5 skincare essentials to follow before your Puja look

Puja season brings new clothes, makeup, outings and plenty of photo opportunities. But getting your skin ready for the festivities does not require piling on multiple new products. A simple, consistent routine suited to your skin type can be far more effective.

Experts recommend focusing on five basics—cleansing, choosing the right active ingredients, moisturising, using sunscreen and adjusting your routine as your skin changes.

1. Start with cleansing
Sweat, excess oil, dust, pollution and makeup residue can build up on the skin throughout the day. Proper cleansing should therefore be the first step in any skincare routine.

A cleanser that leaves the skin tight or rough is not necessarily doing a better job. Choose one that removes dirt and excess oil without stripping the skin of its natural moisture.

Depending on your skin type and needs, cleansing once or twice a day may be sufficient. Cleaning your face before bed is particularly important.

2. Choose ingredients based on your skin’s needs
The second step should depend on the problem you are trying to address. Acne, pigmentation, dryness, roughness, fine lines and uneven skin tone may require different approaches.

Ingredients such as vitamin C, niacinamide, retinoids and salicylic acid are commonly used for different skin concerns. Rather than introducing several active ingredients at once, add them gradually according to your needs.

When trying a new skincare product, pay attention to how your skin reacts before making it part of your regular routine.

3. Don’t skip moisturiser
Oily or acne-prone skin still needs adequate hydration. Skipping moisturiser can leave the skin’s protective barrier vulnerable and may worsen dryness or irritation.

A lightweight gel or lotion may work well for oily skin, while people with dry skin may benefit from a richer cream.

If your skin feels unusually dry, tight or flaky, increasing moisturisation can help restore comfort and hydration.

4. Make sunscreen a daily habit
Sunscreen is one of the most important steps in protecting the skin. Ultraviolet radiation can contribute to pigmentation, uneven skin tone and premature signs of ageing.

Apply sunscreen every morning, not just on days when you plan to spend a lot of time outdoors. If you are outside for extended periods or sweating heavily, reapplication may be necessary.

For a morning routine, sunscreen should generally be applied after moisturiser and before makeup.

5. Adjust your routine when your skin changes
Understanding your skin is key to maintaining a good routine. Weather, age, diet, hormonal changes, stress and illness can all affect the skin’s needs.

That means a routine that worked well in the past may not always remain suitable. Pay attention to changes rather than following the same regimen indefinitely.

If a product causes persistent irritation, redness, excessive dryness or worsening acne, stop using it and consider consulting a dermatologist.

Keep it simple before Puja
With the festivities approaching, avoid suddenly introducing several new products in an attempt to achieve brighter-looking skin. Consistent cleansing, appropriate moisturisation, daily sunscreen and adequate rest are more useful foundations for healthy-looking skin than an overloaded skincare routine.