Top 10 Prom Beauty Problems

Sarah Bellum Says:

Is it just me, or does any one else get nostalgic for high school prom around this time of year? It’s been a few years since my prom but I’m living vicariously through my teen age niece who’s preparing for her 8th grade promotion dance. Sigh.

But before you think this is Sarah’s Sob Story, let me tell ya this post really is about beauty science. In fact, you might be surprised to find that there’s a connection between beauty science and prom. (At least there better be because I need to find SOMETHING prom-related to blog about!) So without further adieu (which is a word I picked up on my European vacation) here’s the Beauty Brains take on the science of prom:

1. Pre-prom pimple

Yes, the inevitable zit that pops up right before the big dance. Don’t you hate that? Recent research shows stress affects the condition of your skin. I don’t know if that’s true but I do recall that Prom time is more than a little bit stressful!

2. Trash the flash

How many times do you think you’ll have your picture taken on prom night? Some research suggests that flash photography generates damaging UV radiation, the same kind that gives you sun burn. That’s why art museums don’t allow flash photography of their paintings – all those thousands of flashes can be damaging. (But don’t worry about it too much unless you’re having A LOT of pictures taken.)

3. Stop and smell the flowers

Hopefully your corsage will be cute. But remember that flowers are one of the most common allergens. So if you start to wheeze and sneeze, you know what to blame. Here’s a list of the best and worst flowers for allergy sufferers.

4. Have a blister, sister

Sure, you look cute in those heels, but all that dancing is gonna kill your feet! Consider a good blister block if you’re breaking in a new pair of shoes.

5. Fearing the earring

Flowers aren’t the only thing that can cause an allergic reaction or contact dermatitis. Many of us have a reaction to cheap jewelry and the culprit is usually trace amounts of nickel. Check out this list of nickel and 9 other common skin allergens. And buy better jewelry!

6. Band-Aid

Ah, there’s nothing better than the pounding beat of the DJ to get you up and dancing. But surprisingly, new research shows that high frequency sounds may actually be good for your skin. At least according to this article that talks about using ultrasonic treatments to clear up eczema.

7. Fats and your face

Does sugar or fatty foods really cause acne? It seems scientists just can’t make up their minds!

8. Hair Scare

Want big hair for your special night? You might wearing extensions but be careful because they can kill your hair!

9. Why whiter teeth?

With all the photos (and the potential for post-prom smooching) you might be tempted to slap on some whitening strips to make your teeth whiter than white.

10. Don’t sweat the small stuff

Not to make you edgy, but this could be one of the biggest nights of your life so far. So you’re bound to be nervous, which means you’ll be a sweaty mess. If that’s a problem for you, you might consider a super-strength anti-perspirant. By the way, in case you’re wondering, the answer is yes: the prom couple in today’s picture are dressed entirely in duct tape outfits. Go figure.

Do you have any beauty product related prom stories to share? Leave a comment and tell the rest of the Beauty Brains community.