How to keep your skin happy through the long festive days

For Indians, festivities usually translate to extended periods out in the open, travel, dance, celebration, and dress-up. As a consequence of all this, the skin may need a very different treatment compared to when it’s a typical day. The outcome will most likely be oily skin with blackheads, oxidative stress, and dryness. However, it does not mean that one should apply various products in an attempt to meet all of those skin needs. On the contrary, knowing what the skin needs and selecting products based on their functions is the way to go.

1. Neem for Cleansing and Purifying the Skin

Celebrations bring along the risk of increased sweating, dust, pollution, and use of cosmetics. As these accumulate on the skin, a good cleansing process becomes essential to eliminate impurities from the skin. There is a tradition of using neem in skin care in India, and it is loaded with bioactive ingredients that have antimicrobial properties. A good cleanser made from neem can facilitate the cleansing process and help the skin stay fresh and clean.

The idea is not to over-cleanse, but to pick a good cleanser that can cleanse the skin well.

2. Vitamin C and Amla for Antioxidant Support

The extended time spent outdoors during the festival period can expose you to various forms of environmental aggressors like pollution and UV rays. Such aggressors might lead to oxidative stress, which makes antioxidants a very important aspect to consider when it comes to festive skincare.

Vitamin C is an antioxidant that is used widely in skincare. Vitamin C is known to play a significant role in protecting the skin from the effects of free radicals and giving your skin that glowing look. Another plant with antioxidant properties and which contains vitamin C is Amla, also known as Indian gooseberry.

Ingredients’ effectiveness is not just about their presence in the products. Some other aspects like the concentration of ingredients, their stability, and the type of formulations in which they have been incorporated become very important in determining their efficiency. Antioxidant skincare products can thus be considered a very simple way of tackling one of the major environmental stressors during the festive period.

3. Aloe Vera for Hydration and Skin Comfort

Celebrations tend to involve lengthy periods of time involving activities like traveling, dancing, outdoor activities, and being exposed to warmth for long periods of time. In addition to ensuring that you have enough fluids, hydration and moisturization of the skin will assist in keeping your skin refreshed during celebrations.

Aloe vera is an ingredient found in many skin care products due to its moisturizing and soothing properties, and it helps to give the skin a refreshed feeling. Cucumber is another plant-based ingredient used in skin care formulations for its refreshing qualities, and Vitamin E has moisturizing properties. The emphasis should be on using skin care products that cover the basic requirements of the skin.

4. Make Consistency Your Festive Glow-Up

As festivity continues in the form of Ganpati and Navratri through weddings, Diwali, and Christmas, it is better to remain consistent rather than keep changing the skincare regimen. An easy regimen incorporating cleansing, antioxidants, hydration, and protection against the sun will aid in coping with the demands of long hours of festivity. The skin will get the benefit of cleansing from ingredients like neem; antioxidants such as vitamin C and amla, etc., will enhance the benefits of the skin routine.

Apart from a skincare routine, there are some other things that can add up to the beauty of your skin. These include drinking enough water, getting sun protection, and sleeping well. After all, there is no need for festive glow to only emanate from makeup and highlighter products. Clean, comfortable, and hydrated skin can serve as the base of every celebration.

(The author is Research Scientist, Personal Care R&D, Himalaya Wellness)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Nagaveni K S