How To Recover From Fashion Month

DRINK WATER!: Between all the flying and cold temperatures during fashion month, it is easy to get dehydrated. Since your body is 50-60% water, drinking water will give you an overall recovery. Avoid caffeine and alcohol for a little while as they increase dehydration.
EAT FOODS RICH WITH PROTEIN AND CALCIUM: Such as meat, fish, eggs, almonds, and tofu. Not only do these foods boost your energy and metabolism, but they also give you vibrant skin and strong nails and hair.
BIOTIN: If you can't consume enough nutrients in your food, take a biotin supplement. It contains Vitamin B which helps strengthen your hair, nails, and skin. CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN BEFORE TAKING ANY SUPPLEMENTS. Nature's Bounty Super Potency Biotin ($13.49 Walgreens.com)
INCREASE YOUR VITAMIN C & ZINC INTAKE: They have multiple health benefits, but the one that is most important after all the travel and long hours is their ability to strengthen your immune system. Foods to include in your diet are; citrus fruits, pumpkin seeds, oatmeal, almond milk, broccoli, red and green bell peppers, cabbage and chickpeas.

LEAVE THE MAKEUP ALONE: With a month of makeup artists painting your face at least 2 or 3 times a day, let your skin breathe! Avoid wearing makeup - unless you have a job or modeling appointment that requires it. This will keep your pores clean and also minimize dryness. Plus, you may notice that your eyelashes and eyebrows will grow back!
EXFOLIATE: It's not only makeup, and the dullness from late nights, that you are removing, but also bacteria from the recycled air in airplanes. Exfoliate a couple times a week, or better yet - go get a facial! We love Lush Ocean Salt Scrub. ($21.95 Lushusa.com)
FACE MASKS: Cold weather, copious amounts of makeup application and air travel wreak havoc on the skin. Rehydrate it with a face mask or two. We recommend GLAMGLOW SUPERMUD® Clearing Treatment. ($59 Sephora)
FACE BALMS AND OILS: Hydrate! Hydrate! Hydrate! It's the keyword post-fashion month. Continue repairing dry skin with a face oil or balm. We absolutely love Epicuren's Soothe Dermal Repair Balm. ($68.50 Epicuren.com)
WEAR SPF: While you are in the repair phase, you will need to protect your healing skin from the sun's rays. But, no matter what the weather, always apply sunscreen! Try Avène Antirougeurs Day Redness Relief Soothing Cream SPF 25.($37.00 Aveneusa.com)

PREVENT ADDITIONAL HAIR LOSS AND BREAKAGE: If you have suffered hair loss due to the hours of teasing, combing, crazy updos and blowdrying, avoid pulling your hair back into tight ponytails or buns. Instead, use small hair claws to keep a few strands back along the temples or do a low loose chignon, bun or pony if you need to pull it all back. We love No Slip Grip Tortoise Shell Hair Claws ($5.99 Claires.com)
SKIP A DAY OR TWO OF HAIR WASHING: Shampooing your hair on a daily basis strips its natural oils which will increase dryness and breakage. Try washing your hair every other day or better yet, every three days - unless of course, you have bookings or castings! Don't forget to add a deep cleansing shampoo and rich moisturizing conditioner that contain natural products, like Aveeno® Active Naturals® Pure Renewal™ Shampoo. ($5.99 Target.com)
NO BRUSHING OR TOWEL DRYING WET HAIR: Use your fingers or a large tooth comb to detangle your locks. If you need to dry your hair, gently pat with a towel. Being too rough will cause more breakage, and knots that you will have to try and comb through.Try Mason Pearson Rake Comb ($35 Neimanmarcus.com)
AVOID HEAT DAMAGE: Unless your job requires it, put down the hair dryer, curler and straightener. Heated appliances will cause more damage to your hair. If you really have to use them, apply some heat protector beforehand. Also, keep the temperature of the appliance on its lowest level. We like Insta Natural Argan Oil Thermal Protector Spray ($9.97 Instanatural.com)

NAILS IN THE BUFF: If you were given multiple manicures during fashion month that involved acrylics, gels, and rhinestones, your nails are probably paying for it now. Try to keep your nails bare and natural for as long as possible, so they can restore to their natural state. Of course, you can still visit the nail salon and get your manis and pedis, but request that your nails be buffed - not polished.
APPLY CUTICLE OIL: Not only will extensive nail art cause your nails to get brittle and dry but also the cold weather in the fashion capitals. Rehydrate your cuticles with oils or creams. We like CND® Nail & Cuticle Treatment Solar Oil - 0.5 fl oz ($12.49 Target.com)
WEAR GLOVES: Cracked skin and flaking nails are really difficult to treat during the winter months. By wearing gloves, it will keep your hands warmer, therefore locking in moisture. If you are lucky enough to be back in warm weather, you may still want to consider wearing household gloves while doing any chores. They will protect your hands and nails from dryness when over washing hands and handling cleaning products.

STAY OFF THE HEELS: After walking miles and miles in sky-high stilettos, it's time to stay grounded and let your poor feet rest. With the exception of any modeling duties, wear well-supported flats for a couple of weeks.
TREAT BLISTERS: Clean any blisters that you might have and then apply ointment, such as Neosporin, followed with a band-aid. This will help them heal faster and prevent any infection.
SOAK AND EXFOLIATE: Aside from the fact that it feels like heaven to soak your feet in warm water, it also softens them to help remove dead skin. After 20 minutes or so, apply a foot scrub. If you have callouses or a large amount of dry skin, you may want to exfoliate with a pumice stone afterwards. Finally, finish off with some foot cream to lock in the moisture. We love L’Occitane Shea Butter Foot Cream. ($29 Sephora.com)
MASSAGE FEET AND CALVES: Yes, a tennis ball! It works like a charm to loosen stiff muscles and tendons in your feet and calves.

How To Recover From Fashion Month

Photo: Elizabeth Lippman for The New York Times

Has Fashion Month Left You Feeling Like You've Been Hit By A Wrecking Ball?

From The Inside Out

Skin

Hair

Nails

Feet