Building ‘skin stamina’ before the festive fervour

If you’re anything like us, the weeks building up to any festival are sure to evoke a twinge of anxiety. While we can’t help much with your burgeoning to-dos, here’s a handy lowdown on fail-safe ways to tackle a concern that tops the list of priorities this festive season—skincare.

“Skincare isn’t fast fashion. Chopping and changing actives weekly leads to inflammation,” begins Dr Tushar Vishnoi, founder of Lèvere Aesthetics, adding, “A minimal, well-formulated routine done consistently will always outperform seven-step regimens followed once a week.”

THE RULE OF Three

The skin's inherent biological function is to serve as a protective barrier against external substances. “As an extensive protective organ, it naturally impedes absorption,” reiterates Dr Jenovia (Daun Jung), Korean cosmetologist, COO & co-founder, KorinMi, a Korean skin clinic based in Gurugram. Consequently, if one merely applies a minimal quantity of product in a single, cursory application, the formulation will fail to penetrate effectively to reach the stratum corneum, where it would provide optimal benefit. “In order to maximise absorption and efficacy, follow the rule of three: apply your moisturiser a minimum of three times in succession, followed by layering,” she outlines. 

On makeup-free days, double cleanse and let your skin breathe with a calming moisturiser. “I also recommend using thermal spring water to balance the skin throughout the day, especially after exposure to smoke or pollution,” adds Dr Madhuri Agarwal, founder and medical director at Yavana Skin & Hair Clinic.

PROTECTING BOUNDARIES

Giving your skin ‘rest days’—going makeup-free and focusing only on barrier support—is one of the simplest ways to strengthen long-term skin health. “Everyone’s chasing glow, but few are supporting the barrier. A resilient barrier is your best defence against dullness, breakouts, and premature ageing,” explains Dr Vishnoi, who emphasises that there are only four staples you really need: a pH-balanced cleanser (it sounds basic, but most skin issues begin with harsh cleansing), an SPF 50/PA+++ sunscreen (every age, every day, even indoors), a barrier-repair moisturiser, and lastly, a targeted treatment serum with Niacinamide (for those in their 20s), Vitamin C (for 30s), and Peptides/Retinol (for 40s).

“Oral sunscreens can be started preferably one month in advance for better results. The most important rule is never to skip sunscreen and to reapply it. You can also add Vitamin C serum before sunscreen, which doubles the protection of your skin from sun damage. At night, add lightening agents like alpha arbutin, tranexamic acid, kojic acid, or licorice to cut down or reduce immediate tan,” adds Dr Madhuri Agarwal

BACK TO BASICS

For those looking at last-minute fixes for acne that won’t go away, opt for overnight hydrocolloid pimple patches without any actives to decrease the size of bumps and calm the skin. “You can also spot-treat with anti-acne ingredients like clindamycin and benzoyl peroxide. In the case of bigger acne, one must consult doctors for oral antibiotics,” says Dr Agarwal.

When it comes to stocking up on staples, it really does help to stay informed and read labels. “When picking up a barrier-repair moisturiser, look for ceramides, panthenol, and squalane. Think of it as insurance for your actives,” suggests Dr Vishnoi. Additionally, a good leave-on cream sleeping mask with collagen, niacinamide, cica or ceramides can leave your skin feeling fresh and hydrated, especially for those struggling to get quality shut-eye.

Interestingly, experts believe a single product is enough to gently cleanse your skin. Lightweight antioxidant-hydration hybrids, like formulations with Centella, work harder than layering multiple serums. And, a broad-spectrum SPF 50/PA+++ doubles as both sun protection and anti-ageing care. “When you focus on barrier support, hydration, and sun safety, you’ll see real results without overspending,” says Dr Jenovia.

THE LIGHT WILL SHOW YOU THE WAY

While home LED masks have been around for a while, this is your sign to invest in one, if you haven’t already. For beginners, red light masks are highly recommended to increase glow, help reduce fine lines, and improve collagen and elasticity. And the best part? It’s easy to do from the comfort of your own home.
“Do this at home three times a week for 10–15 minutes with a red and near-infrared light combination,” advises Dr Kiran Sethi, integrative aesthetic and medical head, Isya Aesthetics. “For those with acne-prone skin, blue light is miraculous, with 50 per cent of acne lesions reducing over 12 weeks of three times a week for 10–15 minutes. LED can be done while watching TV or doing household chores—the ultimate time saver, and the device lasts for years!” she concludes.

Across all ages, the key to great skin remains the same—cleanse, tone, hydrate, repair, and protect the skin to build long-term stamina.

All images: Getty Images
 

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