Skincare Dos and Don’ts for Healthy Skin: Festive Season Edition

The festive season is one of the most exciting times of the year. Whether it's Diwali or Navaratri, there’s always something to look forward to. It’s a time filled with celebrations, music, dancing, lights, and most importantly, indulging in good food. It’s a great time to reconnect with family and friends and get the party started. However, amid all the festivities, our skin goes through a lot. Whether it’s the makeup, the pollution, or the late-night celebrations, our skin is the first to feel the effects.

But don’t worry! This festive season, we’ve got you covered. We’ve curated a list of dos and don’ts to ensure your skin looks flawless. Even with all the celebrations, your skin deserves the best, and we have just the tips for you.

The golden rule: Always wash your face before bed.
Festivals often mean getting ready and trying out new glam looks, from heavy foundation to bold eye makeup. While this is fun, it’s important to remove everything before bed. Having a good nighttime routine is essential to help get rid of the day's buildup, but we’ll get into that in a minute.
It’s essential to wash away all the makeup from your face, as it can lead to clogged pores, breakouts, blackheads, and more. It can also make your skin feel dull and cause dehydration. Even if you’re not wearing makeup, you should wash your face at night. It helps rejuvenate your skin, keeps it refreshed, and allows it to breathe.

Invest in a good cleanser.
A good cleanser is an essential part of your skincare routine. It should be powerful enough to get rid of all the dirt and grime from the day but gentle enough not to strip away your skin’s natural oils. You don’t want a cleanser that leaves your skin dry and irritated. Opt for cleansers that are alcohol- and sulfate-free. You can even use micellar water if you’ve been wearing makeup before washing your face. Double cleansing (using an oil cleanser followed by a regular cleanser) is another great method to get rid of all the buildup on your face. Find a face wash that suits your skin.

Follow a routine.
It may seem like your routine is all over the place during the celebrations, but it’s important to stick to your skincare routine (day and night) to ensure your skin gets its dose of hydration and rejuvenation. This is when your skin needs it the most. Without it, you may notice that your skin becomes dull and loses its usual glow. Keep it simple with a cleanser, toner, moisturizer, and sunscreen.

Don’t go overboard with sweets.
The festive season is all about indulging, and why shouldn’t you? There’s so much to choose from, and when you’re with friends, it’s the last thing you want to think about. However, sugar is one of the biggest enemies of healthy skin, and excessive sugar can lead to inflammation, especially in the skin. This inflammation can manifest as acne and irritation. To maintain good skin health, be mindful of your sugar consumption. Additionally, incorporate vitamin C and antioxidant-rich foods into your diet to counter the effects of sugar and keep your skin glowing. You can also add a vitamin C serum to your skincare routine, but be sure to check if it works for your skin.

Don’t skip sunscreen.
Some festive seasons come around during the cooler months when the sun doesn’t seem as strong. Even then, you should apply sunscreen for extra protection. While the sun may not be as visible, UVA and UVB rays can still damage your skin. Be sure to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 to protect your skin from harmful UV rays.

Hydration is your best friend.
Don’t skip out on hydration. This includes drinking enough water and using a good moisturizer that suits your skin. It’s easy to get caught up in the celebrations and forget to drink water, but dehydration can lead to a dry and dull complexion. To counter that, make sure to keep a water bottle handy at all times. You can also drink coconut water or tea to stay refreshed throughout the day.

Don’t forget your eye care.
With all the festive looks you’ll be trying out, the area under your eyes may feel a little dry. To help with this, try using an eye cream or gel for an extra boost of moisture. Alternatively, you can use an ice roller or cool patch to help with puffiness and soothe tired eyes. The area around the eyes is quite thin and sensitive, so be gentle.

Beauty sleep is the best sleep.
Late-night parties are always part of the festive fun, but they can take a toll on your skin. Lack of sleep shows up as puffy eyes, dark circles, eye bags, a dull complexion, and more. It’s important to prioritize quality sleep during the festive season to ensure you look and feel your best. You can also think about using an overnight mask or under-eye cream to help combat the effects of lack of sleep.

Pollution during festivals like Diwali
Pollution levels rise during celebrations like Diwali, which can be harmful to the skin. Pollution particles can infiltrate the skin's barrier, causing oxidative stress, accelerated aging, and acne. Include antioxidant-rich ingredients in your routine, such as vitamin C, green tea extract, and niacinamide, to protect your skin from free radical damage. These substances help to counteract pollution’s negative effects and enhance the skin's barrier.

Carry some essentials with you when you’re out.
When you're out and about, it's helpful to carry a few essentials. Keep a facial mist on hand to refresh your skin, especially if it feels a bit dry. Makeup remover wipes or facial wipes are useful for quick cleanups while blotting papers help absorb excess sebum and sweat. If you're out during the day, remember to reapply sunscreen every 3 hours for protection. Additionally, keep a moisturizer with you in case your skin feels dry or tends to be on the drier side.

If you experience an acne flare-up, using a spot corrector can speed up the healing process. Remember, it’s not just your skin that needs care—your hair does too. Hair can become dry as well, so a good serum is perfect for providing a non-greasy finish while adding extra shine. Just as your skin needs hydration, so does your hair, so make sure to look for ingredients that suit your hair type!

Skincare is a journey.
Skincare is a long-term commitment. You may not see immediate results, and that’s perfectly fine. It’s important to be patient and gentle with yourself during this process. A consistent skincare routine is essential, even when it’s not festival season, so invest in one that works for you. Not only does it maintain your skin's health and barrier, but it can also boost your mood. Plus, skincare can be a therapeutic part of your downtime, offering a moment of relaxation in your day.

Using lightweight oils to nourish the skin
Oils can be good for your skin, especially in colder months when it tends to dry out. Lightweight oils like argan oil, rosehip oil, and jojoba oil are ideal for moisturizing the skin without clogging pores. They contain fatty acids and antioxidants that nourish and repair the skin. While oils can be beneficial for hydration, heavy oils can clog pores, particularly if you have oily or acne-prone skin. To avoid breakouts during the holidays, use oils sparingly and opt for non-comedogenic choices.

The festive season is a time for celebrations, family, and feasts. It’s one of the best things to look forward to each year. That being said, it’s important to take care of ourselves, even when things get hectic. It’s important to remember that your skincare is a journey and to be kind to yourself throughout. From wearing SPF to staying hydrated, these little tips and changes you incorporate into your routine will leave your skin thanking you. There’s nothing better than the festive season—well, except having healthy skin.