Winter festivities bring timeless memories — and skin problems too. Staying outdoors, eating unhealthy food, and having inadequate sleep can show up on your skin. But these issues can be addressed without extensive skin care.
Many of us indulge in our sweet cravings and savoury fried foods during the festive season. Overconsumption of these foods, which are high in sugar, carbohydrates, and sodium, speeds up digestion, raises blood sugar levels, and can lead to bloating, water retention, and indigestion. It can result in dull skin or dry patches.
Instead of entirely avoiding delicacies, you can control the portion you eat. Consume foods that are rich in fibre and nutrients — dense seasonal fruits and vegetables such as spinach, beetroot, strawberries, oranges, and figs —increase satiety and prevent overeating. Increasing the consumption of seeds and nuts will ensure better absorption of vitamins and minerals such as iron, copper, and zinc. Since they’re rich in antioxidants, they reduce cell damage by neutralising oxidative stress, thereby slowing down skin ageing.
Moreover, consuming essential fatty acids (EFAs) such as omega-3 — found in nuts, fish, and seeds — help balance your hormones and oil production in the skin. They also contribute to regulating the skin’s inflammatory response. To keep your skin supple and maintain its natural radiance, ensuring a healthy, balanced diet is a must.
Also read: That anti-bacterial facewash you’re using every day is killing your skin. Go probiotic
Don’t forget fluids
One tends to drink less water in winter, but hydration and adequate intake of fluids are important throughout the year. During festivities, even more so — your body loses more water with increased physical activity. Lack of hydration looks like this on your skin: Dryness, fine lines, and dull complexion.
To tackle this, you can eat pulpy fruits and vegetables — oranges, lemons, tomatoes — that retain water in the body. You can also try fresh soups and smoothies with high fluid content. Add to that prebiotics and probiotics such as apple cider vinegar and curd to reduce inflammation and boost the growth of healthy gut bacteria. Probiotics also regulate the skin microbiome that maintains skin health.
Drinking water improves blood circulation and keeps the skin nourished and healthy. However, one should also watch out for overconsumption of water — it can lead to puffiness in the skin.
Also read: Do you have a sweet tooth? This is what sugar does to your skin
Winter skin care essentials
Winter festivities mean greater exposure to pollution and environmental damage. Dirt, dust, and oil build-up on the skin must be cleansed with a simple yet effective skin care routine.
Start by using paraben- and petroleum jelly-free natural cleansers to wipe off any makeup. Oils 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 gentle exfoliators to remove any remaining dirt particles.
Applying sunscreen is a must for those stepping out during the daytime. Ensure regular application of sunscreen with SPF 30 or more — best for Indian skin — for protection against harmful UVA and UVB rays. Should you want to apply makeup, you can simply mix your sunscreen with the foundation to keep your skin protected. Otherwise, exposure to these rays can cause premature ageing, cell damage, and irritation.
If you are planning to get a facial done at the salon, book an appointment a week before the occasion. This will ensure that in case of any adverse reaction, the skin has enough time to heal. A healthy skin care regimen also includes removing makeup before sleeping and resting well.
Go natural
Home remedies for skin care are also a good option as they are based on natural products and rarely have side effects. People with dry skin can apply face masks with curd, while those with oily skin can add a little bit of lemon juice to get rid of excess sebum. For combination skin, use a mix of lemon, multani mitti, and parboiled milk to maintain the oil balance.
To treat sun tan and damage, consider using a mix of tomato juice and papaya pulp. If you prefer using skin bleach, ensure that it is a single-use, pre-portioned product and use it at least three days before the festivities start. Moisturising your skin before applying bleach is equally important — and the pre- and post-bleach products should not have active ingredients such as Retinol, AHA, and BHA.
Exercise facial muscles too
During winter, it’s important to exercise facial muscles. Facial yoga and massages can give a healthy boost to the skin. Whether with the help of tools like rollers and gua sha or simply using your hands — these exercises enhance blood circulation and maintain skin elasticity and glow. By stimulating facial muscles, they help treat lymphatic drainage, reduce inflammation, and alleviate 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 substantially improve skin health and should preferably be done a week prior to the day of the occasion.
Festival season can be fully enjoyed 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 aesthetician. She tweets @dermatdoc. Views are personal.
(Edited by Humra Laeeq)