Photographed by Janelle Jones.
Since you're possibly nursing that New Year's Eve hangover right now, we'll keep this brief: We know that last night was supercalifragalisticexpealaepic. We get it. We also get how much you're ailing and that every part of you aches. So, we'll talk softly.
While you power through the pain reliever and your favorite cure to soothe your head and stomach, we'd like to propose that you start repairing your skin. Like, now. Because everything you need to fix the situation is right in your own home. Check out these five DIY hangover beauty cures that are major miracles straight from your kitchen.
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You Guessed It: Drink Water
It should go without saying, but this is the absolute best thing you can do, even if it seems like soda or coffee would be better. "The most important thing is to drink water. You have to get alkaline as fast as possible," advises Dr. Jeannette Graf, assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai Medical Center. Like the driving headache you're probably experiencing, extreme hydration can cause all sorts of skin conditions, from dullness to itching — even breakouts. "You want to add greens and fruits and vegetables that contain water, but, really, drinking water is your best bet to getting your hydration balance back as soon as possible." Drink up, buttercup.
It should go without saying, but this is the absolute best thing you can do, even if it seems like soda or coffee would be better. "The most important thing is to drink water. You have to get alkaline as fast as possible," advises Dr. Jeannette Graf, assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai Medical Center. Like the driving headache you're probably experiencing, extreme hydration can cause all sorts of skin conditions, from dullness to itching — even breakouts. "You want to add greens and fruits and vegetables that contain water, but, really, drinking water is your best bet to getting your hydration balance back as soon as possible." Drink up, buttercup.
Potatoes and Cucumbers = No More Under-Eye Baggage
After you procure a cool washcloth for your forehead, head directly to your vegetable bin. "Slices of cool cucumber or potato will help you de-puff under your eyes," advises Graf. Cut them into thin semicircles, and place them under your peepers to unpack that below-the-eye baggage in a hurry.
After you procure a cool washcloth for your forehead, head directly to your vegetable bin. "Slices of cool cucumber or potato will help you de-puff under your eyes," advises Graf. Cut them into thin semicircles, and place them under your peepers to unpack that below-the-eye baggage in a hurry.
Photographed by Janelle Jones.
Oatmeal: It's Not Just For Breakfast Anymore
Ah, the soothing powers of oatmeal. Facialist Joanna Vargas, founder of Joanna Vargas Salon and an eponymous skin-care line, recommends combining one cup of cooked oatmeal with four teaspoons of honey and one-fourth cup milk for what can only be described as a miracle mask. "Oatmeal is super soothing for the skin and calms any inflammation caused by too many beverages," says Vargas. "The honey is amazing for hydration, and milk has lactic acid for a gentle peel." Graf also advises saving some oatmeal for your bath if you're suffering from dry, irritated skin below the neck. Toss it in, and soak to soothe (and to forget your random texts from last night).
Ah, the soothing powers of oatmeal. Facialist Joanna Vargas, founder of Joanna Vargas Salon and an eponymous skin-care line, recommends combining one cup of cooked oatmeal with four teaspoons of honey and one-fourth cup milk for what can only be described as a miracle mask. "Oatmeal is super soothing for the skin and calms any inflammation caused by too many beverages," says Vargas. "The honey is amazing for hydration, and milk has lactic acid for a gentle peel." Graf also advises saving some oatmeal for your bath if you're suffering from dry, irritated skin below the neck. Toss it in, and soak to soothe (and to forget your random texts from last night).
Honey: Zit Zapper And Dry-Skin All-Star
Honey also has antibacterial powers, key for eradicating any zits you might have when you wake up. "If you're going to use honey, try to use manuka honey," says Graf. "It's got the most antibacterial properties of any of the honey varieties, and it's great for breakouts." You can use it as a spot treatment, or take Graf's advice and mix it with Greek yogurt for a mask that has the recovery trifecta of antibacterial, exfoliating, and hydrating goodness.
Honey also has antibacterial powers, key for eradicating any zits you might have when you wake up. "If you're going to use honey, try to use manuka honey," says Graf. "It's got the most antibacterial properties of any of the honey varieties, and it's great for breakouts." You can use it as a spot treatment, or take Graf's advice and mix it with Greek yogurt for a mask that has the recovery trifecta of antibacterial, exfoliating, and hydrating goodness.
Seaweed: The Power Player
Happen to have organic, powdered seaweed around the house? If you do, the good Dr. Graf has a killer mask recipe that will help with lymphatic drainage and escorting those toxins right out of your skin. Get a Mason jar or other glass container and combine one-fourth cup olive oil, three tablespoons seaweed, one-fourth cup sea salt or kosher salt, and one to two drops of your favorite essential oils (lemongrass, lavender, grapefruit, etc.). Stir the mixture together with a wooden spoon, then slather and massage it all over your body. Just a rule of thumb: The stronger the scent of your essential oil, the less you should use. "You don't want to knock yourself out," says Graf. Considering you might feel a little woozy today, we'd say that's great advice.
Happen to have organic, powdered seaweed around the house? If you do, the good Dr. Graf has a killer mask recipe that will help with lymphatic drainage and escorting those toxins right out of your skin. Get a Mason jar or other glass container and combine one-fourth cup olive oil, three tablespoons seaweed, one-fourth cup sea salt or kosher salt, and one to two drops of your favorite essential oils (lemongrass, lavender, grapefruit, etc.). Stir the mixture together with a wooden spoon, then slather and massage it all over your body. Just a rule of thumb: The stronger the scent of your essential oil, the less you should use. "You don't want to knock yourself out," says Graf. Considering you might feel a little woozy today, we'd say that's great advice.