Skin being the largest organ in the human body is also the most exposed to the outer environment. Apart from the external environment the gut environment also has a major role in skin health
Importance of skincare
Skin is not just the outer part we see. It includes mainly three layers and if not taken proper care of, the skin is vulnerable to various skin problems. There are blood vessels, nerve endings, glands, hair, and, nails that form part of the skin.
The skin works as a shield to protect the body against pathogens and also regulates body temperature.
The function of skin –
- Protects the body against pathogens, and a rash environment, and prevents them from entering the bloodstream.
- The protein in the skin keeps the skin stretched and maintains its shape.
- The skin contains sweat glands which help regulate body temperature.
- A natural raincoat of the body.
- Diwali falls in the period of transition to a cold climate.
With the air getting cool and dry Diwali pollution adds to skin problems. Some common skin problems which may occur get worse during the Diwali festival
- Eczema
- Itchy skin
- Chapped lips
- Pigmentation
- Pimples
- Blisters
- Inflammation
- Burns
Skin exposed to the environment can easily face serious problems in a short time. Diwali is the most awaited festival of the year which also brings with it a lot of air pollution. The toxic gas and particulate matter present in the air can dramatically affect skin health.
The air pollutants break the protein in the skin and can impair the protective function of the skin. It can result in loss of skin moisture, disturb the skin tone, and cause dull skin, pimples, and spots or acne.
So, keeping celebration aside (which is mandatory), let us focus on skincare which usually comes by choice.
Tips to protect your glowing skin
The glow of Diwali lights is for a few days, do not let the same happen with your glowing skin. How?
Limit the sweet intake
If you cannot ignore it then the limitation is the key. Sugary-added sweets and drinks affect skin elasticity which may result in acne, pigmentation, inflammation, etc. The water retention increases causing skin inflammation.
A glass of warm lemon water
If you are habitual of it well and good but if not then this festive season starts your day with a glass of warm water.
Eat healthily
Healthy eating reflects on the skin. With all sweets and oily snacks around it is advised to choose what you eat.
Avoid eating oily foods and stick to home-made foods
Stay strictly away from outside foods. Junk foods and oily foods make the skin dull and the skin becomes prone to pimples.
Green tea
Green tea or any herbal tea helps eliminate toxins from the body. 2-3 cups of drinks tea a day is an excellent detox for the body.
Foods rich in vitamin C
Go for foods rich in vitamin C. These foods are rich in anti-oxidant and make the skin look young.
Keep your skin clean
It is essential to keep the skin clean. It removes the dirt from the skin and also cleans the pores. People residing in cities are more prone to irritants in the air.
Keep the skin hydrated
Drink sufficient water and also make sure to use the right moisturizer for your skin type. The moisturizer keeps the skin hydrated and prevents roughness of the skin.
Face masks
The ingredients in the face mask can give an instant glow to the skin and this prepares the face to match the bright festival.
Use ubatan face pack
Using ubatan on the skin removes the dead skin cells and this helps in the renewal of the skin. Skin exfoliation or ubatan keeps the skin smooth and prevents the blockage of pores.
Beauty sleep
The result of sound sleep shows on your face. A sleepless night causes skin spots, and dark circles and makes the skin dull. A good night’s sleep of 8-9 hours regenerates the skin, improves blood circulation, and makes the skin glow.
Night skincare
Do not miss the night skincare regime. Remove the makeup before sleeping and make sure to use a mild cleanser. Using vitamin C serum helps fight against radicals that have a damaging effect on the skin.
Use sunscreen
No matter if you are on festive holidays. Use sunscreen as a protection against UV rays as well as a protection against pollution.
Listen to what your skin says
Know what your skin needs and give it gentle care for glowing skin. Proper skin care can add more joy to the festive season.
Take proper care with fireworks
Nobody wants to end Diwali night with a visit to the hospital. So, ensure full safety while playing with fireworks. Light diyas far from the curtains or the places where it can catch fire.
Smoke impairs skin health
Be it the environmental smoke or the smoke you inhale. Both have a damaging effect on skin health. We all know tobacco consumption in any form is dangerous and it also has a damaging effect on skin quality. Smoking causes wrinkles, saggy skin, premature aging, and affects the overall skin quality.
Wear protective clothing
Avoid wearing synthetic or silk clothes that can catch fire quickly. There are a lot of burn cases reported during Diwali. Hence to prevent and minimize such burn incidents make sure to wear suitable clothes and keep fire extinguishers accessible.
Manage stress
The Diwali preparation, guests, family get-together, etc can cause stress and this may reflect on skin health. Try to get a good 8-9 hours of sleep to manage stress and have glowing skin.
Post-Diwali skincare
With unavoidable sweets and oily snacks, it is now time to run on healthy and fresh fruits and veggies. Detox your body and move towards a nutrient-rich diet for healthy glowing skin.
To end with
Nothing happens overnight except disaster. So, now is never too late. Start taking care of your skin before, during, and after Diwali.