Have Your Skin Glowing This Diwali

In recent times, festivals like Diwali have been somewhat marred by increasing air pollution. Firecrackers begin days before Diwali, adding to the smoke and pollutants already present in urban air. The skin also bears the brunt of this. During the few days preceding festivals and on the day itself, cleansing of the skin assumes importance, in order to get rid of the impurities that are deposited on the skin. The chemicals in urban air, along with the pollutants from the crackers, are potent skin irritants. They not only cause dryness of the skin, but actually disrupt the normal acid-alkaline balance of the skin. They can also cause rashes and other eruptive conditions.

People with dry skins should use a cleansing gel, containing aloe vera, which not only rehydrates the skin, but also restores the normal balance. For oily skins, cleansing lotions containing mint, rose, lavender or lemon are ideal. Massage the cleanser lightly into the skin and remove it with moist cotton wool. After cleansing in the morning, tone the skin, using rose water. Using cotton wool, wipe the skin and then pat it briskly. In fact, the skin can be wiped and refreshed this way several times during the day.

During the festival season, it is best to use a protective cream to protect the skin from the effect of pollutants in the air. Anti-pollution cosmetics can be “cover” creams or even sunscreens. We recommend a protective base containing sandalwood, which can be mixed with a moisturiser. It forms a transparent protective film on the skin. In fact, it can be used as a base under make-up and help to prevent irritative rashes and eruptions. It acts as a barrier between the skin and pollutants in the air.

Exfoliation of the skin with scrubs helps to remove dead epithelial cells and thus brighten the skin. It also stimulates blood circulation to the skin surface and brings a glow to the skin. A scrub may be used twice a week. Facial scrubs are easily available nowadays. Or you can make one at home. I would recommend mixing sesame seeds (til), dried mint leaves and honey. These ingredients are not normally used, but they have a protective and revitalizing effect on the skin, both for face and body. Crush the sesame seeds coarsely and powder the dried mint leaves. Mix them with a little honey and apply on the skin. Leave on for 15 minutes and then moisten with water and rub gently on the skin with circular movements. Wash off with water. Sesame seeds actually have protective properties and also soothe the skin. It helps to remove tan and produce an even colour tone. Mint has a stimulating effect and adds a glow to the skin. It also prevents rashes, while honey moisturizes and softens the skin.

Scrubs also help to discourage blackheads. Mix rice powder with rose water. Apply it on the areas with blackheads daily. Rub gently on the skin with circular movements. Leave on for 5 minutes and wash off with water. This can be done after cleansing in the morning.

The scrub can also be applied on open pores and the marks left by acne. Stubborn blackheads should be removed at a skin-care clinic, by a trained therapist, using proper methods. Pinching blackheads, or trying to remove them at home, not only leads to infection, but also scarring.

To prevent skin eruptions and rashes, take one cup of Basil (tulsi) leaves. Add it to a litre of water. Simmer it on a very low fire till the water is reduced to half. Cool and strain. Use the water to wash the face. Make a paste of the leaves and apply on the face. This also helps to keep the skin healthy. Neem leaves can also be used the same way.

The air pollutants can also affect the eyes, causing burning or redness. The eyes should be washed with plain water several times.

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