Diwali 2024: Tips to prevent pollution and late nights from spoiling your glow

As we step into November, the festivities have begun and Diwali, the festival of lights, lamps, sweets and togetherness with loved ones, is here. All over India, people dress in their season’s best and decorate their homes with lights and rangoli.

It is often said that a beautiful smile and clear glowing skin is all the makeup one needs; And beautiful luscious hair is undoubtedly the supreme glory. This festival always comes with overeating, fried food, excess of sweets and late night dinner.

Additionally, fireworks and outdoor celebrations can increase exposure to pollution, which can have an impact on your skin. Therefore it is important to take good care of your skin.

Below are some simple skin care tips followed by Dr. Smriti Naswa, Consultant Dermatologist, Pediatric and Cosmetic Dermatologist at Fortis Hospital, Mulund, that will help you maintain your glow during and after Diwali.

Preparing your skin:

• Minimal Skin Routine – A minimal routine of cleansing and applying sunscreen during the day, cleansing and moisturizing at night goes a long way.
• Skin Cream/Serum – Vitamin C and Vitamin A based serums should be applied in the evening and night. It hydrates, repairs, rejuvenates and provides glow to the skin.
• DIY mask – Scrub/aluminium hydroxide crystal-based microdermabrasion cream (not in active acne patients) followed by face pack Multani soil/ clay soil (for oily skin), honey / olive oil and curd / milk (for normal or dry skin), depending on whether the skin is very sweaty / hot (prefer curd) or dry and dull (can substitute milk) or Ubtan with Sandalwood, Haldi And Flour (Do not wait for it to dry, rather wash it while it is still wet).
• Procedures in Dermatology OPD – Chemical glow peels, face and body polishing (microdermabrasion), PRP (vampire facelift), mesotherapy, photo facial (Q switched NDYAG laser) are some of the options that can be chosen as per the advice of the dermatologist.

Diwali Makeup Tips:

• People with acne-prone skin should use water-based foundation and makeup products. Mousse-based makeup lasts longer and does not wash off with sweat, but can aggravate acne.
• Remove makeup no matter how late you return from a party
• One can use a cleansing milk or just a good moisturizer and gently rub it all over the skin while removing makeup, followed by a cleansing process with a cleanser (which takes out the excess cleansing milk or moisturizer present on the skin , which clears the skin).
• This cleaning routine should be followed as per the nightly routine. If you don’t have time, a moisturizer is enough to hydrate and repair the skin. If you have time and you are between 30-40, apply a night cream before bed containing vitamin A, which has anti-aging properties and hyaluronic acid which helps your skin retain moisture ( Especially after 40).
• People with acne-prone skin can use a salicylic acid-based serum or non-comedogenic moisturizer at night as the final step of their routine.

Diet and lifestyle tips for better skin during Diwali:

• Try to balance eating out with home-cooked meals. Make sure to eat at least one meal at home every day, even if you plan to go out with friends and family.
• Try to include fruits and vegetables in your diet in the form of vegetable juices (don’t stress, take fiber with them); And fruit or green smoothies. Avoid packaged juices that are high in sugar, choose freshly squeezed juices without added sugar.
• If you have planned a late night celebration, have a light breakfast the next day. To keep your stomach full for a longer period, you can eat nuts and seeds along with fruits and oats.
• Make sure to stay hydrated by drinking 2-3 liters of water per day.
• If the level of pollution around you is very high then celebrate Diwali indoors.

Sleep and exercise tips for Diwali:

• Try to get at least eight hours of sleep every day.
• Turn off using your phone and other devices shortly before bed and at least 30 minutes before you get ready to sleep. A good night’s sleep will repair the skin, hair, nails and body.
• Exercise for at least 2.5-3 hours a week. Exercise helps in removing lethargy and fills our body with endorphins, which make us energetic.

Diwali is a time of togetherness and joy, so stay away from celebrations that happen only once a year and make sure to enjoy them.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions you may have about a medical condition.