Now that the festival of lights is just around the corner, making sure your skin is at its glowing best is almost as important as picking out the right outfit. However, the season’s excesses — whether in terms of a chaotic schedule or sugary, fatty foods — can leave you feeling sluggish and your skin looking tired and dull. Fortunately, there’s still enough time to include last-minute rituals that can kick up your skincare game by a few notches, say experts.

The basics

“Reduce (or completely eliminate) refined carbohydrates, sweets and sodium during the days leading up to Diwali to avoid bloating,” says Dr Niketa Sonavane, a celebrity dermatologist and founder of Ambrosia Aesthetics. She also recommends drinking enough water as dehydrated skin can look dull. Further, green tea can help to speed up your metabolism and keep you energetic. It’s also important to prioritise sleep the night before a major event. Eat no later than 8 pm, not just to improve your digestion but to also ensure better sleep quality. Make sure to get at least eight hours of sleep, she adds.