As the festive season rolls in, trays of laddoos and boxes of barfi become impossible to resist. And when sweets steal the spotlight, your skin quietly pays the price. Festivals bring lots of happiness, lights, laughter and endless boxes of mithai. While these sugary delights put a smile on your face, they can secretly dull your skin’s glow. But don’t worry, your festive glow can be restored. A small bottle of good serum, whether for hydration, glow, or repair, helps balance the effects of your sugar rush and keeps your skin fresh, healthy, and camera-ready all season long.
This article is authored by: Dr Milli Sinha, Aesthetic Physician at La Clinique & Expert at Oteria and Dr Pihu Sethi, Associate Professor and Head, Department of Dermatology, Venereology & Leprosy, GIMS, Greater Noida
Highlighting the impact of festive sugar highs on skin, Dr Mili Sinha, Aesthetic Physician at La Clinique and Expert at Oteria, explains, “Excess sugar can kick off a process called glycation, which breaks down collagen and leaves the skin looking dull and tired. That’s where a good serum really comes in. Hydrating serums, antioxidant-rich products, and a consistent cleansing routine can make a big difference. A little balance, both in skincare and in your sweets, goes a long way in keeping that festive glow alive. Using the right serum, especially one packed with antioxidants or hydration, can help repair and rebalance the skin overnight so the celebrations don’t show on your face.”
Adding to this, Dr Pihu Sethi, Associate Professor and Head, Department of Dermatology, Venereology & Leprosy, GIMS, Greater Noida, added, “Festivals are a wonderful time full of sweets, shopping, and late-night gatherings. But amidst the celebrations, it’s easy to forget about skincare. The combination of sugary treats and less water can leave your skin feeling dry, dull, and more likely to break out. If you’re already dealing with issues like eczema or seborrheic dermatitis, these changes can even make things worse. This is where face serums come in handy. Unlike regular creams, serums carry active ingredients that sink deeper into your skin, giving it extra nourishment and support. The key is to match your serum to your skin’s needs. Everyone’s skin is unique, and customised choices mean healthier, happier, festive-ready skin.”
From hydration to brightening, here are the expert-approved season’s heroes that your skin truly needs:
When your skin looks dull and fatigued, Vitamin C falls in your favour. Vitamin C (10–20%) can help brighten and even out your complexion and fight oxidative stress caused by sugar and pollution.
Niacinamide (5–10%), known as Vitamin B3, helps regulate oiliness, improve redness, and shrink pores. It is an excellent option for balancing the effects of festive sugar overload and calming irritation caused by makeup and pollution.
Hyaluronic acid helps to replace the lost moisture, plumps the skin, giving it a plump and dewy look. Apply it before your moisturiser to seal in hydration.
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If the long nights have caught up with you, Retinol is your best recovery vitamin. It works by boosting collagen production and increasing skin cell turnover. Use Retinol only at night and after it dries, apply any hydrating moisturiser, which will leave your skin fresh and smooth in the morning.
Consider serums that contain green tea, vitamin E, or coenzyme Q10. These ingredients help neutralise free radicals caused by sugar and stress. The ingredients will not only protect your skin but also help in healing and recovering during the festive season.
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When sugar levels leave your skin congested, oily, and prone to breakouts, salicylic acid steps in to help. This powerful ingredient penetrates the skin and improves the imbalance in gland secretion caused by sugary diets and late nights. It gently exfoliates dead skin cells and reduces inflammation, helping to prevent and calm acne flare-ups.
Enjoying festive sweets doesn't have to come at the expense of your skin. These serums are actually your bodyguards who fight against sugar damage yet lock in your hydration and restore your shine overnight. Enjoy the mithai and all the festive fun, but don’t forget your serums! After all, nothing complements a festive outfit better than a naturally glowing complexion.
Image Credit: Freepik
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