It’s the morning after a party. You look in the mirror and think, “I look terrible.” It’s the Zombie look — which would be great if it were Halloween, but unfortunately, that’s not the holiday look we’re going for.

Late nights and holiday cocktails can take their toll on your skin. Here’s what you need to do to protect your skin from holiday stress.

What a holiday party does to your skin

Alcohol

Alcohol constricts your blood vessels which will make your skin look dull, sallow bloated and puffy. You’re also dehydrated, which can make fine lines and pores more prominent. If you already have dry skin, your skin will feel rougher and tighter.

Long-term, alcohol can lower your skin’s levels of antioxidants, and increase inflammation and redness. Alcohol’s also got a lot of sugar, which can be an acne trigger

Lack of sleep

Sleep deprivation affects your skin’s moisture levels and PH balance. Your skin is drier, and your skin looks dull and blotchy. Your blood vessels dilate, so your dark circles and redness can get worse.

Christmas party treats

Save those cookies for Santa. High sugar can mess up hormone levels, so any skin issues you may already have — acne, sensitivity, redness , oiliness — can get worse.

skincare trends 2019

Your Holiday Party Skincare Routine

Don’t cancel your parties just yet. You just need to give your skin extra nurturing during the holiday season, so you stay glowing and gorgeous.

Super-hydrate

The number one holiday skin stressor is dehydration. So drink more water than usual: the fluids can help you flush out toxins and minimize puffiness. Try to get fresh coconut water, which has natural electrolytes.

For a fast fix, use skincare products with hyaluronic acid, a molecule which attracts and traps moisture in the skin. Try:

Caudalie Vinosource SOS Thirst-quenching Serum

This serum restores moisture levels and leaves your skin feeling soft and supple. It’s oil free and hypoallergenic, so it’s safe for all skin types. Thousands of women swear it works, according to Makeup Alley and Influenster reviews. $61, Sephora.

Saturday Skin Daily Dew Hydrating Essence Mist

This face mist is a holiday must! It’s both a toner and essence, and you can even use it to refresh your skin in the middle of the day. Contains concentrated kiwi and grape extracts, which deliver both moisture and much-needed antioxidants. Now on sale at $33.60, Sephora.

Laneige Water Sleeping Mask

Apply this overnight mask and wake up to softer, brighter skin. Its patented Sleep-Tox and Moisture Wrap technology helps your skin to retain moisture throughout the night. Mineral water and plant extracts soothe irritation. $15, Sephora.

Exfoliate

Slough off dead skin cells to even out your skin tone and reveal new, radiant skin. It can also clear out pores, to prevent breakouts. Try:

Kora Organics by Miranda Kerr Turmeric Brightening & Exfoliating Mask

This organic exfoliating mask brightens your skin with turmeric while promoting skin cell renewal. It’s one of the most popular exfoliators in Sephora Singapore, with women saying that “it works just like a spa facial!” $68, Sephora.

Origins GinZing™ Refreshing Scrub Cleanser

One of the best scrubs to use this holidays! Ginseng boost s radiance, caffeine helps reduce the redness and inflammation, jojoba and carnauba wax clear out pores. Plus, the energizing essential oil blend of grapefruit, lemon and spearmint can help shake off that hangover and holiday stress! $38, Sephora

Use masks every day

Miami-based dermatologist Shasa Hu says you should do a daily hydrating-moisturizing sheet mask at least three days before a big event. She personally recommends Dr. Brandt Hydro Biotic Recovery Sleeping Mask ($65, StrawberryNet) “This calming overnight leave-on mask contains an unique combination of probiotics, ceramides, and fatty acids to prep your skin for all the inflammation and dehydration you will experience later.”

Find Beauty Insider’s round-ups of best sheet masks in Singapore:

Add a Vitamin C serum to your night-time routine

The best holiday skincare combo is a hydrating serum in the morning, and a Vitamin C serum at night.

“Alcohol and lack of sleep decrease antioxidant defenses in the skin,” says New York dermatologist Joshua Zeichner. Vitamin C has powerful antioxidants, and can also reduce inflammation and brighten the skin. Since it can make you more sensitive to the sun, he recommends applying it at night. Try:

Clinique Fresh Pressed Daily Booster

Just mix two drops into your regular moisturizer to treat your skin to an extra dose of Vitamin C. The dermatologist-tested formula is also safe for sensitive and dry skin. $100, Sephora.

Sunday Riley CEO Glow

Bring black the glow with this mega-dose of antioxidants from Vitamin C, red raspberry, evening primrose seed oil, and turmeric extract. Over time, this can also even out your skin tone. $56, Sephora

Get an eye cream with caffeine

Now, turn your attention to that puffy skin and those dark circles. Dr. Gohara says that the latter happen because you’re dehydrated and it makes those blood vessels under the skin more prominent, so you want to look for ingredients such as caffeine. Check our list of the best eye creams for puffy eyes and dark circles!

Work that jade roller

Jade rollers (or any kind of facial massage) will boost circulation and relieve puffiness. It can also help push your serums and creams into your skin. We also like how it can help with headaches — try rolling a cold jade roller on your temples, and under the eyes, and you know what we mean! Watch this tutorial on how to use the jade roller for lymphatic drainage: