Avoid Halloween Skin Horrors

By Dr. Josh Zeichner | Monday, October 10, 2011

With trick-or-treating season quickly approaching, you’ll want to get into the spirit of Halloween without wreaking havoc on your skin. Costumes, masks and makeup can all be used in good fun -- but make sure your skin doesn’t pay the price for it. Here are some tips to get you through the holiday with your skin unscathed:

1. Avoid shaving immediately before putting on makeup or face paint.
Shaving can make your skin more sensitive, and some makeup can cause irritation -- particularly when applied to freshly shaven skin. After-shave balms are particularly important in speeding up the healing of the skin so that the least amount of irritation is possible. So, wait a few hours after your post shave regimen before getting ready for trick or treating.

2. At the end of the night, make sure to wash off or shower to prevent pimples and irritation caused by:

· Face makeup, which is not formulated to stay on the skin for long periods of time. In fact, makeup on your face and body can clog your pores and cause irritation, especially for oilier skin-types.

· Large and heavy costumes, which can cause excess sweat and oil to accumulate on the body. So don’t forget to wash off your body too.

3. Beware of allergies!
Many products applied to the skin during Halloween can produce rashes. Latex is a common ingredient in rubber products, such as masks used for costumes. If you start to itch or develop a rash, your mask might be the culprit! Other allergies come from makeup or adhesives used to attach fake beards. If you think you are getting a reaction, wash everything off with soap and water. If necessary, you can use some over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream or contact your dermatologist.

4. Don't share your makeup. 

If someone has a cut or a small skin infection, sharing makeup can spread germs. Use freshly opened makeup on your face to avoid problems.

Guest edited by: Craig the Barber
Craig Whitely is a licensed barber and men's grooming expert, with more than a decade of experience. He is the owner of The Grooming Concierge, and on-site grooming service in the Los Angeles area, where he works with some of Hollywood's hottest men. He is also the editor-in-chief of TheMensRoom.com, a men's grooming blog.

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