Skincare for Diwali Cleaning: Protect Your Hands, Face and Hair

In many Indian homes, the weeks before Diwali mean deep cleaning: dusting fans and shelves, washing curtains, scrubbing floors and clearing out lofts. It is satisfying work, but it also means hours of dust, detergents and sweat. A few simple steps protect your skin and hair so you can enjoy the festival without dry hands and a tired face.

What cleaning does to skin

  • Dust settles on the face, neck, arms and hair.
  • Detergents and cleaners can leave hands dry and rough.
  • Water on hands for long periods.
  • Sweat from physical work.
  • Rubbing your face with dusty hands.

Before you start

  1. Moisturise your face, hands and arms so skin is not bare and dry.
  2. Tie your hair up and cover it with a scarf, dupatta or cap.
  3. Wear old, full-sleeved clothes to cover your arms.
  4. Wear rubber gloves for anything wet: mopping, washing, scrubbing.
  5. Wear a cloth or disposable mask while dusting high shelves, fans and lofts.
  6. Keep a water bottle nearby.

While you clean

  • Follow the label on every cleaning product and never mix products.
  • Open windows for fresh air.
  • Do not touch your face with gloves or dusty hands.
  • Take short breaks to drink water and rest.
  • Split big jobs over several days rather than doing it all at once.

After cleaning

  1. Wash your face gently with a mild face wash and lukewarm water.
  2. Wash your hands and moisturise them right away. See our hand care routine.
  3. Shower to remove dust and sweat from your body.
  4. Wash or brush out your hair if it got dusty.
  5. Moisturise your face and body.
  6. Change into clean clothes and wash the cleaning clothes.

At night

Apply a thicker layer of moisturiser on your hands before bed, and wear cotton gloves if you have them. Get a full night's sleep, because you will likely have another cleaning day tomorrow. Read sleep and skin.

Eat and drink well

Busy days often mean skipped meals and too much chai. Keep meals simple and regular, snack on fruit and nuts, and drink water through the day. See healthy snacks for glowing skin.

Common mistakes

  • Cleaning without gloves.
  • Using very hot water for washing up.
  • Wiping sweat with dusty hands.
  • Doing the whole house in one day.
  • Skipping moisturiser at the end of a tiring day.

When to stop and get help

If a cleaning product splashes in your eyes, rinse with plenty of clean water and get medical help. If you notice a rash, burning or blisters on your skin, stop using that product and see a doctor. If dust makes you wheeze or short of breath, take a break and speak to your doctor.

Ready for the festival

Once the cleaning is done, see our Diwali skincare tips and skin prep before an event for the festival days.

Want a routine built for your skin? The Theraglam Glow Scan turns 3 photos and a short quiz into a personal skin routine with helpful ingredients, a diet and water plan, face massage moves and a daily to-do list.

Quick questions

Is a cloth mask enough for dusting? It helps keep dust away from your nose and mouth during light dusting.

What if my hands are already dry? Moisturise after every wash, wear gloves for wet work, and apply a thick layer at night.

Start my Glow Scan: 3 photos and a short quiz become your personal skin, diet and face massage plan, sent by email within about 2 hours. Rs 599, one time.

Glow Scan and this article give skincare and lifestyle guidance, not medical advice. For a skin or health condition, please see a doctor or dermatologist.

Back to blog