Diwali, the festival of lights, is filled with joy, light, and excitement. However, one thing that diminishes this joy and excitement is the increased pollution during this time of year. Air pollution due to smoke from firecrackers, chemical particles in the air, and the onset of winter etc., severely impact our skin and hair. Dust and toxins present in the atmosphere make the skin dry, lifeless, and sensitive, while hair roots weaken and begin to fall out. Dermatologists believe that by taking a little extra care during Diwali, you can protect your skin and hair from pollution. Let’s explore some key tips that will protect your hair and skin health this Diwali.
Prepare Your Skin Before Diwali
In the hustle and bustle of festivals, we often neglect our skin, but pollution is not going to spare it. Therefore, it’s important to have a consistent skincare routine a few days before Diwali to keep your skin healthy and glowing. Here is what some of the best dermatologists in Delhi suggest to follow to maintain healthy and fresh skin, especially during the festival time.
- Cleanse your face thoroughly at least twice a day, every morning and night, to prevent dust and dirt from clogging pores.
- Use a mild face wash instead of harsh soaps or chemical-laden cleansers.
- Don’t forget to apply a hydrating moisturizer after cleansing, as pollution strips the skin of its moisture. Moisturizer creates a protective layer that protects the skin from external pollutants.
- You should exfoliate your skin once or twice a week. It helps in removing dead skin cells and pollution particles. However, keep in mind that excessive scrubbing can cause skin sensitivity, so be gentle.
- Don’t take sunscreen as a summer staple. Chemicals in polluted air and ultraviolet rays can harm the skin. Therefore, applying sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher is essential, even if the weather is cold or you’re only leaving the house for a short time.
- Give your skin a chance to breathe before going to bed. If you’re wearing makeup, remove it thoroughly and apply moisturizer. Nighttime is a time for skin repair, so maintaining hydration at night helps repair damage caused by pollution.
Properly Cleanse Your Face After A Long Day
Going out during Diwali is a part of almost everyone’s daily routine—shopping, preparing for puja, meeting friends. But when you return home, an invisible layer of pollution accumulates on your skin. This layer can later cause acne, wrinkles, and skin allergies. After returning home, wash your face with lukewarm water and a mild cleanser. Then, apply rose water or aloe vera toner, which cools and soothes the skin.
Adopt The Right Routine To Protect Your Hair From Pollution
Pollution is just as harmful to the hair as it is to the skin. Smoke and chemicals in the air during Diwali weaken hair roots, leading to hair loss and dandruff. Therefore, regular hair washing is essential to maintaining healthy hair. You should wash your hair two to three times a week with a sulfate-free shampoo, and be sure to apply conditioner each time. Applying a light serum or hair oil before going out acts as a protective layer, preventing dust and pollution from directly reaching your hair.
If you’re going to be outside for long periods during Diwali, covering your hair with a scarf or dupatta is a good option. Also, give yourself a light massage with coconut or jojoba oil once a week. This not only nourishes the scalp but also strengthens the hair roots by increasing blood circulation.
Take Care of Your Skin and Hair from the Inside
Pollution has an impact not only externally but also internally. When toxins build up inside the body, their effects are clearly visible on the face and hair’s shine. Therefore, it’s important to pay attention to your diet and hydration during the Diwali season.
- Drink plenty of water throughout the day to flush out toxins.
- Drinking lemon-honey water, green tea, or aloe vera juice on an empty stomach in the morning is beneficial.
- Include fruits, vegetables, and foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids—such as walnuts, almonds, flax seeds, and fish—in your diet. These elements nourish the skin from within and enhance its glow.
- Getting enough sleep and avoiding stress are equally important. When the body is tired or stressed, symptoms like wrinkles, dark circles, and dry hair appear. So, give your body adequate rest so you can glow both inside and out.
Home Remedies for Skin & Hair After Diwali
After Diwali, skin often experiences dryness, irritation, or rashes. Smoke from firecrackers and chemicals in the air weaken the skin barrier. Therefore, post-festival skin recovery is crucial. Here are some homemade natural remedies that can soothe your skin:
- Face packs made with aloe vera gel, cucumber juice, or rose water soothe the skin and reduce irritation.
- If your skin feels extremely dry, try a gentle massage with coconut oil or almond oil before bed. This nourishes the skin and reduces the damage caused by pollution.
- Applying a yogurt and honey hair mask is a simple way to restore moisture to your hair. It soothes the scalp and makes it soft.
These are some home remedies that can help recover your skin from damage caused due to pollutants. However, if you’re experiencing severe skin issues such as skin rashes, persistent itching, or pimples, don’t rely on home remedies. In such cases, consulting a dermatologist and getting skin treatments at the earliest is best before it worsens.
Conclusion
Diwali is a special festival for everyone, but the true joy lies in celebrating it with healthy skin and hair. There’s no magic solution to protect yourself from pollution; instead, you need a proper routine and a little awareness. This Diwali, along with the lights of Diwali, preserve your skin’s glow. Keep yourself hydrated, use natural products, and maintain a regular skin and hair care routine. Your skin and hair will only blossom when you give them love and care.
If your skin looks dull and lifeless or your hair feels dry and frizzy after Diwali, it’s time to give it professional care. At Dr. Haror’s Wellness, we provide advanced skin and hair rejuvenation treatments that deeply repair pollution damage. Whether it’s skin detox, hydration therapy, or hair revitalization, each treatment is designed to suit your needs. So, enjoy your Diwali worry-free!
Chat With Us!