Diwali skincare rush: Dermatologist shares treatments to avoid before festivities

From peels to DIY hacks, last-minute skin treatments may aggravate your skin barrier and create problems like irritation.

With Diwali just a week away, many people are rushing to book beauty appointments, try last-minute skin treatments, and buy new products to achieve that coveted festive glow. The promise of instant radiance is tempting, but are these last-minute beauty fixes really safe, or could they leave your skin irritated just in time for the celebrations?ALSO READ: Diwali home decor: 5 ways to make your space feel festive without overdoing it

We asked Dr Sonali Kohli, senior consultant, dermatology, Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital, Mumbai, to address common doubts about last-minute treatments and explain what you need to know to prevent skin irritation. She answered these questions for us:

Which popular skin treatments should be avoided immediately before a major event, and why?

Skin treatments should not be regarded as a shortcut, as they involve a process that takes time.

The dermatologist revealed the potential consequences and why you need to allow time for these treatments, drawing on her own clinical observations.

“Treatments that work by injuring the skin to renew it should be avoided immediately before a major event. These include deep chemical peels, lasers and CO2 resurfacing, microneedling, and fresh fillers in a visible area. These treatments all have a recovery period that cannot be fast-forwarded. I once had a bride undergo a strong peel three days before her sangeet, hoping to glow, but she spent those three days flaking instead. The rule is simple: if it peels or punctures, it is not an event-week treatment.”

How much time should people allow for treatments before the festivities?

Every skin treatment has its own timeline, which means you need to plan things ahead and allow enough time for your skin to recover before the festivities.

She shared the timeline for each treatment: “A mild peel needs two to three weeks, while lasers and microneedling require four to six weeks for redness to settle and collagen to behave. Fillers need two to three weeks, while Botox is the friendly exception, requiring about two weeks to take full effect with no downtime.”

On top of the healing time, you need a buffer week. Dr Kohli reasoned, “My one-line guide to patients is to add a buffer week on top of the healing time because skin has no undo button during event week.”

What are the risks of trying new skincare products or DIY remedies for an instant glow?

Avoid DIY hacks, as they may worsen your skin barrier.

You may also come across new skincare products and DIY hacks promising an instant glow, but the dermatologist warned that trying them just before an event could have disastrous consequences.

She mentioned which ones you should avoid: “A new active ingredient is a stranger to your skin, and event week is the worst time for introductions. Kitchen remedies are the sneakiest. Lemon on the face, combined with sun exposure, can cause real burns and lasting pigmentation, called phytophotodermatitis. Baking soda strips the skin barrier, while toothpaste on a pimple can leave a chemical burn that outlasts the festival by months. Never try anything new on your face during the final week.”

How can people achieve healthy, radiant skin without risking irritation, breakouts or pigmentation?

For a healthy lifestyle glow, consistency matters more than last-minute skincare additions. Dr Kohli recommended sticking to a gentle daily routine and focusing on a healthy lifestyle.

The dermatologist recommended, “Stay consistent with a gentle cleanser, a hydrating serum, a good moisturiser and daily sunscreen, because nothing dulls festive skin faster than tan and pigmentation. Sleep is the cheapest glow treatment there is. Ease off sugar and alcohol in the run-up, since both can cause next-day puffiness.”

And what about those who glow on festive days? The doctor explained that they rarely do anything dramatic in the final week. Instead, they start early and remain consistent with their skincare.

Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.