Why Is My Skin Acting Up Right Before an Important Event?
You’ve planned everything – the outfit, the makeup, the venue. But just days before, your skin decides to rebel: breakouts, dullness, or sudden dryness.
Why do pre-event skin flare-ups always strike at the worst possible time?
Let’s uncover the science and solutions behind this frustrating pattern.
The Science Behind Pre-Event Skin Flare-Ups
When your mind is stressed, your skin gets stressed too. Here’s how it happens:
- Stress increases cortisol (the stress hormone)
- Cortisol triggers oil glands → more oil = more breakouts
- It also increases inflammation, making skin more reactive
It is called as Neurogenic inflammation – when stress affects the skin through nerve signals and hormones.
Common Triggers Before Events
Quick Tips to Avoid Pre-Event Skin Flare-Ups
7 days before
- Stick to your usual skincare, don’t experiment
- Hydrate inside out: water + moisturizers
- Add a calming face mask (like niacinamide – a soothing agent)
3 days before
- Avoid active ingredients like retinol or acids
- Do not pick or squeeze anything
- Eat low-sugar, low-dairy meals to avoid inflammation
On the Big Day
- Use a hydrating primer and SPF
- Less is more with makeup, go non-comedogenic
- Ice your face for 30 seconds to calm puffiness or redness
When to See a Dermat Before an Event
If your skin regularly flares up before functions, weddings, or meetings, you should prepare a pre-event skin prep plan with your derm. At Dr. Reshma Ahuja’s Skin, Hair & Laser Clinic we recommend:
- HydraFacials or Glow Peels 7–10 days before
- Custom calming skincare kits
- Same-day emergency pimple care, if needed
Leave a Reply