C’mon, let’s be honest – we’ve all been there. You know, those mornings when you wake up, stumble to the mirror, and are greeted by the unmistakable signs of hangover face. Puffy eyes that scream “I need sleep,” skin that’s begging for hydration, and a general look that could best be described as death warmed over. It’s the tell-tale aftermath of being over-served the night before. And the worst part? You’re an adult with responsibilities, which means hiding away is not an option. You’ve got to face the day, but with that face? Yikes. It’s time to spring into action, armed with some skin-saving strategies that will help you look more “morning meeting” and less “zombie apocalypse survivor.”
What is Hangover Face?
Hangover face is not a real medical condition, but rather a self-inflicted state that comes with regrets and major hangxiety Presenting differently from one individual to the next, hangover face is synonymous with fatigued skin that can appear as:
- puffy eyes.
- dark circles around the eyes.
- dry, wrinkly skin.
- redness or blotchiness.
- fine “sand wash” like wrinkles on the cheeks.
- poor colour or lack lustre skin.
The thing is you now have to go out into the world feeling and looking like you met a Mack truck, so time to spring into action, or very gently shuffle. I get it.
Hydration and Smart Drinking: Your Allies Against Hangover Face
We all know water is the elixir of life, and this couldn’t be truer when it comes to combating hangover face. Drinking plenty of water before, during, and after your night out is crucial. It helps to counteract the dehydrating effects of alcohol, keeping your skin from looking like a parched desert the next morning. Think of water as your secret weapon – it’s simple, effective, and your skin will thank you for it.
Huge Disclaimer:
Now, let’s talk about something super important – avoid Tylenol or any form of Acetaminophen when you’re hungover. This is non-negotiable. Mixing alcohol with Acetaminophen can be harmful to your liver, and we definitely don’t want that. So, if you’re reaching for a hangover remedy, steer clear of anything containing Acetaminophen.
Your liver will appreciate it, even if it doesn’t know it right now.
Other Hydration Sensations Besides Water
Let me clarify that hair of the dog is NOT, I repeat not a hangover cure. While it may temporarily make you forget that you’re hungover, it’s not doing any favours for your face. Aside from water though you have a few options:
- Chocolate Milk works like a charm delivering hydration, protein, a hit of sugar, and a teensy bit of caffeine. I’ve tested this theory many times. Science.
- There’s little doubt you aren’t hitting the gym today sister, but sports drinks or electrolyte powders can help you save face. I keep this electrolyte powder on hand for two reasons, unanticipated hangovers and for the aforementioned zombie apocalypse.
- Broth might be all you can stomach when it comes to food, so reach for that can of chicken or beef broth and dip your saltines and sorrows in it.
- Coconut water
- There are people who extoll the healing power of pickle juice. I mean if you can do it sure, but frankly the thought of that turns me as green as the pickles. No thanks.
Quenching Thirsty Skin: Topical Hydration to Rescue Hangover Face
Okay, so you’ve addressed the desert within, now to tackle things from the outside. First, shower. I don’t care if you have to crawl to the bathroom, a shower will wash the stench of those bad decisions off. Since this is about giving your face a fighting chance though, the first thing you need to do is gently remove your makeup. Oh please, don’t pretend like you didn’t go to bed with your make up on. Avoid using harsh scrubs or chemicals today. Gentle is the word of the day.
Once you’re out of the shower, it’s time for a face bath. Grab a large bowl, or have someone functioning on a higher level bring you one, and fill it with lots of ice and water. Then plunge baby, plunge. Apparently this sets off something called the divers reflex and it’s a better dive than the place you were in last night. *badum tssssh* The bad jokes are writing themselves. Anyway, watch the Tiktok below and then try for yourself.
Moisturizing Mastery: Replenishing Your Skin Post-Party
From a the walk of shame to a walking red flag, you are a state. Nothing betrays a big night out quite like bloodshot eyes framed by dark circles. So now we spring into action with hangover skin care. Skip that multi-step routine you usually have and keep it simple with these three steps.
You’ll want a really good eye moisturizer to begin. We all have different skin types but when it comes to the eyes, we can all agree you need something that will decrease puffiness, lesson the appearance of wrinkles, and provide intense hydration. Every Christmas my mother gives me this Clarins Total Lift High-Performance Eye Concentrate. Is there a hidden message there? Perhaps, but I try not to overthink it. The bottom line is it works. You don’t have to get this brand though, there’s lots of good eye moisturizers from drugstore to luxury. You do you, just don’t skip giving your eyes lots of attention.
Next up is your serum. Keep it simple and go with the always reliable and affordable The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid. Quickly give your face a spray of Evian or Avene, then hit it with the hyaluronic acid that binds to the water molecules and helps plump your face up.
Finally, before the hyaluronic acid dries, you’re going to go in with thick moisturizing cream. Pick your poison, but I like Nivea. It’s cheap and effective. Now is also a good time to work that into your skin with a gua sha stone that’s coldness is way better than the toilet bowl you hugged last night, and helps drain the puffiness. I’ve broken too many gua sha stones with slippery hands to count, so I can’t recommend this stainless steel version from Kitsch enough.
Makeup Magic: Concealing Hangover Face with Flair
I don’t care how great you looked last night, that same make up applied today is going to make you look like the crypt keeper. Today is all about minimalism. Forget foundation because that’s going to settle into your wrinkles, so opt for a tinted moisturizer with SPF instead. I’m a big fan of Elta MD but there are a million on the market so pick what works for you.
I’m certain Bobbi Brown made her Jones Road Miracle Balm for hangover days. It’s the perfect thing when you don’t have time for or patience for a heavy make up routine. Plus it’s moisturizing and gives your skin a subtle glow. Added bonus it covers your cheeks and lips with one product.
Now a quick swipe of mascara and you’re ready to slay the day. Too ambitious? Okay, you’re ready to just day.
Finally after you’ve cursed off drinking all day, and have done your best to show up, it’s time for the most important part of repairing your hangover face; sleep. While there’s a good chance exhaustion will pull you into a deep slumber you don’t want to take any chances. Whip up this Sleep Girl Mocktail and drift into a deep sleep.
Sleepy Girl Mocktail
- 1/2 cup tart cherry juice
- A scoop of magnesium bi-glycinate
- A few drops of Master Formulae Valeriana Blend
- Sparkling water
Sweet dreams my friend. May you drift into a peaceful slumber and forget this hellish day. Oh wait, you will. See you next time.