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It may seem like wet blanket advice during the season, but at least keep consumption under control. If you have an overdose of sugary and fried goodies, in a few days it'll start showing on your face – breakouts, dull skin, weight gain, not to mention allergies thanks to the artificial colours and flavours that go into mass-produced sweets. Also make sure you include plenty of fresh fruit and raw vegetables in your diet.
Don’t stop working out
Some form of workout – walks, gym, and meditation is required. In the hustle and bustle of shopping, socialising and pre-Diwali card parties, do not compromise on your health. Continue your exercise regime as usual and you'll be thankful at the end of the season that you didn't pile on the pounds.
Hydrate yourself
Nothing saps the skin of its lustre like dryness. The sudden change of season and drop of atmospheric humidity experienced during this month can shrivel up your skin. Use a water-based moisturiser frequently and drink plenty of water to hydrate your skin. Lukewarm water to which honey and lemon can be added takes away the puffiness of face caused by fluid retention at night.
Protect your skin from firecrackers
Most firecrackers have high smoke emissions due to high magnesium and cordite content. These fumes and particulate emissions can settle on your skin and harm it, causing irritant reactions, chemical burns and allergies. Stay at least six to seven feet away from lit fireworks. If you have sensitive skin, it's a good idea to tie a cotton scarf over your face while lighting or watching fireworks. Wash your face thoroughly with a mild soap and water immediately afterwards and follow up with a moisturiser. In case of burns, wash the area immediately with cool running water for 10 minutes or longer, till the burning sensation eases. Apply an antibiotic cream like T-Bact, Fucidin or silverex on mild burns and consult a doctor immediately. Do not tamper with or attempt to burst any blisters if they appear on the burnt area. In case there is a skin allergy or a skin rash, use mometasone / desonide skin ointment on skin. If the problem still persists, consult a dermatologist at earliest.
Wash your face
Excessive exposure to pollution can cause premature aging and wrinkles. Excessive humidity can cause acne eruption, fungal infections and a host of other skin diseases. Skin stays excessively sticky and greasy and should be washed every few hours with a gel face wash.
Some form of workout – walks, gym, and meditation is required. In the hustle and bustle of shopping, socialising and pre-Diwali card parties, do not compromise on your health. Continue your exercise regime as usual and you'll be thankful at the end of the season that you didn't pile on the pounds.
Hydrate yourself
Nothing saps the skin of its lustre like dryness. The sudden change of season and drop of atmospheric humidity experienced during this month can shrivel up your skin. Use a water-based moisturiser frequently and drink plenty of water to hydrate your skin. Lukewarm water to which honey and lemon can be added takes away the puffiness of face caused by fluid retention at night.
Protect your skin from firecrackers
Most firecrackers have high smoke emissions due to high magnesium and cordite content. These fumes and particulate emissions can settle on your skin and harm it, causing irritant reactions, chemical burns and allergies. Stay at least six to seven feet away from lit fireworks. If you have sensitive skin, it's a good idea to tie a cotton scarf over your face while lighting or watching fireworks. Wash your face thoroughly with a mild soap and water immediately afterwards and follow up with a moisturiser. In case of burns, wash the area immediately with cool running water for 10 minutes or longer, till the burning sensation eases. Apply an antibiotic cream like T-Bact, Fucidin or silverex on mild burns and consult a doctor immediately. Do not tamper with or attempt to burst any blisters if they appear on the burnt area. In case there is a skin allergy or a skin rash, use mometasone / desonide skin ointment on skin. If the problem still persists, consult a dermatologist at earliest.
Wash your face
Excessive exposure to pollution can cause premature aging and wrinkles. Excessive humidity can cause acne eruption, fungal infections and a host of other skin diseases. Skin stays excessively sticky and greasy and should be washed every few hours with a gel face wash.
Dark circles and puffiness around eyes
This is commonly seen especially during hectic shopping and late night outs during Diwali. For dark circles, Vit C serum massage for the under eye area at night for 3–5 minutes is a good remedy. Active ingredients like kojic acid, liquorice, hydroquinone, azelaic acid etc are good lightening agents. Cucumber or potato pulp applied for a few minutes under the eyes reduces puffiness as well as dark circles.
This is commonly seen especially during hectic shopping and late night outs during Diwali. For dark circles, Vit C serum massage for the under eye area at night for 3–5 minutes is a good remedy. Active ingredients like kojic acid, liquorice, hydroquinone, azelaic acid etc are good lightening agents. Cucumber or potato pulp applied for a few minutes under the eyes reduces puffiness as well as dark circles.
Hair care
Hair too takes a beating of stress and pollution causing dry, frizzy, dull and limp hair. Use mild shampoo and conditioner. As a home remedy for nourishment, take a cup of coconut milk, 1 egg yolk, 1 tsp of any conditioner, 4 drops of lavender oil. Beat well and apply this to the hair and scalp. Keep on for 30 minutes and rinse off. You need not shampoo if the hair texture is dry. Else take half tsp shampoo, dilute it in a tumbler of water, beat it well until foamy and run this through the hair and rinse off with water. Avoid using hot air of the dryer. Instead use cold air if needed.
