iStockOn a day like the Grammys, stars aren't the only ones who have their work cut out for them.
Their glam squads are getting up early, lugging around makeup kits, shuffling from one location to the next, giving blowouts, styling updos and getting ready for any spur-of-the-moment after-parties.
A long day of hard work can really take its toll on the skin. For professionals with demanding schedules, it might be difficult to keep skin looking energized and refreshed. We turned to the E! Style Collective, the glamorizers behind the red carpet scene, to find out their skin tricks of the trade.
First things first, they don't just wait until the end of a big day to show their skin a little TLC—it's also about the prep work.
At most award shows, E! News correspondent Alicia Quarles needs to be in full red carpet makeup for celebrity interviews and then switch it up for after-party coverage. To do this, she starts her beauty prep five days before, with moisturizing products like Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream, which can decrease the appearance of fine lines and help get her ready for her close-ups.
When asked how she gets her skin ready for a hectic day, H2O was the answer.
"I'm a true believer in water," she said. "I drink water day and night."
Skin cells are predominantly made up of water. Adequate amounts of water help to replenish skin tissue and maintain moisture, which can increase elasticity. This can help delay signs of aging even with the demands of a tough day.
For celebrity hairdresser Marc Mena, a big day can definitely take its toll on his skin. He helps keep skin energized by protecting it with SPF and by stopping clogged pores before they start.
"I never leave the house without SPF," Marc said. "And throughout the day, I rely on oil blotting papers."
In 2013, a study found that those who used sunscreen daily had skin that was "more resilient, smoother, and elastic and less wrinkled and sagging than those in the control group," according to the American College of Physicians. That's more than just helping skin stay energized at the end of the day—that's long-term prevention and care.
As for blotting papers, they do more than just take away shine. Leaving facial oil unattended to can be a disservice to your skin's health, as it can contribute to clogged pores and breakouts. Blotting high-oil areas like the sides of the nose, the forehead and chin every few hours is an excellent way to absorb excess oil without ruining your makeup.
By the time all of the lights have gone down and the red carpet has long since been rolled up and put away, these beauty stylists to the stars have probably put a lot of mileage on their skin. A regular routine before bed can help replenish your skin.
"Don't sleep in your makeup," Alicia advised. "Take your makeup off!"
Nighttime is when the skin naturally tries to replenish itself by exfoliating dead skin cells, healing blemishes and repairing any damage from the day. Leaving on a layer of makeup and dirt inhibits the skin's ability to do this and may cause premature signs of aging, breakouts and other skin conditions.
After cleansing, your skin is in the perfect state for you to help it re-energize and replenish itself with a strong skin care regimen.
Nikki Lee, owner of Nine Zero One Salon, said that she "moisturizes and tones daily."
"I never go to bed without moisturizing," Marc said in agreement.
As for Alicia, her thoughts of moisturizing fall in line with the others.
"Moisturize the heck out of your skin," said Alicia "I think moisture is the fountain of youth, and I've never had a facial in my life, but I do believe in masks."
The best way to moisturize is at least two minutes after washing it. The skin is still soft and porous, which allows for better absorption. Using a creamy, anti-aging moisturizer is highly recommended because it has a delivery system that can penetrate deep into the skin for strong replenishing results.
It doesn't matter if you've attended the Grammys, had a night on the town or even just a day at the office. Keeping skin hydrated, protected and moisturized before going to bed can make a big difference in your skin's ability to stay healthy and looking great.
For more skin tips, stay connected to E! Style Collective.