Introduction: The festive season is here again and Diwali (the festival of lights) is just round the corner. We cannot let it pass without lighting up our faces with a beautiful glow. Everyone wants to look their best, but unfortunately, often end up looking their worst due to consumption of unhealthy rich food, stress due to hectic shopping, the pollution in the air due to incessant firecrackers and lack of time for skincare.Yes. The most essential ingredient to get a special glow and radiance is a happy attitude to life and a stress free mind, so you need to start making an effort to achieve that before you start the beauty routine. Having taken this initial step, let us move a step further. That is the skin care which is very important keeping in mind the added pollution and the stress. This is very easy provided there is a diligent skin care regime and during this time you need to indulge in a few extra skincare procedures which will help you long way.

SKIN CARE REGIME DURING FESTIVE TIMES

  • Cleansing: Toxins from the body and pollutants from the environment give the skin dull look. Instead of soap use a face wash. Gel or foam for normal to oily skin and crème cleansers for those with dry skin.
  • Makeup remover: For those using makeup, use extra makeup remover wipes prior to cleansing the face. Available with leading cosmetic brands, cold milk as well as baby oil is a good makeup remover especially for dry skins.
  • Moisturizing: Different skin types have different requirements. Choose from creams for dry skin, lotions for normal skin and gels for oily skin. No matter the skin type, always moisturize prior to sleeping.
  • Scrubbing: Exfoliation removes dead skin cells; but skin cells shed every 28 days so use scrub only once a week or once a month (depending on skin type). Use bran soaked in water, moong dal scrub or ones available in the market. Do not over scrub as it removes all moisture from skin and may also harm the skin.
  • Masks: Fruits like papaya, banana have the capacity to dissolve toxins when applied, oily skin can use multani mitti or clay pack
  • Protection: Never go out without a layer of protection at any age, which can be sunscreen (minimum SPF 25) moisturizer,  compact powder and  foundation, to prevent dust and dirt harm you. Barrier creams available can be used prior to fire crackers show.
  • Water spray: Sprinkle water on face and neck every morning. Use a spray bottle and take care not to rub with towel but to pat dry. Whether it's a commercial product, or one you make yourself (fill a spray bottle with distilled water, add a few drops of chamomile or essential oils, shake it gently before each use, and spray it on) hydrate your face, even over makeup,frequently throughout the day. Spraying removes toxins collected at night and increases circulation of blood. Thermal water sprays are available in market.

EXTRA CARE AND PRECAUTIONS DURING DIWALI TIME

  • Limit your sweet intake: It may seem like wet blanket advice during the season, but at least keep consumption under control. If you overdose on sugary and fried goodies, in a few days it'll start showing on your face -- breakouts, dull skin, weight gain, not to mention allergies thanks to the artificial colors and flavors that go into mass-produced sweets. Make sure to include plenty of fresh fruit and raw vegetables in your diet
  • Don’t stop working out: Some form of workout, walks, gym, meditation is required. In the hustle and bustle of shopping, socialising and pre-Diwali card parties, do not compromise on your health. Continue your exercise regime as usual and you'll be thankful at the end of the season that you didn't pile on the pounds.
  • Hydrate yourself: Nothing saps the skin of its lustre like dryness. The sudden change of season and drop of atmospheric humidity experienced in this month can shrivel up your skin. Use a water-based moisturiser frequently and drink plenty of water to hydrate your skin. Lukewarm water to which honey and lemon can be added takes away the puffiness of face caused by fluid retention at night.
  • Protect your skin from firecrackers: Most firecrackers have high smoke emissions due to high magnesium and cordite content. These fumes and particulate emissions can settle on your skin and harm it, causing irritant reactions, chemical burns and allergies. Stay at least six to seven feet away from lit fireworks. If you have sensitive skin, it's a good idea to tie a cotton scarf over your face while lighting or watching a fireworks. Wash your face thoroughly with a mild soap and water immediately afterwards and follow up with a moisturizer. In case of burns, wash the area immediately with cool running water for 10 minutes or longer, till the burning sensation eases. Apply an antibiotic cream on mild burns and consult a doctor immediately.
  • Care from skin : Excessive exposure to pollution can cause premature aging and wrinkles on the skin. Excessive humidity can cause acne eruption, fungal infections and a host of other skin diseases. Skin stays excessively sticky and greasy and should be washed every few hours with a gel face wash
  • Dark circles and puffiness around eyes:  This is commonly seen especially during hectic shopping and late night-outs during Diwali. For dark circles, Vitamin C serum massage for the under eye area at night for 3 – 5 minutes is a good remedy. Active ingredients like kojic acid, liquorice, hydroquinone, azelaic acid etc are good lightening agents. Cucumber or potato pulp applied for few minutes under eyes reduces puffiness as well as dark circles.

And now get ready to look great during the festival of lights.