Post-wedding skincare reset: steps to repair damage and restore the glow

Weddings can take a toll on your skin, especially since you will be applying layers of make-up day in, day out, followed by extreme cleansing and repeat. This inevitable cycle is likely to lead to damage and fatigue of the skin.

Post-wedding, it is important to give make-up a break and focus on maximum hydration and revival of the skin barrier.  

So, how do you fix it?

The best way to achieve the freshest look is by doing nothing! Absolutely nothing. Allow your skin to breathe and recover for a day or two after the wedding festivities. Only use a gentle cleanser to clean your skin, and shield it with sunscreen!

After a couple of days, you can use tinted sunscreen in place of foundation to give you good coverage and an even base while protecting you from the harsh sun, and continue to allow your skin to breathe. Follow it with double cleanse—the process of using a water-based and oil-based cleanser to remove impurities from the deeper layers of the skin instead of using one harsh cleanser. 

Lock in the moisture with hyaluronic acid: When used externally, hyaluronic acid binds to water molecules within the skin, thus increasing hydration, retaining moisture, and preventing the skin from drying out, while giving it a naturally dewy, plump look.

Use ceramides: Improve your skin’s health by restoring its natural ceramides level with ceramide-based products and prevent further damage. They play a huge role in the skin’s barrier, which serves as our body’s first line of defense against external toxins. Ceramides work best when they are used twice a day and can be used in the form of many skincare products such as serums, moisturisers, body washes, and even scrubs.

Include ingredients like Vitamin C and retinoids slowly back into your skincare routine, to renew the skin, increase skin cell turnover, and rejuvenate the skin barrier.

Use the right sunscreen: Wearing enough sunscreen should be first on your self-care list. Even if you spend little time outside, dangerous UV rays can cause damage to your skin by destroying skin cells and prematurely aging your complexion. Keep that tan in check with the help of sunscreen as well as other de-tanning actives like AHAs, kojic acid, niacinamide, etc. Use a mineral-based or tinted sunscreen for UV protection and that natural glow. Using a broad spectrum, water-resistant, SPF 55, PA++++ mineral sunscreen with a tint that suits all Indian skin tones is the best solution.

Sleep well: Sleeping at least seven to eight hours through the night and at the right time is extremely important for your body's circadian rhythm to function right. To ensure sound sleep, you could try taking a small dose of melatonin or some calming Indian herbs to slow down the jitters and get a full night's rest. You will get your glowing skin back in no time. 

Follow a proper night-time routine: Before you head to bed, apply a calming mist on your face which will help keep your skin hydrated. Seal this in with a moisturiser. A quick tip: mix your moisturiser with a calamine lotion, which is known to comprise calming properties and will help with any irritation or dryness. If your skin is still feeling irritated, you can use a 1 per cent hydro-cortisol very judiciously for around two to three nights, which will further aid in bringing the skin back to normal. 

The right diet: Try and consume meals that satiate your craving, be it something as simple as a curd-rice or your staple rice and dal. Ensure you consume plenty of fluids to keep your body and skin internally hydrated. roper hydration is essential for preserving beautiful skin. Drinking lots of water keeps skin cells nourished from the inside out and keeps skin from drying out or looking older. Making it a practice to drink at least eight glasses of water every day helps keep skin looking young and vibrant for a very long time. You can also prepare turmeric detox drink for yourself. Turmeric has a lot of benefits. It is used to cure acne, mend wounds, and soothe irritated skin. Add a fresh turmeric stick to 2-3 glasses of water and boil it then add honey and lemon juice.

The benefits of a DIY face mask: They restore the natural glow of your skin. Gram flour or besan, and plain yoghurt masks work wonders on the skin. If you suffer skin breakouts from wearing makeup, you can make a mask with a teaspoon of turmeric and a tablespoon of honey. To get rid of all the toxins, create your own natural coffee scrub at home. After you scrub, add a few drops of almond oil or coconut oil to keep your skin moisturized.

Inputs by Dr. Manasi Shirolikar, Consultant Dermatologist and Founder of Online Consulting Brand drmanasiskin.com, Malini Adapureddy, Founder & CEO - Deconstruct, Dr. Rashmi Shetty, Cosmetic Dermatologist, Ra Skin & Aesthetics - Mumbai & Hyderabad and Ms. Ruchita Acharya, Founder Glow & Green