When the invite says red carpet—or even just camera-ready—you know the glam starts well before the first swipe of foundation. The true magic? Skin that already looks radiant, before the makeup even goes on.

At the Allure Philippines launch held at The Peninsula Manila, it wasn’t just the beauty editors and celebrities who turned heads—it was the dermatologists, too. Their skin spoke volumes. So we asked the experts: How do they prep for a big night?

Here are derm-approved skin prep tips that can make all the difference:

1. Hydrate like your glow depends on it—because it does.

For smooth, long-lasting makeup, hydration is key—and the experts agree. “Generally, I would recommend moisturizing days before so that when you apply makeup, it will apply more evenly,” advises board-certified dermatologist Francesca Sy-Alvarado, MD.

Board-certified dermatologist Gaile Robredo-Vitas, MD echoes the same tip, sharing, “What I find very helpful is preparing your skin by putting on moisturizers and serums that hydrate the skin.” 

She adds that using products or doing treatments that involve ingredients like hyaluronic acid makes a visible difference. “Because hyaluronic acid, as we know, is a humectant so it draws in moisture [and] helps lock in moisture, so almost immediately after you do the treatment, you’ll notice a glow.”

2. Don’t skip sunscreen, even if it’s not a beach day.

Even before a big event, sunscreen stays non-negotiable. We all know its importance in protecting the skin from sun damage and promoting overall skin health. “I’m a big fan of sunscreen,” says Dr. Sy-Alvarado. Just choose wisely: If flash photography is involved, go for chemical filters to avoid the white cast. Because great skin shouldn’t be dulled down by the wrong SPF.

3. Load up on antioxidants.

For events where your skin needs to look its best, antioxidants remain a top choice for protection and radiance. Think of them as your skin’s daily armor.

“Other than sunscreen, I’m also a big fan of antioxidants like vitamin C [and] vitamin E. It also helps protect you from the sun and helps lessen the effects of stress on the skin,” Dr. Sy-Alvarado emphasizes. “So long term, you get less wrinkling and your skin looks brighter.” 

4. For extra impact, book an in-clinic treatment.

For more intensive prep, laser toning is a go-to for Dr. Robredo-Vitas. “I do laser toning treatments to even out my skin tone, to remove blotching, pigmentation, and redness, and to give that glow,” she shares. If you’re trying out a new treatment, it’s best to do it weeks before so you can avoid any redness or other issues. 

Board-certified dermatologist Raissa Francisco-Pasion, MD also recommends a laser toning treatment and polynucleotide injections—a procedure popularly known as the “salmon sperm facial.” The treatment uses salmon sperm—which closely resembles human DNA—letting them integrate more naturally into the skin, helping stimulate collagen production and promote skin health. “It just makes your skin glow from within,” she says.

5. When in doubt, exfoliate or deep-clean.

If you’re dealing with skin issues, dullness, or buildup, deep treatments can help prep the perfect base. “It really helps to have a deep cleansing facial or an exfoliating facial,” advises Dr. Robredo-Vitas. Just remember—gentle is key if you’re prepping close to the event.

6. Skin boosters? Yes, please.

If you’ve got the time and want to elevate your glow from subtle to next-level, skin boosters might be your skin’s best investment. Dr. Robredo-Vitas swears by skin boosters (especially hyaluronic acid ones) done in a series. HA skin boosters are injectable treatments that use hyaluronic acid—a substance naturally found in your skin—to deliver deep hydration, boost collagen, fight off dullness with antioxidants, and gently plump up the skin from within for a fresher, smoother look. “These treatments give you glowy, dewy, and healthy radiant-looking skin,” says Dr. Robredo-Vitas.

Bonus: Don’t forget your tools.

No amount of skin prep can outmatch dirty brushes. Beautiful skin starts with clean tools, especially your brushes. “Make sure to use clean brushes,” emphasizes board-certified dermatologist Katrina Reyes, MD. Dirty tools can clog pores, trigger acne, and undo all your skin prep efforts, so make cleanliness part of your glam game. The takeaway? The glow starts before the glam.

When your skin feels good, everything else falls into place. Whether it’s for the red carpet or a milestone that matters to you, great makeup starts with great prep—and great prep starts with the skin.

Time to put some skin in the game: