Facing Prom: A Few Ways to Get Your Skin Ready for Prom Night

My prom is next weekend. It's the last dance of my high school career. It's a big deal. I'm nervous. There's a lot to get ready for, and I have been putting it off for a while now. But one thing I can't ignore is my skin. It's not particularly bad right now at all, but I need to prep it for the big night so I can look and feel my best. It's always important to take care of your face, but I generally don't "pull out all the stops" unless it's for a really big event: cue promenade. I plan on doing everything I can to keep my skin looking great, and I hope you can pick up a few everyday tips for skincare, whether your prom is already past or isn't here yet!

I usually don't exfoliate, but I will do so every two days this week. Exfoliating everyday is really hard on your skin, and can damage your skin deep down, and cause oil over-production to make up for the damage. If you exfoliate too much, it can cause acne problems for a long time, sometimes for months after you stop using the product completely. But I’ll be doing a mask every two nights as well, so to prep for that, I need to exfoliate and get rid of dead skin cells. Exfoliation boosts collagen production, removes skin cells, and can help control blackheads when used correctly.

In addition, I plan on doing mini-facials every two nights. While exfoliation is part of that process, it certainly isn't all of it. I plan on using homemade, organic masks and steaming them. A good homemade mask recipe is honey, milk, and a little lemon juice. You can also mix pomegranate with banana or milk, or use avocado alone or with other ingredients. Honey is an antibacterial food, so it can kill germs. It's also a great moisturizer. Milk works as an exfoliant, as does lemon juice, so they boost brightness and clarity. Avocado is also a great way to soothe sensitive skin and moisturize.

My ultimate go-to when making my own masks is turmeric, an Indian spice that really improves the brightness of your skin. I add it to just about everything that goes on my face! (Except cosmetics, of course.) No matter what mask I use, steaming it is a really soothing and intensifying process. Grab a microwave-safe bowl and some hot water, and microwave for about six minutes. It won't boil, but will steam rather rapidly, so grab the bowl with a towel and be careful. Then just throw the towel over the back of your head and let the steam run over your face. It will improve the results of whatever product that's on your face by opening up your pores. It also works as a good cleansing technique.

If you're getting ready for a big night out, follow some of these tips to get your face ready for the event. It doesn't really have to be prom, of course! Remember, keep exfoliation to a minimum, and treat your face regularly to miniature facials. You can always use store-bought products for similar results. Don’t forget to drink lots of water! Water helps cleanse you from the inside out, and drinking a lot of it improves everything about your skin. So stick to it, and get ready to look beautiful for your big event!