Protect Your Glow This Diwali

·  How to protect your skin from pollution, fireworks, & festive stress

Dr. Ennakshee Sharma

Diwali is a celebration of lights, joy, and community. While it brings families together in warmth and festivity, it also comes with a hidden toll on your skin. Pollution from fireworks, late nights, heavy makeup, and even accidental burns can leave skin stressed, sensitive, or injured.

But with a little planning and mindful care, your skin can stay healthy, resilient, and glowing throughout the season. Here’s your dermatologist-approved guide to navigating Diwali skincare, from prevention to post-festival recovery, and crucial first-aid for burns.

1. Pre-Diwali Skin Prep: Building a Strong Barrier

Healthy skin acts as your body’s first line of defense. Strengthening your skin barrier before Diwali helps minimize the impact of pollution, makeup, and minor irritants.

• Moisturize generously: Choose ceramide or hyaluronic acid-based moisturizers to lock in hydration. Well-moisturized skin is less likely to crack or become sensitive.
• Use sunscreen daily: Even short bursts of sun exposure during festive shopping or outdoor rituals add up. A broad-spectrum SPF 30+ is a must.
• Boost antioxidants: Apply a vitamin C serum in the morning to protect against free radicals released by pollution. Eating antioxidant-rich foods (oranges, pomegranates, spinach, nuts) also helps.
• Gentle exfoliation: Use a mild chemical exfoliant (glycolic, lactic, or mandelic acid) 1–2 times a week to keep your skin smooth, but avoid harsh scrubs that can leave micro-tears.

2. Skincare Amidst Pollution and Fireworks

During Diwali, air pollution levels can spike dramatically, sometimes 4–5 times higher than normal. This can worsen acne, trigger eczema, and speed up skin aging.

Protection strategies:

• Cleanse twice daily: Use a gentle, pH-balanced cleanser to wash away soot, dust, and pollutants. At night, follow double cleansing—first with an oil-based cleanser to remove makeup, then a foaming cleanser.
• Barrier creams: If you’re prone to eczema or sensitive skin, apply a barrier-protective ointment around vulnerable areas like lips, nostrils, and eyelids before stepping out.
• Antioxidant serums: Vitamin C, niacinamide, or green tea extract serums can help neutralize free radicals.
• Hydration spray: A thermal spring water mist or plain rose water spray can help refresh skin after prolonged exposure to smoke.

3. Burn and Injury Prevention During Diwali

Accidental burns are unfortunately common during Diwali—whether from diyas, candles, or fireworks. While prevention is always better than cure, knowing first-aid measures is equally important.

Preventive tips:

• Clothing safety: Avoid loose, synthetic fabrics that can catch fire easily. Choose cotton or silk blends when lighting diyas or crackers.
• Safe zones: Keep fireworks away from children, balconies, and flammable decorations. Always light them in open spaces.
• Keep essentials ready: Have a bucket of water, a fire blanket, and a first-aid kit handy.
• Handle diyas carefully: Place them on stable, non-flammable surfaces and keep hair, dupattas, and sleeves away from open flames.

4. First-Aid for Skin Burns

If despite precautions an accident happens, timely and correct first-aid can minimize damage and scarring.

Types of burns you may encounter:

1. First-degree burn: Redness, pain, mild swelling (like sunburn).
2. Second-degree burn: Blisters, more intense pain, possible oozing.
3. Third-degree burn: Deep skin damage, charred or white leathery skin, often painless due to nerve damage (requires emergency care).

What to do immediately:

• Cool the burn: Hold under cool (not ice-cold) running water for 15–20 minutes. This reduces heat and prevents deeper injury.
• Do not apply butter, toothpaste, or oils: These trap heat and increase risk of infection—a common mistake in households.
• Remove tight items: Take off rings, bangles, or tight clothing near the burned area before swelling begins.
• Cover gently: Use a sterile gauze or clean cotton cloth to loosely cover the area. This reduces risk of infection.
• Pain relief: Over-the-counter pain relievers like paracetamol or ibuprofen can help with discomfort.

What NOT to do:

• Do not burst blisters—they act as natural protective dressings.
• Do not apply powders, herbal pastes, or antiseptic creams without medical guidance.
• Do not ignore burns on the face, hands, joints, or genitals—these need prompt medical care.

5. Dermatological Care After a Burn

Once first-aid is done, professional care ensures proper healing and minimizes scarring.

• Topical antibiotics: For second-degree burns with blisters, your dermatologist may prescribe a silver sulfadiazine cream or mupirocin to prevent infection.
• Moist wound healing: Hydrogel dressings, silicone sheets, or medical-grade honey dressings can promote faster healing and reduce scarring.
• Scar prevention: Once healed, use silicone gels/patches or prescribed creams with onion extract or vitamin E to minimize post-burn scars.
• Laser or microneedling therapy: For stubborn scars, dermatological procedures can help improve texture and appearance.

6. Dealing with Smoke-Induced Skin Flare-Ups

Beyond burns, Diwali pollution can worsen existing skin conditions.

• Acne breakouts: Pollution clogs pores. Use a salicylic acid cleanser and apply a light, oil-free moisturizer.
• Eczema or dermatitis: Keep your skin barrier strong with ceramide-based creams. Avoid scratching inflamed areas—apply cold compresses instead.
• Allergic reactions: Contact with fireworks can trigger rashes. Apply calamine lotion or hydrocortisone cream (if advised by your dermatologist).

7. Post-Diwali Skin Detox

After the festivities, give your skin time to recover.

• Soothing masks: Use aloe vera or oatmeal masks to calm irritated skin.
• Retinol for repair: Night creams with retinol or peptides promote collagen regeneration and repair oxidative stress.
• Professional cleanup: A hydrafacial, chemical peel, or oxyfacial with your dermatologist can help restore glow and clarity.
• Lifestyle reset: Hydrate well, get adequate sleep, and return to a balanced diet with fruits, vegetables, and omega-3 fatty acids for inner healing.

8. When to Seek Medical Attention

Not all burns or rashes can be treated at home. Seek immediate dermatological or emergency care if:

• The burn is larger than the palm of your hand.
• It affects the face, joints, or genitals.
• There are signs of infection (pus, foul smell, excessive swelling).
• You notice breathing difficulty or eye injury due to smoke/firecracker accidents.

Final Thoughts

Diwali is a festival of positivity and light. With the excitement, however, comes an increased risk of skin damage from pollution, late nights, indulgent diets, and accidental burns. The key is prevention first, prompt first-aid when required, and professional follow-up care.

This festive season, remember: glowing skin is not just about looking radiant—it’s about keeping it healthy and protected. May your Diwali be filled with joy, light, and safe celebrations—for you and your skin.

(Author is a Dermatologist, ASCOMS & Hospital)