5 Skincare Tips to Prep Your Skin for Thanksgiving Glow

Thanksgiving can be a whirlwind, can’t it? Between cooking, hosting, or traveling, it’s easy to forget about your skincare. I’ve been there, rushing around only to glance in the mirror and think, Whoa, my skin looks tired. That’s why I started prepping my skin a few days before the holiday. It’s simple, doesn’t take a ton of time, and makes a huge difference.

Although I often switch products with the changing seasons due to the variations in my skin, I always check Yesstyle first. It’s the only place where I can find the most authentic and affordable products, along with a smooth delivery process. Recently, I've made changes to my skincare routine, and I’ll be adding all the products for each tip so you can get your hands on them as well. Here’s what works for me.

1. Start with a Gentle Exfoliation

A few days before Thanksgiving, I use a gentle exfoliator to get rid of any dry patches or buildup. I’ve been loving a chemical exfoliant like glycolic acid—it’s effective but doesn’t feel harsh. If you’re into scrubs, just make sure it’s a mild one so it doesn’t irritate your skin. This step smooths everything out, so your skin looks fresh and makeup applies better.

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Heartleaf BHA Peeling Pad

celimax

$12.99 $18.90

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Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner

The Ordinary

$31.90

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Rice Cocktail Face Scrub

RiRe

$10.32 $12.90

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2. Hydrate with a Mask

Two nights before Thanksgiving, I pop on a hydrating mask while catching up on a show. My go-to is a sheet mask because it’s fuss-free, but a gel or cream mask works too. It’s like giving your skin a tall glass of water. After 15 minutes, my face feels plump and refreshed, which is exactly what I need when I’m running on limited sleep.

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Collagen Lifting Sheet Mask

medicube

$3.00 $4.90

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Wash Off Honey Mask

I'm from

$26.60 $38.00

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Zero Pore Mud Mask

medicube

$18.00 $20.00

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3. Brighten Up with Vitamin C

I swear by a good Vitamin C serum in the mornings. It’s like a shot of espresso for your skin. I gently pat a few drops onto my face and let it soak in before moisturizing. This step helps with dullness and gives my skin that subtle glow. It’s been a game-changer, especially when I’ve been skimping on sleep.

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Freshly Juiced Vitamin Drop

Dear, Klairs

$19.55 $23.00

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Vit C Brightening Ampoule

COMMONLABS

$12.94 $19.90

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Hyper Vitamin C 23 Serum

Isntree

$16.32 $20.40

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4. Don’t Skip Moisturizer

Thanksgiving Day is not the time to play around with a new moisturizer. Stick to one that you know hydrates well and doesn’t feel greasy. I make sure to use something rich enough to keep my skin soft but light enough to layer under makeup. If I know I’ll be outside, I grab one with SPF—yes, even in November.

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Ato Barrier 365 Cream

AESTURA

$22.39 $31.99

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Snail 92 All In One Cream

COSRX

$11.19 $19.60

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Niacinamide Facial Cream

APLB

$9.80 $16.40

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5. Overnight Care Is Key

The night before, I use a sleeping mask or a thick moisturizer to lock in all the goodness. It’s like a final layer of protection, so I wake up with skin that feels soft and hydrated. Trust me, this step makes a noticeable difference, especially if you’re planning on wearing makeup all day.

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Lip Sleeping Mask Mini

LANEIGE

$3.62 $5.40

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Nourishing Rice Overnight Mask

COSRX

$9.00 $15.10

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Cell Renew Snail Sleeping Mask

MISSHA

$15.93 $17.70

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Final Thoughts

Honestly, prepping your skin for Thanksgiving doesn’t have to be a huge production. These small steps take a few extra minutes and leave you feeling confident when the big day arrives. Plus, it’s kind of nice to sneak in a little self-care before the holiday madness begins.

Also Read: How to Prep Your Skin for Makeup: A Step-by-Step Guide