Navratri has begun and this season is full of long days, late nights, regular makeup days with full-on dancing and thus, skin’s exposure to heat, sweat and other environmental triggers. You might be celebrating, but your skin might be having a hard time facing the struggle. This is the reason that skin needs pre-Navratri prep so that it stays healthy and resilient throughout festival days. Also address any skin concern that needs attention prior such as hyperpigmentation, dullness or acne. This helps in maintaining the skin’s defense integrity. Dr. Sampurna Verma (MBBS, MD), Dermatologist & Founder, Derma Redefined. shares insights on a perfect Navratri skin routine.
What to do
Opting a consistent skincare routine for a strong defense barrier – A simple and consistent skincare regime is all that is needed – gentle face cleansing, moisturization and sunscreen application. Sunscreen should be broad-spectrum and be capable enough to shield against both UVA and UVB rays of the sun. Sunscreen should not be missed if you are dealing with skin pigmentation or undergoing any sort of dermatologist-suggested skin treatment as they increase the skin’s sensitivity for a while. Go for sunscreen with formulations that are comfortable for regular reapplication. Also don’t end your regime after the Navratra are done. Keep it in continuation consistently for long term skin health.Skin pigmentation and uneven skin tone requires early addressing – For addressing skin pigmentation, use skin care products containing niacinamide, azelaic acid, vitamin C or retinoid-based therapy depending upon skin type as well as concern. The important part is dermatologist suggested active in adequate concentration. Pigmentation isn’t just a skin condition. If you treat melasma, PIH (Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation) and tanning in the same way, it will just lead to disappointment and this makes the role of dermatologist crucial in accurate diagnosis and required treatment.Any kind of skin treatment needs advance planning – Based on skin concerns, your dermatologist might suggest chemical peels, lasers, energy-based treatments or professional facials. They are selected after proper skin evaluation rather than just choosing a skin glow treatment. The procedure that works best is the one that gets adequate recovery time before the festive celebrations begin. Also in the case scenario of limited recovery time, certain low-downtime face therapies help in improving skin tone, brightness and even hydration. Condition is just adequate time before festivities begin.Prevention is better than treatment when it comes to breakouts – Sweat, occlusive makeup and prolonged wear can contribute to acne or folliculitis in susceptible individuals. Use non-comedogenic products where appropriate, cleanse after significant sweating and avoid repeatedly touching your face during celebrations.
What not to try
Sudden introduction of skin actives immediately before Navratri is not safe – Layering exfoliating acids, retinoids, scrubs and brightening products in an attempt to accelerate results can compromise the stratum corneum and cause erythema, burning and barrier dysfunction. An irritated skin barrier can also make pigmentation more noticeable.Keep distance from aggressive skin DIY’s – Lemon juice, baking soda, undiluted essential oils and harsh physical scrubs have no place in a scientifically guided pre-event routine. “Natural” does not automatically mean dermatologically safe.Say ‘No’ to any kind of unfamiliar procedure before an event – Even treatments that are generally safe can cause temporary redness, swelling, dryness, peeling or post-inflammatory pigmentation in some individuals. Your skin’s response is individual, so first-time procedures should never be treated as last-minute beauty fixes.Never chase instant glow at the sake of skin health – Festive ready skin needs no dramatic transformation overnight. It is all about reducing skin inflammation, keeping its barrier intact and preferring research-backed solutions at the right time.Best skin preparation for Navratri is not a “48-hour” prior skin detox, but it is a strategic plan that is customised as per the skin type, skin issues and its tolerance level. Don’t use any unfamiliar active or home-based DIY’s. Any skin issue that is faced needs a dermatologist consultation because that will help to keep the skin safe and healthy.
