How to Prep Your Skin for Prom

Prom season is upon us, so it’s time to start gearing up for the big night. You’ve got your dress, you know exactly how you want to style your hair, and now it’s time to make sure you’re taking great care of your skin before you take all those photos. Ahead, tips for ensuring you feel confident and camera-ready on prom night.

7 Tips for Prepping Your Skin for Prom

Maintain a Consistent Skincare Routine

There’s no arguing that maintaining a regular, customized skincare routine is important for everyone. Healthy, cared-for skin requires time and energy, especially if you want to see results. But let’s face it: It’s easy to forget to stick to a regimen every single day, especially when you’re constantly on the go — and you know, studying for finals! Leading up to prom night, try not to slack. 

Keep your routine simple and set reminders to cleanse and moisturize your skin every day. For a simple skincare routine, Dr. Michael Kaminer, a board-certified dermatologist and Skincare.com expert, recommends using an antioxidant product in the morning followed by a thick moisturizer at night. “If you make this a foundation, everything else sort of works together,” he says.

Looking for a good antioxidant product to try? We love the CeraVe Skin Renewing Vitamin C Serum, which brightens, smooths the look of texture and is ideal for all skin types. The moisturizer you choose will depend on your skin type, but we love the gentle La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Moisturizer. If your skin is acne-prone, try incorporating a blemish-fighting product at night, like the Thayers Natural Remedies Blemish Clearing Salicylic Acid and Witch Hazel Face Toner. 

Take Your Makeup Off Every Night

It’s a simple fact that clogged pores can lead to breakouts. To keep your pores free from cosmetic buildup, make sure to take your makeup off every night before bed. “If you’re somebody who wears any kind of makeup that has a little bit of thickness to it or a cover-up component, the advantages of the cover-up [during the day] become disadvantages at night, because it can block your pores,” says Kaminer. “It’s really tough to have your skin stay healthy if it’s constantly being blocked or suffocated.” Check out some of our favorite micellar waters here, and be sure to wash and moisturize your face after use. 

Wear Your SPF

Sun protection is a key step of any skincare routine, no matter your age, skin tone or skin type (or the weather outside!). Look for a sunscreen that feels lightweight and that you enjoy applying every day so that you can make it a daily habit. We recommend the CeraVe Ultra Light Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30 and the La Roche-Posay Anthelios Clear Skin Oil-Free Sunscreen SPF 60. 

Use a Mask for Your Skin Type

Getting a facial is a great way to clean, exfoliate and nourish your skin for a clearer-looking complexion. But when you’re short on time leading up to prom, opting for a good quality facial mask twice-weekly can do just the trick. To purify the skin and help minimize the appearance of large pores, try the Kiehl’s Rare Earth Deep Pore Minimizing Cleansing Clay Mask. It’s formulated with Amazonian white clay to gently draw out oil, dirt and toxins that may lead to enlarged pores and dull-looking skin.

If you’re looking to hydrate and brighten your skin, try the Youth to the People Superberry Hydrate + Glow Dream Mask. It’s formulated with vitamin C, squalane and hyaluronic acid to support your moisture barrier and give you soft, supple skin. 

Prep for a Spray Tan

If you plan on getting a spray tan for prom, there are a few steps you should take first, but this spray tan prep guide has you covered. The key takeaways? Make sure to shave and exfoliate prior to getting the spray tan, and wear loose, dark clothing to the appointment. It’s also important to hold off on showering until six to eight hours after your tan. 

Don’t Forget Your Nails

If your cuticles are dry and cracked, try using a nourishing cuticle oil like the Essie On a Roll Apricot Cuticle Oil to add moisture. Your cuticles will feel softer and smoother, and it will extend the life of your manicure too. 

Exfoliate Your Lips

Dry, chapped lips have no business joining you at prom. Make sure to gently exfoliate your lips to help remove those pesky dead skin cells from the skin's surface. It’s easy to make your own DIY lip scrub with a little sugar, honey and olive oil. Massage it on one to two times a week for lips that are soft and prepped for an even coat of lipstick or gloss come prom night.

Photo: Chaunte Vaughn