Post-Diwali Skin Detox Plan: Dermatologist Shares Tips To Restore Skin Health After Festive Season

Diwali is a festival of happiness, light, and celebration. But after the fun, the skin of our face is left to suffer a kind of ‘festival fatigue’. A mixture of heavy makeup, oily foods, sweets, and pollution disrupts the skin's protective barrier, leads to pore clogging, and consequently to the appearance of blemishes, skin dryness, or uneven skin tone. A proper post-Diwali detox routine is the way to return the lost glow, replenish moisture, and keep the skin healthy and balanced.

Skin Detox Plan After Festive Season

If you also love your skin and want it to keep glowing, Dr Nirupama Parwanda, Dermatologist & Founder of Zolie Skin Clinic has some helpful tips that can help revive your skin’s natural glow.

1. Start with Gentle Cleansing

After a few days of makeup, you have to remove it thoroughly but at the same time gently and softly. A mild cleansing agent should be employed to remove dirt, oil, and the remnants of the make-up without the need to strip the skin of its natural moisturizing packaging. The best method is double cleansing- initially, a cleansing oil to remove makeup and sunscreen, and then a gel or foam for washing should be used to wash off the rest of the dirt. As per a study published in ResearchGate, harsh soaps or products with alcohol can dry out the skin, thus, avoid using such products.

Also Read: 5 Effective Ways To Detox Your Skin For A Radiant Glow In 2025

2. Exfoliate to Remove Dullness

Throughout Diwali makeup and pollution may cause the buildup of dead skin cells which results in skin going dull. Exfoliation is a method through which these layers can be peeled off, and the newer fresh layer of skin can be revealed.

“One should take a mild scrub or chemical peel exfoliant with ingredients like lactic acid or glycolic acid one or two times a week. Kindly remember that too much exfoliation may cause skin irritation instead of yielding beneficial effects,” shares Dr Parwanda.

3. Hydration is the Key

The point of the skin to get back to it is to give it enough moisture. First, by a moisturizing toner or relaxing facial mist and then through a feather-light moisturizer that contains hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or ceramides is the way to do it. Click here to read a study published in PubMed Central that shows benefits of hyaluronic acid for skin. Drinking water is equally necessary. The target is for at least 8 glasses of water daily in order to detox from the inside out. Moreover, one could use coconut water or detox drinks with lemon and mint so as to have refreshing skin from the inside.

Also Read: How Having Detox Drinks in The Morning Can Bring Back The Lost Energy?

4. Soothe and Repair with Face Masks

According to Dr Parwanda, “The use of a calming face mask will definitely help relieve skin that is irritated or lacks vibrant color. In particular, clay masks purge the skin from dirt sources, while sheet masks that have ingredients aloe vera, cucumber, or green tea help in bringing back the moisture and the glow of the skin.”

In the case your skin is feeling dry and sensitive, then a DIY mask of honey or yogurt will be the best option as they provide natural nourishment and hydration to the skin.

5. Focus on Skin Nutrition 

The direct impact of diet on the skin is undisputed. After revelling in festive treats, now is the time to feed your body with clean and nutritious foods that will help the skin to repair itself and become radiant again.

Food That is Beneficial for Skin to Glow:

• Fruit: One of the very best sources of vitamin C is a group of fruits comprising oranges, lemons, and amla that are equipped with a great abundance of this vitamin. The vitamin causes more collagen to be produced and skin to get brightened.
• Vegetables: Spinach, carrots, tomatoes, and beetroot should be consumed as they are packed with antioxidants which fight against the free radicals and damage caused by pollution.
• Good Fats: Make use of avocados, nuts, and seeds (such as flaxseeds and sunflower seeds) in your diet in order to have skin that is soft and smooth.
• Protein: Eggs, paneer, lentils, and tofu are excellent sources of protein that help the process of skin repair after tissue damage.
• Detox Drinks: Your day should be started with a combination of warm water, lemon, and honey. For reducing inflammation and giving skin a healthy glow, one may consume green tea or turmeric milk as well.

“After Diwali, it is advisable to refrain from excess sugar, refined carbs, and deep-fried foods for a few weeks as they can cause acne and make the skin dull,” shares Dr Parwanda.

Also Read: How Your Sleeping Position Might Be Affecting Your Skin

6. Restore Sleep and Manage Stress

Late nights during the festive season can mess up your sleep pattern and as a result, you will have tired-looking skin and dark circles. Sound sleep for 7-8 hours gives the body and skin the time to repair themselves during the night. To get rid of post-festival stress that may cause breakouts or dryness, relax by meditation, yoga, or listening to your favorite calm music.

7. Protect Your Skin from Pollution

The celebration may be over but the level of air pollution is still high. Don't forget to wear sunscreen before you go out even when it's a cloudy day.

“Make use of an SPF 30 or higher product and reapply it every 3 hours. During the night, remove the dirt and makeup from your face properly and put on a moisturizer that will help repair the skin barrier and make your skin strong against pollutants,” suggests Dr Parwanda.

8. Don't Forget About Your Lips and Eyes

Skincare after Diwali is not merely an external process, rather it involves the whole body and skin getting a new fresh start. The combination of mild cleansing, moisturizing, eating the right food, and getting enough sleep will help your skin to loosen its natural glow again. If you keep on taking care of your skin and adopting small healthy lifestyle habits, your skin will not only bounce back from the tiredness of the festival but also glow more than before, without any artificial help, in good health, and lovely.