Having a bad skin day? Here are the expert-approved quick fixes that will get you through (2024)

Ever have one of those days when your skin feels a little off from the moment you wake up? Your forehead feels slick, there’s a new zit threatening to push through and there’s a dull tinge to the skin that you’re certain wasn’t there the night before. No matter how vigilant you are with your skincare regimen, sometimes there’s just no avoiding those days. While precautionary measures can help keep the bad skin days to a minimum, if you ever find yourself on the wrong end of a skincare crisis, here are the expert-approved quick remedies that will camouflage just about anything.

1. Puffy eyes

Puffy eyes are generally caused by swelling around the eyes due to excessive accumulation of fluids in surrounding skin tissues, explains Dr Sejal Shah, consultant dermatologist at Kaya Youth. “Gently massaging the undereye area with Vitamin E oil helps improve lymphatic drainage,” she says. Dr Madhuri Agarwal, founder of Yavana Aesthetics Clinic, adds, “The instant fix for puffy eyes is to reach for whatever cold substance you have at hand, such as an ice pack, chilled vegetable bag, cold eye masks or a cold compress. Apply it on the puffy area for 5-10 minutes as it will bring down the inflammation by constricting the blood vessels immediately.” The Mumbai-based skin expert also recommends keeping a pair of clean spoons in the freezer to be used as an instant fix whenever needed.

2. Acne breakout

For pus-filled acne, Dr Agarwal recommends pimple patches as an instant saviour. “Pimple patches are made of hydrocolloid material which, when applied on the acne, draw out the pus and immediately calms the skin down. You can choose from a wide array of patches that are practically invisible on the skin,” she recommends.

Dr Shah believes that the problem is further exacerbated by the prolonged use of masks, which causes friction between the fabric and the skin. She advises, “Spot correctors containing benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, tea tree oil or retinoids can help keeping maskne at bay. As a rule of thumb, it helps to wash your face with a gentle face wash with antibacterial properties at least twice a day.”

3. Skin dullness

Feel like the wattage has been turned down on your skin’s glow? “Use a chemical exfoliator containing glycolic and mandelic acid to gently exfoliate the skin and follow it up with a Vitamin C hyaluronic serum to stimulate the skin and make it glow again.,” she says. If you’re looking for a home remedy, she also advises mashing a banana with honey and applying it for 20 minutes to rejuvenate the skin.

4. Skin redness

“If your skin has a tendency for redness, the ideal quick fix is to keep green tea bags soaked in water in the refrigerator. Applying the cool solution as a compress will help bring down the redness instantly,” she adds. If you have your makeup kit at hand, celebrity makeup artist Mitali Vakil recommends reaching for a green colour corrector to counteract the redness in the skin.

5. Dark circles

If you’re looking to mask the effects of a few late nights, you’ll find a few quick fixes in your makeup bag. Vakil says, “Don’t rub your eyes and instead, use a dark peach colour corrector. It is advisable to always go for a neutral-toned concealer, an anything that is too yellow or too pink will make your dark circles look ashy and grey.” If you have the time for a visit to the dermat’s chair, Dr Agarwal recommends asking for a 15-minute hyaluronic acid filler that can work as an instant as well as a lasting solution for dark circles.

6. Oily T-zone

Resist the impulse to wash your face and instead, wipe the oily T-zone with a clean blotting paper, she advises. “Oil blotting sheets, such as bamboo and charcoal, can help soak excess oil from the face and eliminate the extra shine on the T-zone,” agrees Dr Shah. Vakil also advises against opting for any harsh measures. “Natural oils are good for your face, as they protect the skin. A light hand of powder on the oily area should do the trick.”

Also read:

5 ways you're making your oily skin oilier

13 simple home remedies to get rid of pimples

20 effective tips to get the most glowing skin of your life

Having a bad skin day? Here are the expert-approved quick fixes that will get you through (2024)
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