WInternational festivals bring nostalgia – and skin problems too. Being outdoors, eating unhealthy food and getting insufficient sleep can show on your skin. But these issues can be overcome without comprehensive skin care.
Many of us indulge our sweet cravings and indulge in salty fried foods during the festive season. Excess consumption of these foods, which are high in sugar, carbohydrates and sodium, speeds up digestion, increases blood sugar levels, and can cause bloating, water retention and indigestion. This can result in dull skin or dry patches.
Instead of avoiding the dishes entirely, you can control the portions you eat. Eating foods that are rich in fiber and nutrients—dense seasonal fruits and vegetables like spinach, beetroot, strawberries, oranges, and figs—increase satiety and prevent overeating. Increasing your intake of seeds and nuts will ensure better absorption of vitamins and minerals such as iron, copper and zinc. Since they are rich in antioxidants, they reduce cell damage by neutralizing oxidative stress, thereby slowing down skin ageing.
In addition, essential fatty acids (EFAs) such as omega-3s — found in nuts, fish and seeds — help balance your hormones and oil production in the skin. They also contribute to regulating the inflammatory response of the skin. Ensuring a healthy, balanced diet is essential to keeping your skin supple and retaining its natural glow.
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don’t forget the fluids
It is common to drink less water in the winter, but hydration and adequate fluid intake are important throughout the year. During festivities, even more so – your body loses more water with increased physical activity. A lack of hydration on your skin looks like this: dryness, fine lines and a dull complexion.
To combat this, you can eat pulpy fruits and vegetables – oranges, lemons, tomatoes, which retain water in the body. You can also try fresh soups and smoothies with a high fluid content. Add prebiotics and probiotics, such as apple cider vinegar and yogurt, to reduce inflammation and promote the growth of healthy gut bacteria. Probiotics also regulate the microbiome of the skin which maintains the health of the skin.
Drinking water improves blood circulation and keeps the skin nourished and healthy. However, one should also be careful with excessive water intake – this can lead to swelling of the skin.
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Skin care is important in winter
Winter festivities mean greater exposure to pollution and environmental damage. The accumulated dirt, dust and oil on the skin needs to be cleaned with a simple yet effective skin care routine.
Start by using a paraben- and petroleum jelly-free natural cleanser to clean off any makeup. Oil or oil-based cleansers should not be used as they clog pores and cause acne and blackheads. Follow up with a gentle face wash to get rid of the remaining product on your skin. You can also use a gentle exfoliator to remove any remaining dirt particles.
Sunscreen is a must for those going out during the day. Ensure regular use of sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher – best for Indian skin – for protection from harmful UVA and UVB rays. If you want to wear makeup, you can simply mix your sunscreen with your foundation to protect your skin. Otherwise, exposure to these rays can lead to premature aging, cell damage, and burns.
If you are planning to get a facial done at a salon, book an appointment a week before the occasion. This will ensure that the skin gets enough time to recover in case of any adverse reaction. A healthy skin care regimen also includes removing makeup before bed and getting a good rest.
go natural
Home remedies are also a good option for skin care as they are based on natural products and rarely have side effects. People with dry skin can apply a face mask with curd, while those with oily skin can add a little lemon juice to it to get rid of excess sebum. Use lemon mixture for combination skin. Multani MittiAnd boiled milk to maintain the oil balance.
To treat sun tan and damage, consider using a mixture of tomato juice and papaya pulp. If you choose to use skin bleach, make sure it’s a single-use, pre-portioned product and use it at least three days before the festivities begin. It’s equally important to moisturize your skin before applying bleach — and products before and after bleaching should be free of active ingredients like retinol, AHAs, and BHAs.
exercise facial muscles
Exercise of facial muscles is very important in the winter season. Facial yoga and massage can give a healthy boost to the skin. Whether with the help of equipment such as rollers and gua sha or simply using your hands – these exercises increase blood circulation and maintain the elasticity and radiance of the skin. By stimulating the muscles of the face, they help treat lymphatic drainage, reduce swelling, and ease muscle tension.
Professional skin treatments such as hydrafacial, oxyfacial or photofacial can also be opted for as per your skin type and requirement. These treatments can improve the health of the skin to a great extent and should be done a week before the day of the occasion.
The festival season can be enjoyed to the fullest only when health – internal and external – is put first. Make the most of the season by keeping your skin healthy with the right self-care practices.
Dr Deepali Bhardwaj is a Dermatologist, Anti-allergy specialist, Laser Surgeon and Internationally trained Esthetician. She tweets @dermatdoc. Thoughts are personal.
(Edited by Hamra Like)