Let your skin glow this Diwali - IANS

While you spruce up your home and shop till you drop in these hectic days before Diwali, do spend some time on yourself too. Remember to drink water to keep your skin hydrated and stay away from heavy food for that flawless and glowing skin, say experts.

 Sachin Dhawan, director and consultant dermatologist of Skin n Smiles, emphasises on adequate water intake and controlled consumption of fried food.

"People get so busy with the preparations that they forget to have water. That should not be the case. Drink at least 8 to 10 glasses of water every day. It clears up your skin and gives a healthy glow," Dhawan said.

Skin gets dry and dull during the festive season. "Therefore, don't forget to moisturise your skin. Eating fried food promotes breakouts and dull skin. So if you can't resist, limit the intake," he added.

Another option is homemade face packs or masks, a natural way to get smooth, supple and glowing skin.

Sangeeta Amladi, head, medical services at Kaya Skin Clinic, doles out some handy tips.

"Tomato mask is for oily skin. Mash up a ripe tomato and leave it on your face for 15 to 20 minutes. Rinse with lukewarm water."

"Banana mask is for dry skin. Again mash up a ripe banana, add some honey and apply it on your face and neck. Keep it for 15 minutes and rinse with water.

"One can also use honey mask. Apply pure honey on your face and neck. Allow it to set until dry, say, for 15 minutes. Rinse with lukewarm water."

Renowned beauty expert Shahnaz Husain too stresses on fruit packs.

"They can also be applied daily. Mix grated apple with ripe papaya pulp and mashed banana. Yogurt or lemon juice can be added to the mixture. Mix it and apply it on your face and leave it for half an hour. Wash it off with plain water. It not only adds a glow but also removes tan and softens the skin," said Husain.

At this time of the year skin care is important not just for the festival sake but also due to change in weather. People face problems like tight, red or itchy skin.

To nourish the skin, experts prescribe oil-based moisturisers and bathing oils.

"Look for an oil-based moisturiser rather using water-based. Oil protects skin and retains more moisture than a cream. Primrose and avocado oils are great for skin. Also, use exfoliates to get the dead skin off periodically, so that the moisturiser can sink in," said Divita Kanoria, chief wellness officer, The Vedic Collection.

A good body scrub and facial exfoliate can help remove dead skin cells.

"This once a week cleansing routine will make you feel fresh and the skin will be free from dry cells. A few drops of almond and essential bath oils into your everyday bath can help in nourishing your skin," she added.

When nothing works, one can hide behind makeup but pick your beauty products with care, suggests Simal Soin, dermatologist at the capital-based Three Graces. And look out for quality rather than brands.

"In the festive season, opt for waterproof mascara, eyeliner and transfer-resistant lipsticks  so that the makeup doesn't smudge and stain."

"Wash and cleanse the face and rub ice cube for few minutes to lower the sweating so that the makeup stays for longer time. Highlight the eyes with pastel colours. Pink and lighter shades of brown will enhance the beauty this season," she added.