Imagine being in a crowd—people everywhere, with a giant holy river just a few feet away. You, like everyone around you, are eager to take a dip.
But right before you step in, a thought crosses your mind: Is my skin going to be okay?
Well, here I am with everything you need to know before taking the plunge.
Let’s go!
So, what’s the deal with our rivers?
Our rivers hold immense cultural and spiritual significance. But let’s be real—with the pollution levels in our cities and towns, maintaining their natural cleanliness is difficult. Plastic waste (both micro and visible) makes its way into our rivers, and with hundreds of people visiting daily, keeping that glass skin glow intact can be tricky—especially if you’re attending a Kumbh Mela-style event.
Rivers like the Ganga are known for their antibacterial properties, with bacteriophages that actively consume harmful viruses.
I mean, come on! How cool is that?
However, while these waters may cleanse your soul spiritually, dipping into them alongside millions of others could come with some not-so-fun consequences, such as:
– Bacterial infections: Acne and rashes are a real possibility when you’re in water shared by hundreds of people every minute.
– Breakouts: Contaminants can clog your pores, and trust me, a clogged pore is something you can live without.
So, does that mean you should skip the holy trifecta of rivers?
No, not at all!
But, as a dermatologist with 14 years of experience in skincare, I strongly recommend taking precautions before you dive in.
Drumroll, please (because it’s festive, obviously!)
Also read: Your skincare products have microplastics. Here’s what they do—and what you should
The survival checklist for Kumbh-Style festivals
The routine that matters
Let me let you in on a little secret: your skin is the definition of main character energy. And every main character needs their essentials.
Would you go to a movie without getting popcorn? (Dramatic gasp if you do.)
Same logic—your skin needs its must-haves:
– Cleanse – Tone – Moisturise: These three steps are non-negotiable. Use a gentle cleanser to remove dirt and sweat, an alcohol-free toner to keep pores tight, and a moisturiser to stay hydrated.
– Sunscreen: If the sun won’t let up, neither should you. Use at least SPF 50 (upgrade if you’re using anything lower). If you plan to take a dip, a water-resistant sunscreen is your best bet.
– Hydrate! Hydrate! Hydrate!
I tell this to my patients, friends, family, and even my house help—drink water!
We live in a country that experiences extreme heat waves, even for a tropical climate. Hydration is key to avoiding dull and dry skin, especially during festivals. Festivals are hectic, and drinking water often ends up low on the priority list.
My advice? Get at least 2 litres of water in your system. And if you have the memory of a goldfish, plenty of apps can remind you to drink up.
What to do post-dip
Double cleanse and apply aloe vera gel.
Sounds simple, right? But don’t slack off—time is of the essence! Residual pollutants can stick to your skin, so rinse off immediately after your dip.
Ironically, after submerging yourself in water, you’ll need more water to cleanse properly.
– If your skin feels irritated, apply aloe vera gel to soothe it.
– If you have skin allergies or open cuts, do yourself a favour and apply ice, aloe vera, or cold yogurt (dahi) to calm irritation.
– And here’s a pro tip: Apply potassium permanganate after your dip. It helps cleanse your skin, and ideally, it’s something authorities should provide at large festivals like Kumbh Mela and Chhath Puja.
Also read: Exosomes are the newest skincare stars. They target skin cells directly
Sleep and stretches = happy skin
Sleep. For 6-8 hours. Like it’s your job. Like it’s the best feeling in the world.
Sleep helps your skin regenerate. And as someone who has treated thousands of patients, take it from me—no sleep = pointless skincare.
And don’t forget to stretch! Even a few minutes can boost oxygen flow, making your skin look and feel healthier.
All’s well that ends well
India is home to countless festivals that make you feel connected to something bigger than yourself. The ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela is a prime example. But pollution and fickle weather can make your skin feel anything but festive.
Follow this guide, and enjoy this spiritual celebration without compromising your glow.
Because skincare, just like your spiritual experience, is eternal.
Dr Deepali Bhardwaj is a Consultant Dermatologist, Max Hospital, Saket. She is also an anti-allergy specialist, laser surgeon and internationally trained aesthetician. She tweets @dermatdoc. Views are personal.
(Edited by Prashant)