After several days of pandal-hopping, late nights, sweat, dust, pollution, makeup and irregular meals, your skin may feel dull, dehydrated or more prone to breakouts. Post-Puja skincare, however, is not about rushing into aggressive treatments to restore your glow. Instead, it is about giving your skin time to recover, replenishing lost moisture and following a gentle, consistent routine.
My Kolkata spoke to city-based dermatologists Nishith Sarkar of Narayana Hospital, Barasat, Karan Malhotra of CK Birla Hospitals, CMRI and Arunima Ray of Narayana RN Tagore Hospital, Mukundapur, who shared practical post-Puja skincare tips for both men and women.
Gentle cleansing
Start by removing makeup thoroughly and cleansing your face with a mild, non-stripping face wash. This helps clear residual makeup, sunscreen, sweat and pollution without compromising the skin’s natural protective barrier.
Nishith Sarkar advised using a gentle face wash twice a day. “Avoid hot water and harsh scrubs, as they can damage an already tired skin barrier,” he said.
Arunima Ray also cautioned against overwashing. “Cleansing twice a day is enough; over-washing or scrubbing can strip natural oils and trigger irritation,” she said.
Replenish lost moisture
Long hours outdoors, exposure to pollution and frequent cleansing can leave the skin feeling dry and tight. Applying a moisturiser suited to your skin type can help restore hydration and support the skin barrier.
Choose a fragrance-free moisturiser, opting for a lightweight, gel-based formula if you have oily or acne-prone skin and a cream-based one if your skin is dry or sensitive.
“Ingredients such as ceramides, hyaluronic acid, glycerin and niacinamide can help restore comfort and strengthen the skin barrier,” said Ray.
Give strong actives a break
The urge to tackle dullness, uneven skin tone or breakouts immediately after the festivities can be tempting. However, introducing strong products or treatments when the skin is already irritated may worsen the problem.
Sarkar advised avoiding retinoids, strong exfoliating acids, peels and new skincare products until redness, dryness or sensitivity subsides. If exfoliation is necessary, he recommended keeping it gentle and limiting its frequency to once or twice a week.
Ray echoed this advice, cautioning against trying to restore the skin’s glow through intensive treatments too soon. “Avoid the temptation to ‘fix’ dullness immediately with strong peels, scrubs or new actives. Give the skin at least a few days to recover. If exfoliation is needed, keep it mild and infrequent,” she said.
Malhotra observed that persistent and painful breakouts warrant a dermatologist’s assessment, as home remedies can do little to address such cases. “Avoid picking pimples or layering multiple active ingredients in an attempt to achieve quick results. Persistent or painful breakouts warrant a dermatologist’s assessment to prevent scarring and post-inflammatory pigmentation,” he said.
Make sunscreen a daily essential
Even after the festivities are over, sun protection remains an important part of your skincare routine. Sun exposure can worsen pigmentation and contribute to uneven skin tone, particularly if the skin is already irritated.
“Daily sunscreen is equally important after Pujo, as sun exposure can worsen pigmentation and dullness. Apply a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher every morning,” said Ray.
“UV radiation and outdoor activities after the festival can also aggravate tanning, pigmentation and uneven skin tone. It is important to apply and reapply sunscreen every two hours when outdoors, especially after sweating,” said Malhotra.
Men need post-Pujo skincare, too
Skincare after the festivities is not limited to women. Men who have spent long hours outdoors or regularly shave can also experience dryness, irritation and breakouts.
“Men should follow the same basics: cleanse, moisturise and protect, especially after shaving, which can aggravate dryness. Women should give their skin a break from heavy makeup for a few days,” advised Sarkar.
Malhotra added that men with oily skin need moisture too. However, it should be light and noncomedogenic.
Do not overlook sleep, hydration and diet
Skincare does not end with the products you apply. After days of late nights and irregular meals, getting adequate sleep, drinking enough water and returning to balanced, regular meals can help support overall well-being and skin health.
As Malhotra put it, “Skin recovery is closely linked to overall health. Aim for adequate sleep, maintain hydration, eat a balanced diet with sufficient protein, fruits and vegetables, and limit excessive alcohol consumption. These habits support normal skin function, although no single food or drink can instantly restore a festive glow.”