Post-Mardi Gras care

No matter how you party this Mardi Gras weekend, your body will no doubt need some serious TLC at the end of it all.

You’ll probably be tired, sore and dehydrated, not to mention dirty.

After attending a dance party you’ll more than likely be covered in sweat (and not just your own), smoke, glitter, make-up, other people’s drinks and who-knows-what else.

First up, when you get home clean those clogged pores with a good facial cleanser.

Try Salt Clinic Men’s Facial Cleanser, $33.50, from Salt Clinic in Darlinghurst.

It’s full of antioxidants and natural ingredients to wash away the oil and dirt that has accumulated.

Or there’s New Directions Noir Facial Cleanser, $18, from the New Directions Institute in Glebe, containing Black Australian Clay which is nourishing for the skin, and sandalwood powder which acts as a skin regenerator and hydrator.

Next it’s a good idea to exfoliate away those dead skin cells.

Try Anthony Logistics For Men Sea Salt Body Scrub, $51 (available from David Jones), or Salt Clinic Honey Face Scrub, $24.60, which will gently exfoliate away impurities, has anti-bacterial properties and will assist the skin to retain water.

A face mask will help replenish and regenerate the skin. Anatomicals Two To The Rescue kit, $24 (available from David Jones), contains the Mask Of Sorrow hydrating face mask and No Old Bags Allowed eye gel.

They promise to plump up the skin and perk up the eyes. Or try New Directions Noir Black Clay Mask, $24, containing aloe gel and red clay to calm and comfort and also condition the skin to give it a glow and healthy appearance.

If your body is tired and aching, have a nice long soak in the bath with bath salts. Salt Clinic has a range of bath salts available for $17.60.

Lastly don’t forget to moisturise, especially your face. Neutrogena does a great range of moisturisers for most skin types which start from around $11 and are available from your local supermarket.

It’s also important to look after the inside of your body, according to Grant Morrissey from Salt Clinic.

He suggested drinking lots of water to hydrate yourself and eating plenty of fruits and vegetables. A good clean diet is going to help, he said. Avoid refined foods, excess sugar, fried foods, coffee and alcohol.

A good multi-vitamin will also help replenish all of the nutrients that were lost or burnt off, Morrissey advised.

And don’t forget it’s important to get lots of rest and sleep, too.