How to reverse the festive season skin damage

The festive season is always full of joy - twinkling lights, family get-togethers, late-night parties, and indulgent food at every turn. But once the last diya is packed away, your skin might tell a different story.

Many notice it looking tired, dull, or dehydrated. Weeks of heavy makeup, late nights, and rich festive treats can leave their mark, lingering long after the celebrations are over.

“Post-festive fatigue isn’t just in your mind; your skin feels it too,” says Dr. Akanksha Agarwal, Founder & Director at the Centre for Aesthetics. “Sleep deprivation, makeup layers, and indulgent food create oxidative stress that lingers long after the lights dim.”Step 1: Start with a Gentle DetoxDr. Agarwal recommends beginning with a gentle reset. “Think of it like giving your skin a mini vacation after the festivities,” she says. Use a non-alcoholic makeup remover and a pH-balanced cleanser to remove impurities, and apply antioxidant serums such as Vitamin C or Niacinamide to fight free radicals.Hydrating the skin internally is equally important. Drinking water, coconut water, or fresh fruit juices keeps your skin plump and refreshed.

This stage calms inflammation and prepares the skin for further care.Step 2: Revive with Non-Invasive TreatmentsOnce the skin is calmer, non-invasive treatments can give it an instant boost.

“These therapies soothe and rejuvenate the skin,” Dr. Agarwal says. “It’s almost like a reset button — your skin feels awake and radiant again.”Step 3: Rebuilding the Skin BarrierThe holiday rush often weakens the skin’s barrier, leaving it dry and sensitive. She suggests ceramide-rich moisturizers to restore lipids and layered hyaluronic acid serums to lock in moisture.

For at least a week, avoid harsh scrubs or alcohol-based toners. Sunscreen is non-negotiable, even indoors. A strong barrier ensures that future treatments work better.Step 4: Advanced Regenerative TreatmentsOnce the skin has regained stability, regenerative therapies can help restore vitality. Exosome therapy stimulates collagen and repairs micro-damage. Brightening peels refine texture and remove tan. For stubborn spots or uneven skin tone, Cosmelan or Dermamelan treatments are recommended.“These treatments don’t just sit on the surface — they actually reset the skin at a cellular level,” Dr. Agarwal notes.Step 5: IV Drips: A Quick BoostIV drips are quickly becoming a go-to choice for city professionals. They deliver vitamins, antioxidants, and hydration directly into the bloodstream, helping fight fatigue and oxidative stress quickly.

“IV drips are like instant nourishment,” says Dr. Agarwal. “Glutathione and Vitamin C drips brighten the skin and remove toxins, while hydration and hangover drips restore energy and electrolytes after long nights.

You feel revitalized in under an hour.”Step 6: Healing from WithinTopical care alone isn’t enough. Sleep, diet, and stress management play a major role. She advises 7–8 hours of sleep to help collagen repair, limiting sugar and processed foods, and adding collagen peptides, omega-3s, antioxidants, and other nutrients either through food or supplements as per doctor guidance. Yoga or meditation can help keep stress hormones in check.“With the right care and consistent routines, your skin can bounce back brighter, plumper, and healthier,” she says.Step 7: Consistency is KeyFinally, keeping a simple routine matters more than trying every new product. A morning regimen of cleanser → Vitamin C → moisturizer → sunscreen and a night routine of cleanser → hyaluronic acid → barrier repair cream helps skin maintain its rhythm. Frequent changes can disrupt recovery.The glow of the festive season doesn’t have to fade quickly. With thoughtful care, professional guidance, and consistency, your skin can recover its natural radiance. “At the Centre for Aesthetics, we focus on regenerative aesthetics — treatments that heal while they beautify,” Dr. Agarwal says. “Once the skin’s biology is restored, the glow follows naturally.”By Dr. Akanksha Agarwal, Founder & Director, Centre for Aesthetics