We are entering the fag end of the year and that can mean only one thing – Navratri and Diwali are almost here and before you know it, Christmas and New Year will arrive.
The festive season is almost here – it’s the time of joy, celebration, and a lot of excitement and of course, plenty of parties and feasting. In between all of this, you also need to look your best, despite the sleepless nights, late-night parties, and heavy makeup.
Don’t let your skin bear the brunt of all these and the best way out is to invest in your skin and some really good quality products.
If you want your skin to shine like those twinkling fairy lights, here is all that you will need to do!
Start early; the sooner the better!
If you think that just some random festive season skincare routine will be enough to give you that gorgeous glow, think again! Your skin’s transformation doesn’t happen overnight, so the earlier you start your skincare routine, the better the results you’ll see during the festive season. Remember to use a gentle cleanser that suits your skin type to remove dirt, oil, and pollutants without stripping away the natural oils, at least twice a day. Hydration is essential, which means that you need to invest in products that can moisturise and nourish your skin, without making it feel heavy and oily. And in case you are stepping out, you need to protect your skin against the UV rays of the sun, which means that you need a good quality sunscreen too!
Pro tip: By sticking to a consistent skincare routine at least 3–4 weeks before the festivities, you’ll create a foundation for healthy, glowing skin.
Unclog your skin from within
Festivities often mean wearing makeup and dealing with smoke and general pollution, all of which can clog your pores and dull your complexion. So, you need to make sure that you exfoliate to keep your skin looking fresh and you can take your pick – choose a physical exfoliator, which with its tiny granules or beads will help remove any dead skin cells that have built up. Alternately, you can choose a chemical exfoliator; products that contain AHAs or BHAs, and will gently dissolve the bonds between dead skin cells, revealing newer, brighter skin underneath.
Pro tip: Exfoliation should be done only once or at the most twice a week – more than that and you will end up irritating your skin!
Mask on!
Face masks are a great way to give you that instant glow, which is why they are a must have in your festive skincare arsenal. Depending on your skin type and concerns, you can pick and choose. So, if you have dry skin, then look for a hydrating mask, with moisturizing ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerine. On the other hand, oily or acne prone skin might benefit from a clay mask, that will help absorb excess oil and purify the pores.
Pro tip: Keep those sheet masks handy, because they are a great quick fix before any event, because they can deliver hydration and nutrients to your skin in minutes.
Watch your pout too
While you’re busy taking care of your skin, it’s easy to overlook your eyes and lips; most people feel that as long as they are taking care of their facial skin, it is more than enough. Nope! Your eyes and lips are two areas of your face that show signs of fatigue a lot faster than the rest of the face. To avoid puffiness and dark circles during the festive season, invest in an eye cream that targets your specific concerns. Use it every night to help depuff and brighten your under-eye area. Keep your lips soft and hydrated with a nourishing lip balm, especially if you’re wearing matte lipsticks during the festivities.
Pro tip: It might be wise to invest in a good quality lip scrub as well to remove dead skin and keep your lips looking smooth and pulp. Or simply mix some granulated sugar, baking soda and coconut oil for a DIY lip scrub!
Drink up!
Skincare isn’t just about what you apply to your face; it’s also about what you put into your body. With all the sweets and snacks that come with festivals, it’s important to stay hydrated. Drink at least 8 glasses of water a day to flush out toxins and keep your skin hydrated and top up with other liquids such as green teas, coconut water and fresh fruit juices. You can also include fruits and vegetables like cucumber, watermelon, and oranges in your diet, which will not only keep your skin hydrated, but also ensure that they give your body the antioxidant action it needs!
Pro tip: If you are making a cup of green tea, don’t throw the tea bag away. Rinse and refrigerate; they make for great eye packs to reduce puffiness.
Beat the stress
Let’s face it – the festive season can get overwhelming, and stress and fatigue can quickly take a toll on your skin. Make sure that you get your beauty sleep and spend some time doing something that takes the mental stress away. Exercise can help give your skin that healthy flush, while meditation and yoga can reduce your stress levels.
Pro tip: Your skin self-repairs when you sleep, so aim for at least 7 hours every day and try some deep breathing right when you hit the bed!
Prepping your skin for the festive season doesn’t have to be complicated – invest in the skincare range form indē wild, and you can enjoy radiant skin, every single day. Our totally uncomplicated, super simplified skincare regimen will ensure that you have happy, healthy skin, all through the year!