Glam Slam: Get Your Skin Red Carpet Ready

The Oscars are this Sunday, so nominees like Viola Davis, Rooney Mara and Michelle Williams have probably been babying their skin for weeks in preparation for the biggest red carpet of them all.

Want to achieve complexion perfection yourself? Dr. Stuart Kaplan, M.D. shares tips to get your skin in shape for the big event in your life.

Two weeks before the big event:
Botox to the face to relax wrinkles. But it must be done carefully, and not too much. It is always better to do less than more, so actors and actresses look relaxed and normal, but not overdone or starched.

Botox is also an excellent way to prevent underarm sweating and excess perspiration. No one looks good holding up a trophy with big wet spots in their armpits. Botox also means that since anti-perspirant powder is not needed, there will be no powder that cakes up in the creases of the armpits.

Laser will work nicely to treat fine blood vessels on the cheeks and around the corners of the nose. The Sciton Laser is also extremely effective for overall facial redness and rosacea.

Laser hair removal can also be done two weeks before the event. While it is most common for women on their faces and underarms, men have it done for the front and back of their necks to prevent shaving bumps and irritation.

Injectable fillers such as Juvederm, Radiesse, or Restylane work well to fill creases in the face. Restylane can be done to fill the hallows under the eyes, Juvederm can make lips appear fuller, while Radiesse is an excellent filler for the nasal labial folds that run from the corners of the nose to the corners of the mouth.

Lastly, a light peel, such as a TCA peel, can freshen up the skin and improve surface imperfections and pigmentation. It leaves skin visibly smoother, and texture-refined.

One week before the big event:
Continue using a good skin care regimen. Do not try any new skin care products so close to a big event. You do not want to cause any unexpected irritation or skin allergies.

If any touch-ups of Botox or fillers are needed, this is the time to do it with no evidence (residual bruising, swelling, redness) for the tabloids to talk about!

For actors who may be resistant to Botox, or waited too close to the big event, Dysport is now available. It is an option for people who are resistant to Botox, has a faster onset, and is often less expensive.

Acne extractions of blackheads and whiteheads can be done, with enough time to allow for complete healing. For larger cysts, a small injection of cortisone can quickly bring down inflammation and swelling.

This is also an excellent time to get a facial. A good facial can help the skin look fresh and rejuvenated. Try not to experiment with new ingredients since reactions, while rare, are possible.

For women wearing high heels, who develop pressure pain on the soles of their feet, Radiesse can be injected into the soles to provide more padding and comfort.

The day before the big event:
If you get a pimple now, do not pick it, no matter how tempting it is. Even if it looks like bubble wrap, and screams, “squeeze me,” you must resist. Picking a pimple so close to the event may leave redness or a scab. At this point, it is best to see your dermatologist to have it extracted and injected, so it will heal quickly.

Would also recommend getting another facial at this time, but ONLY if you had a previous facial the week before. Important: DO NOT get a facial the day before a big event if you have never had a facial before or if it has been more than 2 weeks since your last one. You may get an allergic reaction to the products, or irritation and redness from the exfoliation. The skin stimulation from the facial, coupled with an already anxious and excited state-of-mind may increase your chances of a mild breakout.

The day of the event:
Apply the KAPLAN MD Cellular Rejuvenating Concentrate before Primer for a flawless foundation application. For a gentle, non-irritating cleanser, try Cetaphil facial wash.

Some people experience a minor rash or hives before awards shows due to anxiety over a hectic schedule. Try relaxing in a warm bath with Aveeno Soothing Bath Treatment with Oatmeal, and applying over the counter hydrocortisone to the irritated area.

Remember to finish makeup with the KAPLAN MD Clarifying Toner to blot any excess oil, and to keep complexions looking fresh and dewy.

Don’t drink too much alcohol since it can make your face appear flushed.

— Ryan Patterson

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