Getting ready for the festivities is an experience in itself: picking up the right outfit, matching jewellery, defining accessories and, of course, makeup. It’s the perfect opportunity to take a gazillion pictures, only to pick a few for the social media feeds. However, the ritual may not exactly be in tune with your skincare goals. Even with premium quality products, long makeup hours call for careful aftercare of the skin, and Soha Ali Khan agrees. The Tum Mile actor has shared a natural face pack made with simple ingredients usually found in our kitchens to detox the skin after a few nights of festivities! Here’s what Soha’s pack look like:
Mix the following ingredients:
2 tablespoon besan
1 tablespoon turmeric
1 tablespoon sandalwood powder
2 tablespoons of curd
1 tablespoon honey (skip honey if acne prone)
2. Add a few drops of rose water
3. Apply for 10-15 mins
4. Rinse with cold water gently after massaging
Impressed by Soha’s hack, we reached out to Dr Navjot Arora, Consultant Dermatologist at Dermaheal Skin and Clinic Dwarka, to update our post-festive skincare notes.
Q1: How can people take care of their skin after wearing makeup for long hours (post-makeup removal, skincare tips)?
Dr Arora asserts that taking care of the skin after wearing makeup for long hours is essential to “maintain skin health and prevent issues like clogged pores, dryness, or premature ageing”. The first step, as per the dermatologist, is thorough makeup removal. “Use a gentle, effective makeup remover or micellar water to remove all traces of foundation, eye makeup, and lip colour. Avoid harsh scrubbing, as it can irritate the skin,” he recommends.
“After removing makeup, cleansing is crucial. Choose a mild, pH-balanced cleanser to wash away residual impurities and dirt,” Dr Arora says, advising to follow this with toning to “restore the skin’s natural pH and tighten pores.”
He further explains that hydration is key after long hours of makeup: “Apply a lightweight moisturiser suited to your skin type. For those with dry or sensitive skin, a richer moisturiser or hydrating serum can help repair the skin barrier.”
Those with sensitive skin should exfoliate only 1-2 times a week to remove dead skin cells and avoid skin damage. “Finally, incorporating a nighttime skincare routine with antioxidants or repair-focused creams can help rejuvenate the skin while you sleep. Eye creams can also help reduce puffiness or dark circles that develop after long hours of makeup wear,” he notes.
Q2: Anything people should keep in mind, skin-health-wise, while applying makeup?
“When applying makeup, the first rule is to ensure your skin is clean and well-moisturised. This provides a smooth base and reduces the risk of clogged pores,” Dr Arora recommends. He further advises using non-comedogenic and hypoallergenic products, especially for sensitive or acne-prone skin.
If someone has broken or irritated skin, they should avoid applying makeup directly to it. Dr Arora recommends using a primer to create a protective layer between the skin and makeup, reducing friction and damage. “Try to limit the use of heavy or long-wearing products every day, and remove makeup before sleeping to prevent breakouts, dullness, and premature ageing.”
The dermatologist also recommends regularly cleaning makeup brushes and sponges: “Dirty tools can transfer bacteria and cause skin infections.” Lastly, the dermatologist warns that one should take breaks from makeup occasionally, to allow the skin to breathe and recover naturally, promoting long-term skin health.
DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.
