amazonian white clay to gently draw out oil, dirt, and toxins that may lead to enlarged pores and dull-looking skin.

EAT CLEAN

Add potent antioxidants to your diet, like blueberries and sweet potatoes. Foods rich in potassium—hello, avocado!—and omega-3 fatty acids are also great. However, eating healthy foods and staying hydrated are not a substitute for a balanced skin care regimen. “Most skin hydration comes from the outside,” says Kaminer. “You can do a little bit with diet and water consumption, but you really need to make sure that you moisturize your skin well.”

PREP YOUR NAILS

If your cuticles are dry and cracked, try using a nourishing cuticle oil like Essie Apricot Cuticle Oil to add moisture. Your cuticles will feel softer and smoother, which will perfectly complement a fresh paint coat before prom.

USE A LIP SCRUB

Dry, chapped lips have no business joining you at prom. Make sure to gently exfoliate your lips to help remove those pesky dead skin cells from skin’s surface. The Body Shop Lip Scuff exfoliates, moisturizes, and conditions the lips thanks to its formula containing crushed fig stone granules, macadamia nut oil, and peppermint oil. Use it one to two times per week. Your lips will be prepped for an even coat of lipstick or gloss come prom night.