How to Protect Your Skin from Pollution and Firecracker Smoke After Diwali

Right after Diwali celebrations, it's unfortunate to face the pollution load and its repercussions on health. The firecracker smoke and stubble burning in nearby places combine with cooler, stagnant air to cause many skin and hair issues. Some harm to the skin is even caused by the use of heavy makeup and the intake of sweets and oily foods during Diwali celebrations.

It's important to be mindful of skin health; otherwise, acne breakouts, dryness, dullness, irritation, redness, and premature aging can show up and worsen, and make you less appealing. To avoid dermatological issues and maintain good skin health after Diwali, it is strictly recommended to go through and follow what Dr. Niti Gaur suggests and advises for pollution-proofing skin in this article. Dr. Niti Gaur is the head dermatologist, trichologist and cosmetologist, and the founder of Citrine Clinic.

Dermatologist Shared Ways to Protect Skin After Diwali Celebrations

To avoid any harm to the skin by polluted air caused by firecracker smoke, here’s what needs to be done:

Be Diligent with Your Skincare Routine

• Twice Daily Cleanse Skin.
  With a gentle fragrance and sulfate-free, hydrating cleanser, thoroughly wash your face in the morning and before bedtime. A cleanser can help eliminate pollutants that settle on the skin and prevent the plugging of hair follicles, clogging of pores, which can result in acne breakouts and dull skin, while maintaining the skin’s pH balance.
  For deep cleansing of the skin, Dr. Niti Gaur recommends double cleansing, first with an oil-based cleanser to dissolve makeup and pollutants, and then with a water-based cleanser to thoroughly remove any residue of makeup, grime, or pollutants. This helps cleanse the skin and allows better absorption of moisturiser and other skin-nourishing serums.
• Properly Moisturise Skin.
  Smoke and pollution after diwali can take a toll on the skin’s hydration and natural sebum production. So, on cleansed, damp skin, apply a lightweight, non-greasy moisturizer to keep your skin well-hydrated and balanced with natural oils.
• Wisely Choose and Apply Skincare Products.
  Use skin-hydrating serums with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and glycerin to keep your skin plump and soft. Incorporate antioxidant-rich serums like those containing Vitamin C/ niacinamide to combat oxidative damage to the skin by free radicals. Use detox masks weekly that contain charcoal or clay to draw impurities and excess oils from the pores. Followed by a soothing toner to restore the skin’s balance and avoid irritated skin.
  Overall, the chosen skincare products should be labelled as mild, fragrance-free, non-comedogenic, and natural. They must help strengthen/ protect the skin barrier, so as to prevent skin conditions such as acne, rosacea, and eczema.
• Focus more on Nighttime Skin Repair and Healing.
  Apply products containing peptides, bakuchiol, or retinol to support cellular turnover in the skin and minimize damage caused by pollution. Dr. Niti Gaur, leading skin doctor in Gurgaon, stresses the importance of treating under-eye darkness and other concerns caused by pollutants and fatigue with the right under-eye cream containing Vitamin K or caffeine.

Keep Skin Barrier Intact and Healthy

• Wear a Proper Sun-Protection Shield.
  Daily apply broad-spectrum sunscreen with anti-pollutant effect, of SPF 30 or above, to protect the skin against harm caused by the sun’s UV rays and polluted air. Also, keep your body and face covered, both indoors and outdoors, to maintain healthy skin.
• Well-Nourished Body.
  Use a nourishing lotion after showering to restore the skin’s hydration that is stripped away by exposure to excessive sweat and polluted air.
• Protect Scalp and Hair.
  Use leave-in hair conditioner or hair oils to create a protective barrier for your scalp and hair, which can become dry and irritated from firecracker smoke and other air pollutants. Also, avoid shampooing your hair or doing frequent heat styling during the week of Diwali, as these actions can intensify dryness and cause excessively brittle hair.
• Go for Advanced Skincare Treatment.
  For people looking to enhance skin hydration, texture and elasticity, post Diwali they can visit Citrine Clinic. Our Dermatologists may recommend advanced treatments such as hyaluronic acid-based skin boosters to strengthen the skin barrier.

Celebrate Diwali Safely and Healthily

• Spend Maximum Time Indoors.
  Avoid participating in activities that involve burning firecrackers or engaging in vigorous physical activities outdoors. If you want to watch fireworks on Diwali, consider watching it from a safe distance to limit skin and hair’s direct exposure to fireworks smoke and other air pollutants.
• Wear Masks and Keep Skin and Hair Covered.
  If stepping outside the home for Diwali celebrations, wear an N95 or similar mask and keep face, head, and body covered as much as possible with proper clothing to avoid harm by airborne pollutant particles.
• Keep Windows and Doors Shut.
  When indoors, limit the entry of smoke and pollutants into the home and maintain satisfactory indoor air quality by closing all windows and doors and using an air purifier.
• Stay Hydrated.
  Drink plenty of water daily to help the body flush toxins from the body and skin, keeping the skin hydrated from the inside out.
• Lead a Healthy Lifestyle.
  Maintain a proper sleep schedule, keep stress away with yoga or meditation, eat healthily (especially an antioxidant and omega-3 fatty acids-rich diet), and avoid smoking, narcotics, and alcohol intake.
• Choose Going Eco-Friendly and Spread This Message.
  Avoid noise and smoke caused by the burning of firecrackers. Focus on celebrating with loved ones with eco-friendly décor, music, and a feast.