Pre- and post-festival skincare: Nail that radiant skin while juggling holiday fun and stress

For all the happiness and joy festivals bring with them, there is also an unwelcome guest: stress, which often lurks beneath the surface. This stress can have a noticeable impact on your skin, leading to issues like breakouts, dullness, and dryness. During this bustling season, it’s crucial to prioritise your skincare routine to maintain that radiant, festive glow.

The excitement of holiday parties can make it easy to neglect regular skincare habits, but doing so can result in unwanted skin problems, warns Dr Trupti D. Agarwal, Consultant, Dermatology, Sir HN Reliance Hospital, Mumbai. “Stress triggers hormonal fluctuations that increase oil production, leading to acne. Additionally, the hectic pace often leads to insufficient sleep, causing your skin to appear tired and lifeless,” she adds.

Making time for self-care during the festivities ensures you not only look radiant but also feel your best as you celebrate the season. Dr Agarwal explains how:

• Cleansing, toning, moisturising and sunscreens: Your face makes the first impression, so follow a good scrubbing, cleansing, toning, and moisturising (CTM) routine every day. After CTM, it's time to shield your skin from the sun's damaging rays. For a quick, easy, and efficient skincare regime, choose multi-purpose beauty products like moisturizers with SPF.

• Food and hydration: To achieve glowing skin, it's important to consume 8-10 glasses of water every day to stay hydrated, eat a balanced diet high in fruits and leafy vegetables, and get enough protein. Your skin will look younger and have fewer wrinkles and lines.

• Workouts: Regular workouts will help clear your pores by making you sweat out pollutants from your body. Exercise at least 3–4 times a week for 45–60 minutes. It is an effective technique to avoid skin problems.

• Hair care: Nothing looks better with healthy skin than smooth, shiny hair. To get that, proper hair care must be taken in advance. A month or more in advance, get a good haircut. Maintain a routine of shampooing, conditioning, and oiling your hair every other day before shampoo. Avoid hot water for hair washing and excessive hair products and heat for styling.

• Sleep: Sleep for 7-8 hours each night to help your skin unwind. Your skin regenerates collagen while you sleep and repairs any UV-related damage.

• Home remedies: Depending on your skin type, natural face packs containing besan, rose water, turmeric, aloe vera gel, honey, and milk can protect your skin from damaging chemicals. Face packs will aid in the treatment of skin issues and enhance your appearance.

• Sheet masks: It takes time to develop healthy skin. It results from a balanced diet, regular exercise, and the rigorous daily use of the best skincare products. However, if you need a quick fix and are having a terrible skin day, try a sheet mask. Consider sheet masks as boosters: whenever your skin looks less healthy, a sheet mask can enhance hydration and give you a more youthful, radiant appearance. However, you shouldn't use sheet masks or home remedies as an excuse to skip your skincare regimen.

• Post care: Your skin suffers from late nights and bad eating, which can frequently cause it to look dry and lifeless. It's crucial to take good care of your skin and ensure it heals after these occasions by adhering to your skincare routine religiously.

1. A break is the first thing your skin requires. Rest and refrain from stress and cosmetics, allowing your skin a few days to breathe.


2. Exfoliate, this helps increase blood circulation and remove dead cells.


3. Increase the amount of water in your diet. Eat a balanced diet and get enough sleep to maintain good skin.


4. Avoid alcohol to help your skin regenerate. This aids in the detoxification of your body and helps flush out any toxins.


5. Use skincare items that will moisturise and hydrate the skin, such as Vitamin C, E, and rich oils.


6. Taking steam may help clear your pores and avoid acne.


7. Sleep and take adequate rest.


8. Use hydrating sheet masks.


9. In case of significant skin damage, consult a board-certified dermatologist.