Dermatologists share skin care hacks for glowing complexion and no breakouts during Navratri nights

Skincare hacks can help you keep a glowing complexion and prevent breakouts so you shine through all the Navratri nights.(Image: Pexels)

As the dandiya- garba dances continue and Navratri nights stretch longer, your skin might start showing signs of strain. What begins as a vibrant, festive flush can quickly turn into patchiness, breakouts, or dullness by the midweek. It’s not just tiredness, it’s what dermatologists call festive skin fatigue, a real phenomenon where makeup, disrupted sleep, oily treats, and environmental factors overwhelm your skin’s natural defences.

Keeping your skin radiant during the nine- day celebration of Navratri requires consistent, balanced care, hydration, cleansing, using skin-friendly makeup, and supporting with expert treatments, Dr Saloni Vora-Gala, Medical Head, Dr Sheth’s Skin and Hair Clinics, Mumbai, told Moneycontrol.

She opines, “The skin barrier works overtime during festivities. Extended makeup wear, late nights, and poor cleansing disrupt the skin’s repair cycle, leading to inflammation and dehydration.” Add humidity, sweat, and styling products, and it’s a perfect storm for congestion and irritation.

The key to maintaining that glow, is preparation. Dr Vora-Gala told Moneycontrol, “Start your skincare well before Navratri. Gentle exfoliation with alpha or beta hydroxy acids removes dead skin and lets fresh skin shine through without irritation.” She stresses hydration too: “Moisturisers with hyaluronic acid lock in moisture, keeping skin firm and radiant. Treatments like Profhilo can boost collagen, making skin resilient to festive stress.”

Keeping your skin happy during the celebrations means sticking to basics but doing them right. Cleanse twice daily with mild, oil-preserving cleansers to remove makeup, sweat, and pollutants without stripping skin. Sunscreen remains essential—even for daytime rituals outdoors.

Makeup should be lightweight and non-comedogenic, avoiding heavy foundations that trap sweat and dirt during energetic dandiya dances. “A good setting spray helps makeup last without stressing the skin,” Dr Vora-Gala told Moneycontrol.

Skin health isn’t just about what you put on your face. Dr Shravya Gurnurkar, Chief Dermatologist,  Anceita Skin & Hair Clinic, Hyderabad told Moneycontrol, highlights professional treatments: “Alma Hybrid laser and radiofrequency improve skin texture and tighten pores, giving a fresh, festive-ready look without downtime.”

Nutrition, adds Dr Gurnurkar, plays its part too. “Eat antioxidant-rich fruits like pomegranates and oranges to support skin repair. Cut back on caffeine and alcohol during festivals to reduce dehydration and inflammation,” Dr Gurnurkar told Moneycontrol.

After the last dandiya step, your skin needs some TLC. “Soothe irritation with calming masks featuring aloe vera or chamomile, and support repair with a rich night cream. Avoid exfoliation for a few days to protect your skin barrier." Dr Gurnurkar tells Moneycontrol.