Glow this Diwali

The festive season is here again. Many of you have always coveted a flawless complexion and a youthful glow. This Diwali, you can get that by paying attention to your health and following a strict beauty regime. You all can safeguard your skin against the increased pollution due to firecrackers and the stress your skin bears due to extra sunlight exposure (while going out for shopping and socializing) by regularly applying a good moisturizer and sunscreen. It helps fight against dryness in the air, pollution and UV rays during this season. Dr Rekha Sheth, President, Cosmetologist Society of India, points out, “Sun Screen Lotion should be used every single day when indoors or outdoors, because the powerful UV rays of the sun gives you a tan and even wrinkles. You should use a sun screen lotion which has SPF (Sun Protection Factors) level 30 at least. Your Sun Screen Lotion Bottle should read protects from UVA + UVB.”

Go for facials, peels and gentle exfoliation as it helps to get luminous complexion and keeps your pores free from pollutants, dirt and grime in the air during this festival. Cleanse and tone your skin regularly to keep it healthy and supple. Have plenty of water for a healthy skin as it flushes out the toxins and keeps the fluids of the body running efficiently. Avoid sugary and fried foods which are in abundance during Diwali season as digesting sugar leads to a process known as glycation that damages collagen and elastin, adding years to your looks and also gives rise to boils, pimples and rashes. Try to have sweets in little portions only on Diwali. Smoking and alcohol intake also make your skin dry and aged. Avoid it completely before a couple of weeks from Diwali. Munching on colourful, nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables improves skin’s radiance. So include maximum portions of fresh fruits and vegetables in your diet before Diwali. Exercise and a good sleep are the easiest ways to achieve a radiant skin. Indulge in cardio exercises to get the oxygen in your blood moving. Skin keeps on regenerating itself throughout the day, but it is slightly faster at night. So get uninterrupted 7-8 hours of sleep every night for a luminous skin.

Dressing up is part of the festival. The colours you choose for your dress plays an important part on reflecting a glow in your complexion. Same applies to your foundation, blush, lipstick or eye-shadow which can affect your complexion. Try in advance before wearing. Try to use mineral make-up to avoid any skin reactions. To fake a glow, invest in a good bronzer or a blush as well as in liquid highlighter as it brightens up your face instantly. The colour of your hair can also play a vital role on your complexion. Too light or too dark tones can make your complexion dull. Opt for warmer tones in red and brown as highlights or for global colouring.
This year, on the festival of light, let yourself shine and glow and get better with each passing day by following these simple rules.

Parimita Chakravorty