Valentine’s Day is all about love, whether it’s for your partner, your friends, or yourself! And what better way to celebrate than by treating your skin to a radiant, confidence-boosting glow? While a consistent skincare routine is the key to long-term skin health, last-minute fixes can still work wonders to give you that fresh, dewy look just in time for your big plans.
Whether you're heading out for a romantic dinner, a Galentine’s night out, or simply embracing some self-love with a cosy evening in, glowing skin can make you feel unstoppable. To help you achieve that effortless radiance, we spoke to Dr Sadhana Deshmukh, Dermatologist, Trichologist & Aesthetic Expert, Founder & Medical Director, Forever Yooung Clinic, Mumbai, who shares her top skincare secrets and expert-approved tips for achieving an instant glow, no matter how much time you have left before the big day!
Exfoliate for Instant Brightness
Dull skin is often caused by a buildup of dead skin cells. “A quick exfoliation using a mild AHA or BHA exfoliant removes the outer layer of dead skin, instantly brightening your complexion,” advises Dr Deshmukh. “If you're short on time, glycolic acid toner pads work in minutes.” This simple step can leave your skin looking polished and refreshed.
Also read: Try These Natural DIY Scrubs And Exfoliants For Smooth Skin
Sheet Mask for Hydration
If you need a quick boost of hydration, a sheet mask is your best friend. “Packed with serums and active ingredients, a hydrating sheet mask delivers an instant moisture boost and preps your skin for makeup,” says Dr Deshmukh. She recommends choosing a mask with hyaluronic acid for deep hydration or vitamin C for a brightening effect.
Ice Therapy to Depuff and Tighten
A quick and effective way to depuff and tighten your skin is ice therapy. “Wrap a few ice cubes in a soft cloth and gently massage your face for a few minutes,” suggests Dr Deshmukh. “This boosts circulation, minimises pores, and gives you a healthy flush.” For an extra glow, she recommends freezing green tea or rose water and using those instead of plain ice.
Facial Massage for a Sculpted Look
A quick five-minute facial massage can work wonders. “Use a lightweight facial oil and massage in upward strokes to boost circulation, depuff, and sculpt your face,” says Dr Deshmukh. If you’re looking for an instant professional treatment, she suggests options like a hydrafacial, oxygen infusion facial, radiofrequency skin tightening, LED light therapy, or a cryo facial. “These treatments deliver instant hydration, firmness, and radiance with no downtime,” she adds.
Lip Scrub for a Kissable Pout
Smooth, soft lips are a must for Valentine’s Day. “If your lips feel dry or flaky, exfoliate them with a gentle scrub made of sugar and honey,” recommends Dr Deshmukh. “Follow up with a hydrating lip balm for a plump, kissable finish.”
Also read: What Is Lip Oil And How To Use It?
Under-Eye Brightening to Look Refreshed
Dark circles and puffiness can make you look tired, but a few simple tricks can help. “Apply chilled eye patches, a caffeine-based eye cream, or even cold tea bags under your eyes for 10 minutes to brighten and refresh the area,” suggests Dr Deshmukh. “If you need an instant fix, a light-reflecting concealer works wonders.”
Feet Care for Silky Smooth Heels
Your feet deserve some love, especially if you’re wearing open-toe heels or sandals. “For soft, smooth feet, use an exfoliating foot peel, a ceramide-infused foot serum, or a thick overnight foot mask to deeply hydrate and repair cracked heels,” advises Dr Deshmukh. “A quick buff with a pumice stone followed by a rich foot cream or nourishing oil will leave them looking and feeling silky smooth.”
Conclusion
Achieving glowing skin for Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be complicated. With these expert-approved last-minute skincare hacks, you can achieve a fresh, radiant look in no time. Whether it’s exfoliating, using a sheet mask, or indulging in a quick facial massage, these tips will ensure you shine with confidence. So, go ahead and pamper yourself — because glowing skin is the best accessory for any celebration!