DIY skincare tips for that festive glow this Diwali, courtesy Shahnaz Husain

The festival of lights Diwali is just a few days away and if you haven’t started pampering your skin to get that gorgeous festive glow, then it’s time for you to begin.

In order to look your best, it is important to give yourself the much-needed pamper time.

Night-time cleansing is an absolute must, especially for city dwellers. Chemical air pollutants, dirt and grime hang in the air. They are potent skin irritants. Make-up should also be removed at night. All these can cause dryness, or disrupt the normal acid-alkaline balance of the skin, leading to rashes and other eruptive conditions, like pimples and acne.


As Diwali approaches, the weather also changes. Seasonal changes also influence the skin. Humidity decreases and skin loses moisture to the atmosphere. So, one needs to keep the skin moisturised and also protect it from sun-exposure.

1. Exfoliation: This is an important step in any skin care routine. Dead cells accumulate on the skin periodically and stop the skin renewal process. In order to keep the skin smooth and free from blackheads, use a good exfoliator as per your skin type. This will remove unwanted dead cells that are responsible for clogging pores and causing spots on the skin.

2. Cleansing: It is necessary to keep the face free from dirt and impurities for flawless skin. One must wash it twice daily, in the morning and at night. Ensure that you don’t use harsh chemicals, and rather opt for a gentle cleanser suitable for daily use. Massage your skin to increase blood circulation. Don’t overdo it, as excess cleansing can make your skin dull and dehydrated.

3. Moisturising your skin : Irrespective of your skin type, you have to hydrate your skin. Use a good moisturiser. It is like food for the skin, and keeps it lively and healthy. Hydration provides the skin with much-needed moisture which undoubtedly enhances its softness and smoothness.

4. Following a healthy diet routine: Using external beauty products surely works, but nothing works as well as following a healthy diet plan. Focus on having a balanced diet comprising of proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals in the right quantity. You should eat a lot of fresh green vegetables and fruits, nuts of various varieties and fish as these foods can curb many skin problems and give a natural glow. Avoid refined carbohydrates, sweets and packaged products. Fresh homemade food provides your skin the best possible nutrition.

5. Proper sleep: In addition to the above-mentioned tips, don’t forget to get your daily quota of beauty sleep. This is extremely important to keep your skin rejuvenated and fresh. Sleeplessness gives rise to dull and dehydrated skin. It can also cause spots, puffiness and dark circles. Sleeping helps regenerate your old cells and also increases blood circulation. Make sure you sleep for 8-9 hours daily.


If you have been working long hours just before Diwali, these easy tips will be helpful for your hands, feet and hair.

• Give yourself a manicure and pedicure. After soaking your hands and feet in warm water, massage with a rich cream, so that the skin is smooth and soft. A good pick-me-up treatment for the hands is to rub them with Sugar and Lemon juice.

• For hands and nails, mix almond oil and honey in equal parts and massage into the nails and cuticles. Leave on for 15 minutes and wipe off with a moist towel. Mix 3 tablespoons of rose water with 1 tablespoon of glycerin and lemon juice, each. Apply on hands and feet and leave for half an hour. Wash off with plain water.

• If your hair is looking dull give it a quick conditioning treatment before your shampoo. Mix one teaspoon each of vinegar, honey with 1 egg. Beat them together well. Massage the mixture into the scalp. Then wrap the hair in a hot towel for twenty minutes, before washing. Your hair will have more body and look shiny and manageable.