Skincare tips: Home remedies to stop acne breakouts, dry skin, dark circles during festivals

Causes of acne breakouts: During the festive season, indulging in oily foods and sweets can lead to increased oil production in your skin. This excess oil can mix with dead skin cells and bacteria, clogging your pores and resulting in acne breakouts (Image: Canva)

As the festival season approaches, you might find yourself in the midst of celebrations, late-night gatherings, and feasts. Amidst the fun and excitement, however, your skin may start to show signs of distress. From unexpected breakouts to dry patches, the holiday season can be tough on your complexion. The various skin problems are often triggered by lifestyle changes and environmental factors.

Acne breakouts are common, thanks to indulgent foods, lack of sleep, and heavy makeup, says Pooja Nagdev, Cosmetologist & Aromatherapist and Founder of Inatur, skin care products, New Delhi. She explains, “During the festival season, you might also experience sensitivity and irritation from using fragrant cosmetics or exposure to allergens like smoke and pollution.”

Additionally, the use of harsh makeup removers and late nights can lead to dryness and dehydration, leaving your skin flaky and dull. If you've been celebrating a little too much, you might notice puffiness and dark circles around your eyes, which can result from high sodium intake and inadequate rest.

Additionally, the combination of stress and dehydration can make your skin appear dull and lifeless. “Also, extended outdoor activities without protection can cause sun damage, leading to tanning and pigmentation. To prevent these complications, it’s important to understand what’s causing them and take steps to fix them,” says Nagdev.

Also read | Home remedies for acne: Cure pimples with the health benefits of honey and tulsi, aloe vera, neem

Here are a few simple skincare tips, recommended by Nagdev, to keep your skin healthy during the festive season.

• Acne breakouts: During the festive season, indulging in oily foods and sweets can lead to increased oil production in your skin. This excess oil can mix with dead skin cells and bacteria, clogging your pores and resulting in acne breakouts. The heavy makeup often used for celebrations can exacerbate the issue by trapping oil and dirt on your skin.

• Sensitivity and irritation: The use of makeup, especially heavily fragranced products, can trigger irritation for those with sensitive skin. Additionally, allergens like glitter and increased exposure to pollution can cause redness, rashes, and inflammation. It's important to be mindful of the ingredients in your skincare and makeup products to prevent these reactions.

• Dryness and dehydration: Late nights and irregular sleep patterns can leave your skin looking dull and dehydrated. Using harsh chemical cleansers to remove makeup can strip away your skin's natural oils, resulting in dryness. Cold weather can further exacerbate this issue, leading to flaky and tight skin.

• Puffy eyes dark circles: Celebrating late into the night often leads to inadequate sleep, while high sodium intake from festive foods can contribute to water retention. This combination can cause puffy eyes and dark circles, leaving you looking fatigued. The lack of rest can also slow down your skin's recovery process, making it harder to bounce back.

• Dullness: A diet rich in sugar and unhealthy fats, coupled with stress from holiday planning and socialising, can sap your skin's vitality. This unbalanced diet can hinder your skin’s natural glow, leaving it looking tired and lackluster. Stress can also lead to hormonal changes that negatively affect your skin’s appearance.

• Sun damage: Spending extended periods in the sun without adequate sunscreen can lead to tanning, uneven skin tone, and even long-term damage such as pigmentation and sunburn. It's vital to shield your skin from harmful UV rays, even during cooler months.

Prevention tips:

To keep your skin healthy during the festive season, remember to stay hydrated and maintain a balanced diet. Use gentle skincare products and avoid sharing makeup to minimise irritation. It’s essential to remove makeup properly with a gentle cleanser and apply sunscreen with at least SPF 30 to shield your skin from harmful UV rays and pollution. Regular exfoliation helps to keep your skin fresh and bright. Additionally, using serums with hyaluronic acid and collagen can replenish your skin’s moisture and improve its elasticity.