As effective as the holy triumvirate of a couple of Ibuprofen, a bacon sandwich and an original Lucozade (not tropical, we made that mistake once, never again) is on a headache and a churning stomach, some hangover symptoms need professional help. No, we’re not suggesting you check yourself into A and E, we’re talking skin repair. If your excess is showing on your face – we’re looking at you prosecco puffiness, sauvignon sensitivity, booze breakouts – it’s time to book a hangover SOS facial. Here are our faves.
By Jo Hoare
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1 Brightening for dullness
Some hangovers give you a complexion that no amount of highlighter can enliven and if you find yourself struck down with one of these, put down the illuminator and book a brightening facial instead. A combination of cleansing, massage, intense hydration, and a focus on overall skin health makes this a great post-hangover option for all skin types. Perfect for a post-festive season boost.
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2 Deep cleansing for breakout busting
Booze can cause breakouts for a number of reasons – it messes with your hormones, is often packed with sugar and post five G and Ts you’re a whole lot less likely to bother with your cleansing regime. Combat this with a deep cleansing facial, but remember bringing all the bad stuff to the surface may result in a few more spots directly afterwards.
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3 Hydrating for dehydration (obviously)
Alcohol sucks up water from your body quicker than that dodgy matador on the kitchen roll advert and, as that raging thirst that nearly drives you to drink your contact lens solution suggests, so does your skin. If you’re noticing an increase in fine lines after a big night out, simply slapping on extra moisturiser won’t cut it. Your skin's dehydrated not dry and the best way to sort it is with a deep hydrating facial.
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4 Lymphatic massage for puffiness
If your cheekbones need contouring with a paint-roller and your undereye bags would qualify as excess baggage on EasyJet, then opt for a massage-based, lymphatic draining facial to flush away some of the excess fluid. These facials beat the bloat by moving the fluid your lymph nodes where it can be flushed out. Sounds scary on a white wine hangover? Don’t worry the movements are gentle and precise rather than punishing.
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5 Sensitivity calming for redness
One of alcohol’s worst side effects (apart from the white wine goggles that made you think Ben in accounts was an 8 out of 10 last night) is inflammation. If you’re prone to blotchiness or redness or suffer from a skin condition like rosacea then any alcohol excess is going to show on your face. Calm things down with a skin-soothing facial. This gentle treatment will rebalance skin leaving it feeling comfortable and protecting against future stresses.
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FAQs
What facial is best if your skin looks dull after drinking?
A brightening facial works best when your complexion looks dull after drinking. This treatment combines cleansing, massage and intense hydration targeting overall skin health. It suits all skin types and is ideal for restoring luminosity after a night out.
How can you treat hangover-related breakouts on your face?
A deep cleansing facial is ideal if you’re dealing with breakouts after drinking. It helps clear congested pores and remove impurities, but it’s common to see a few more spots immediately after as toxins get drawn to the surface. Regular cleansing also helps prevent future breakouts.
What helps with dehydrated skin after a night out?
A hydrating facial deeply replenishes moisture lost due to alcohol consumption. This treatment addresses dehydration, not just dryness, restoring plumpness and reducing visible fine lines. Regular moisturiser alone usually isn’t enough for skin that’s lost significant moisture.
Which facial should you book for puffiness or bloated skin?
A lymphatic draining facial helps reduce puffiness and facial bloating by moving excess fluid through your lymph nodes. The movements used are gentle and precise, making it comfortable even if you’re sensitive after drinking. This facial is especially effective for visible swelling in the cheeks or under the eyes.
How do you calm redness or sensitivity in your skin post-alcohol?
A skin-soothing facial is recommended to calm redness and inflamed skin caused by alcohol. This gentle treatment helps rebalance sensitive skin, relieving blotchiness and protecting against future irritation. It’s especially supportive for anyone prone to rosacea or flare-ups.