Post-Diwali Skincare Routine: Science-Based Ways To Repair Pollution Damage

In the joy of the Diwali, the firecracker residue, chemicals, heavy metals take an inevitable toll on the skin. In addition, there's the lack of sleep due to the festive preparations being in full-swing, heavy exposure to high chemicals, and the sugar intake from the sweets create a mixture that attacks the skin barrier. The dual attack on our skin from the environmental damage of smog, pollution, internal stressors like diet and smoke, dehydration and diet, and the stress of too many things to do before the festival starts can compound and reflect on the skin. This results in developing various skin conditions like acne, dullness, and loss of a healthy glow. To combat this and repair your skin barrier, here are science-backed ways to ensure that your skin doesn't suffer from the side effects of stress and damage from pollution.

What Is The Science Behind Breakouts And Skin Damage?

Diwali pollution, namely air, namely air pollution, namely fireworks, leads to increased exposure to environmental toxins (firecracker residue, heavy metals, chemical in the air) that damage the skin barrier and lead to breakouts.

In order to understand the science of skincare, free radicals (unstable molecules) steal electrons from the skin, which causes oxidative stress and results in, oxidative aging of the skin and rise in cortisol (stress hormone). The main reason behind this is the direct link to skin inflammation and breakdown of the skin's barrier. Due to high consumption of sweets that have a high glycaemic index, spikes in blood sugar levels leads to increased production of oil on the surface of the skin. This causes the skin to break out  leading to feelings of anxiety, worry, and pressure to seek immediate skin remedies.

How To Prevent Breaksout And Repair Your Skin Barrier?

In order to repair the damaged skin barrier, follow these steps to take proper care of your skin after Diwali.

Step 1: Gentle, Thorough Cleansing

This needs to be performed in order to effectively remove pollutants and any residual makeup. As per skincare professionals, double-cleansing helps a great deal with skincare. Mainly, an oil-based cleanser (natural oils with purity markers, namely jojoba, almond, and rosehip, provide great cleansing properties) followed by a water-based cleanser (micellar water, coconut water) works best for a deep clean on the skin while making a combination of skin nourishment and keeping the skin chemical composition undisturbed.

Step 2: The Skin Barrier Restoration Method

The skin barrier is the body's first line of defence against repairing the skin damage caused by air pollution. It's crucial to safeguard and protect the skin barrier by soothing the skin and reducing rosehip, reducing its sensitivity to pollution irritants like harsh chemicals from firecrackers, and reducing firecrackers that accumulate to dangerous levels during Diwali.

The skin barrier repair needs to be a part of the daily routine to achieve a healthy skin barrier.

Step 3: Targeted Protection

In order to reintroduce non-irritating sunscreen and focus on getting enough antioxidants by consuming antioxidant foods and using antioxidant ingredients (retinol, vitamin E, vitamin C, bakuchiol, etc) which nourish the skin and maintain the skin barrier.

These components neutralize more free radicals and their damage inflicted on the skin barrier.

What Is The Dermatologist's Ingredient Checklist?

In order, to fight skin inflammation, fighters like niacinamide and antioxidants help with balancing the sebum and supporting the skin barrier function. This action is a must-have for post-Diwali recovery of the skin.

The importance of an ingredient-focused recovery plan to repair your skin barrier. But the most important thing is consistency and patience while dealing with your skin. In order to achieve a healthy glow, maintaining your skin barrier is key. 

Disclaimer: This content, including advice, provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for a qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.

References:

Krutmann, J., Liu, W., Li, L., Pan, X., & Crawford, M. (2014). Pollution and skin: from epidemiological and mechanistic studies to clinical implications.

Shahi, S., Athawale, R., & Ghadge, S. (2008). Skin Health - Aging - Wrinkles and Remedies.