Pollution and skincare: Poor AQI can harm your skin; experts share tips

Indulging in Diwali festivities in India means binge eating sweets and heavy meals which usually contain a high amount of oil or ghee and an increased exposure to highly polluted air and dust due to cleaning and burnt crackers Though fun these do end up altering onersquos skin conditions seasonal weather changes and use of makeup for long hours further add to the impactAccording to Dr Subodh Sirur consultant dermatologist Masina Hospital Mumbai glycemic food stuffs like sweets and dairy products can lead to acne breakouts The generous misuse of oil based cosmetics can only worsen the situation ldquoModerating the indulgence in high glycemic foods and picking the right type of cosmetics will help avoid any undesirable impact on the skinrdquo says SirurDr Poorva Shah MBBS MD Skin consultant medical and aesthetic dermatologist adds that a highsugar and processedfood diet can cause inflammation acne breakouts and premature skin ageing Moreover while dairy can be healthy excess consumption of dairy products during the festive season can cause pimples whiteheads and blackheads among acneprone peopleMoreover festive season can lead to stresscausing situations for people who are swamped with multiple duties at home and work and also for those who experience festive loneliness or disassociation Shah says stress can activate your immune system causing inflammation and excess oil production ultimately leading to pimples on the skinShah states acne pigmentation and sunburns are the major skincare problems faced by people during the festive seasonAcneThe most common skin disorder that arises during this time can be stressful for many adolescents and adults Acne is caused by clogged hair follicles and oil glands of the skin which are frequently triggered by hormonal changes The skin condition encompasses not only pimples on the face but also blackheads cysts and nodulesSkin pigmentationAccording to media reports the air quality index AQI in Delhi and Mumbai worsened during the first day of the festival In some parts of Mumbai the PM 25 increased to over 270 in some parts of the city Pollution caused by Diwali firecrackers can linger in the air as airborne particulate matter They can get into your skins tiny pores causing problems like dull skin and hyperpigmentationSunburnsThis is caused by excessive exposure to ultraviolet UV light from thesunor sunlamps The skin becomes red painful and hot to the touch and it may even peel off The first step in treating sunburn is to seek shade preferably indoors and to cool the skinDue to a hectic schedule during festivals people often miss out on following their regular skincare routine Due to changes in the diet and external conditions one may have to take additional measures for a short period to get back to their regular routine after the festive seasonShah and Sirur suggest following tips to detox skin postDiwali1 Deep cleanseOur skin requires deep cleansing scrubbing and toning following the Diwali festivities2 Gentle cleansingThe pollution is on the high and the use of a gentle cleanser twice a day will remove the dirt and the pollutants from the surface of the skin This followed by the use of a toner to tighten the pores of the skin makes the skin look fresh3 Right moisturiserThe next step would be the use of a moisturiser Be certain to check what suits your type of skin the best before choosing a moisturiser4 HydrateIncrease the amount of water you consume Maintain healthy skin by eating a wellbalanced diet and getting enough sleep Thats why its called beauty sleep Allow your skin to regenerate by avoiding alcohol This aids in the detoxification of your body and skin as well as the removal of toxins5 ExfoliationExfoliation is the process of removing dead skin cells using physical or chemical scrubs Physical scrubs should be avoided by acneprone skin because they can cause micro tears and sensitization For chemical exfoliation AHA and BHAbased products are the best options and should be used no more than twice a week The concentration of AHABHA should be determined by your dermatologist6 FacialsIndulge in medicalgrade facials such as hydrafacials which are multistep facial treatments typically performed with a HydraFacial machine Aestheticians use the HydraFacial device in a single session to cleanse exfoliate extract and deliver a variety of rejuvenating serums leaving your skin glowing7 Avoid makeupAfter Diwali avoid wearing makeup for a few days to allow your skin to breatheAlso Read Why more awareness needs to be created about stuttering in educational institutions and society