We're fast approaching event season, where at any moment an invitation to something you weren't quite ready for can land in your lap with about three days' notice. Before you spiral into a skincare panic, breatheee. Three days isn't long, but it's enough time to work with your skin's natural processes instead of against them.
The secret is about getting your skin to its absolute best version of itself. Think hydration, minimising inflammation, and one strategic professional treatment that does the heavy lifting. Here's the no-nonsense 72hr protocol for when time is short but looking flawless is non-negotiable.
Hour 1: Start with a clean slate
If your skin handles them well, use a chemical exfoliant like lactic or mandelic acid to remove dead skin cells. Follow immediately with hyaluronic acid serum. Research shows that hyaluronic acid and glycerin can provide long-lasting hydration effects for up to 24 hours.
Only use products you know work for your skin. Three days before an event isn't the time to test anything new.
Hours 1–24: Address water retention
Cut the salt. High sodium intake causes water retention, which leads to puffiness and swelling, especially around the eyes and face, because when the body senses excess sodium, it holds onto extra water to dilute the salt in the bloodstream.
At the same time, increase your water intake. Studies have shown that dietary water intake does affect skin hydration, with consistent impact on both surface and deep hydration variables.
You should notice your skin looking less puffy and more hydrated by the end of day one.
Hours 24–48: Add circulation and professional treatment
Continue your hydration routine and add gentle upward facial massage each morning along your jawline and cheekbones. While there's limited research on lymphatic drainage massage specifically, improving circulation will help with fluid movement.
Book a Pep9 Hydrafacial for day two, ideally 48 hours before your event. This isn't just any facial, it's a treatment that works in three distinct phases: cleanse, extract, and hydrate. The Pep9 version is supercharged with peptides that firm and smooth while the vortex technology delivers serums deep into the skin.
The 48-hour timing is crucial. You want to give your skin enough time to settle from any minor redness or sensitivity, but not so much time that the glow fades. Professional treatments can deliver more intensive results than at-home care alone, and this one leaves skin looking genuinely luminous, the kind of radiance that photographs beautifully under any lighting.
Switch to a silk pillowcase to reduce friction while you sleep. This may help prevent moisture loss and reduce hair friction against your skin.
Hours 48–72: Maintain consistency
Continue your low-sodium, high-water routine. Research on specific timing for peak skin hydration varies, but maintaining consistent hydration is beneficial.
On night two, use a hydrogel mask for 20 minutes before bed. We love the Nuface IonPlex® Hydra-Gel Power Mask or the Augustinus Bader Hydrogel Face Mask. Occlusive treatments can help push active ingredients into the skin and prevent water loss overnight.
Event morning: Final preparation
Cold therapy can help reduce puffiness by constricting blood vessels and reducing inflammation. Splashing your face with ice water constricts capillaries, reducing puffiness.
Apply your usual serum immediately after the cold water treatment and voila!
Each step in this 72-hour edit is designed to sync with your skin’s natural rhythm, amplifying what it already does best. You’ll be left with skin that looks luminous and balanced, like you’ve been quietly preparing for weeks, not days.
Cover Image: Glass skin makeup by Katie Maxwell on Claire from Key Models