Diwali 2025: Follow these easy steps to take care of your skin this season

Up until recently packing skincare for a holiday meant throwing in an extra tube of sunscreen or cold cream depending on the destination you were heading to However most contemporary travellers have a detailed and meticulous skincare routine thatrsquos designed to address specific pain pointshellip and to their dismay these routines cease to work their magic as soon as they set foot on foreign soil The reason experts say has a lot to do with how your skin and skincare products behave in different climatic conditionsHydrating face washes and lotions can help in cold conditionsldquoYour skin responds to changes in humidity pollution and altitude Further many travellers tend to overcomplicate their routines Bringing every product you use at home could lead to irritation or breakouts Neglecting simple precautions such as overlooking your lips and hands or overexfoliating in a new climate can increase sensitivity and cause irritationrdquo says Dr Shweta Nakhawa consultant dermatologist at KIMS Hospitals ThanePacking smartldquoThe first consideration I make when packing skincare for a holiday is the weather If itrsquos hot and humid I switch to lighter textures mdash these include hydrating gelbased moisturisers and face washes that mattefy and control sebum Conversely if Irsquom heading somewhere cold or dry I switch to hydrating face washes rich cream moisturisers and even a facial oil to keep my skin nourishedrdquo shares Dollie Solanki a beauty content creatorUse a reliable sunscreen for your summer holidayShe adds that no matter the weather or the destination she carries a broadspectrum sunscreen with high SPF and a PA ldquoI also ensure that I carry a hydrating sunscreen mist in my handbag which is great for quick touchups As with skincare I choose the formulation of the sunscreen based on the climate mdash for humid destinations I choose a mattefying sunscreen mist while a product that gives a dewy finish works best in dryer climatesrdquo she clarifiesShweta Nakhawa and Dollie SolankiMost importantly regardless of the destination itrsquos important to stick to gentle formulations and avoid products with active ingredients to avoid any adverse skin reactions Dr Manisha Mareddy a dermatologist and founder of Jade Dermatology Start recommends a simple formula to pack light but effective during your travels ldquoStart with your lsquocorersquo mdash a gentle cleanser hydrating serum such as hyaluronic acid or glycerine a moisturiser with barrierrepair ceramides or niacinamide and a trustworthy broadspectrum sunscreen SPF 30If your skin tolerates active ingredients retinoids acids bring small amounts but be ready to pause if you notice irritation For your scalp use lighter leavein conditioners in humid climates instead of heavier oils After swimming a chelating or clarifying shampoo helps remove salt and chlorine Use a UVprotectant hair spray outdoorsrdquo she suggestsMissed it Fix itIn the unfortunate but not unlikely scenario of you forgetting your skincare or carrying along the wrong products Dr Nakhawa offers a few important guidelines ldquoChoose familiar textures and avoid strong ingredients such as retinoids at first Pharmacies usually have hydrating gels gentle cleansers and SPF products that match local conditions A few essentials such as a moisturiser sunscreen cleanser and a light serum are often enough for most tripsHydrating mists and balms can be useful during flights or in highaltitude areasrdquo Dr Mareddy recommends picking minimallabel gentle cleansers hydrating formulas containing glycerine andor hyaluronic acid ceramidebased moisturisers and sunscreen with water or sweat resistance ldquoWith haircare mild sulphatefree shampoos antiresidue shampoos lightweight leaveins and scalpsoothing formulas can be lifesavers Always patchtest new products first before using on your face or scalprdquo she saysTravel taboosWatch out for these common skincare mistakes for a stress and blemishfree getawayAlways carry triedandtested productsgtgt Do not carry fullsized products these take up unnecessary space and weightgtgt Seal your bottles with cling film over the mouth before screwing the lid back on to avoid accidental spillsgtgt Donrsquot get a facial just before a trip Exfoliating treatments and peels can leave your skin sensitive and more susceptible to sun damage The dry cabin air in the flight doesnrsquot help the skin either Schedule your facial two or three days before your journey so that your skin has time to settle downgtgt Avoid packing new products Save your product experiments for home When you are travelling carry products that are tried and tested and that work for your skin Reactions or allergies can ruin an otherwise perfect holidaygtgt Doublecleanse at the end of the day If you donrsquot want an elaborate routine double cleanse and slather on a nourishing sleeping maskInputs by Dollie Solanki