The festive season is a time of joy, celebration, and indulgence, especially during Raya. However, after all those late nights, rich mouth-watering foods, and hectic schedules, your skin might not be feeling its best.

But fear not! With a few simple steps and the right products, you can have your skin glowing again in no time.

Step 1: Cleanse Away Impurities and Refresh Your Skin Post-Raya

After days of makeup, sweat, and pollutants, the first step is to cleanse your skin thoroughly. Opt for a gentle cleanser that removes impurities without stripping away essential oils. Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid or glycerin, which hydrate the skin while cleansing.

Here’s a few cleansers you can try:

Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser

This mild, soap-free cleanser was created by dermatologists with sensitive skin in mind. It’s perfect for everyday use on your face, hands, and body. Not only does it cleanse without causing irritation, but it also helps your skin hold onto essential moisture. After washing, your skin feels wonderfully soft and healthy.

Get this for RM75.65 (500ml) on Guardian

Cerave Hydrating Facial Cleanser

Ideal for all skin types, Cerave Hydrating Facial Cleanser provides thorough cleansing while maintaining your skin’s natural moisture barrier. Developed with dermatologists, it gently refreshes your skin without causing tightness or dryness.

Packed with essential ceramides and hydrating hyaluronic acid, it strengthens your skin’s defenses and keeps it hydrated for 24 hours. Plus, it’s non-comedogenic, ensuring it won’t clog your pores.

Whether you have normal or dry skin, this cleanser is a gentle and effective choice for your skincare routine.

Get this for RM26.90 on Guardian. A discount is offered at the time of writing, tap in to see the updated price.

Simple Kind to Skin Refreshing Facial Wash Gel

Simple Kind to Skin Refreshing Facial Wash Gel is a gentle yet effective solution for keeping your skin clean and revitalised. It’s carefully crafted to suit even the most sensitive skin types.

Enriched with Pro-Vitamin B5, it not only cleanses your skin but also softens it delicately. This unique blend of Simple’s cleansing ingredients ensures a thorough and refreshing experience every time you wash your face. With this facial cleanser, your skin gets the care it deserves, leaving it feeling fresh and revived.

Get this for RM23.21 on Watsons

Step 2: Exfoliate for a Fresh Start After Raya

Exfoliation is key to removing dead skin cells and revealing fresher, brighter skin underneath. Choose a gentle exfoliator with fine particles or chemical exfoliants like AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids) or BHAs (beta hydroxy acids).

These help unclog pores and promote cell turnover. Be cautious not to over-exfoliate, as it can irritate the skin.

Perhaps, you can give these exfoliating products a try.

Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant

This leave-on exfoliant from Paula’s Choice, Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant, offers a gentle yet effective solution for various skin concerns. Formulated with salicylic acid, it efficiently unclogs pores, smooths out wrinkles, and enhances skin tone, leaving you with clearer and more even skin.

Its lightweight texture ensures quick absorption, allowing the beta hydroxy acid (BHA) to shed built-up layers of skin and minimise enlarged pores. With regular use, you can achieve smoother, brighter, and healthier-looking skin effortlessly.

Get this for RM185 from Paula’s Choice

Read on: Best Face Scrubs in Malaysia to Get an Instant Glow in 2024

Frank Body Original Face Scrub

Use this two to three times a week after cleansing for optimal results. The Frank Body Original Face Scrub is designed to target multiple skin concerns, including detoxifying pores, combating breakouts, and reducing the appearance of scars.

Its unique blend of coffee, bamboo, and walnut exfoliates the skin effectively, leaving it looking even and revitalised after each use.

Get this for RM109 (125ml) from Sephora

Aromatica Salt Body Scrub Magnolia & Sandalwood

Don’t forget to care for your body too. Treat yourself to a rejuvenating experience with this indulgent body scrub.

Use the Aromatica Salt Body Scrub Magnolia & Sandalwood for a luxurious at-home spa experience. Crafted with a blend of triple salt particles and seven nourishing plant-based oils, this scrub delivers both exfoliation and intense moisturisation in one step.

The optimal combination of salt types ensures effective exfoliation, while the plant oils leave your skin velvety smooth. With added plant-derived collagen and ceramides, it promotes skin health and resilience.

Get this for RM190 (250g) from Sephora

Read on:Body Scrubs for Men to Get in 2024 for Smooth, Glowing Skin

Step 3: Hydrate and Revitalise Your Skin To Maintain That Raya Glow

During festivities, it’s common for you to experience dehydrated skin. To restore moisture and nourishment, we’d recommend you do that with a hydrating serum or lightweight moisturiser. Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, or ceramides, which help replenish the skin’s barrier and lock in moisture.

Read on:17 Water-Based Moisturisers in Malaysia to Try in 2024

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel is clinically proven to revolutionise your hydration routine. Its breakthrough Patented Superior Technology, featuring 5% Prebiotic Kiwi yeast extract, stimulates your skin to naturally produce hyaluronic acid from within.

This ensures deep hydration that lasts for an impressive 72 hours, leaving your skin feeling plump, radiant, and thoroughly moisturised and nourished from the inside out.

Get this for RM82.60 from Guardian

The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5

A well-hydrated skin is the foundation of a healthy complexion, and The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 ensures just that.

This reformulated hydration serum instantly replenishes and plumps, effectively smoothing texture and minimising the appearance of fine dry lines. With its lightweight formula, it provides all-day hydration, helping your skin retain moisture and regain its suppleness and elasticity.

Get this for RM60 (30ml) from Sephora

SATURDAY SKIN Intense Hydration Mask

You can also use a face mask to give you that instant boost of hydration, and the SATURDAY SKIN Intense Hydration Mask is a perfect choice.

The Quench Intense Hydration Mask features a soft and cooling biocellulose sheet that comfortably conforms to your face’s contours, ensuring optimal absorption of its hydrating ingredients. With hyaluronic acid to replenish moisture and watermelon and aloe to naturally hydrate and refresh, this mask leaves your skin feeling deeply nourished and revitalised.

Get this for RM27 (one sheet) and RM132 (five sheets) from Sephora

Step 4: Target Specific Concerns

If you’re dealing with post-Raya breakouts or uneven skin tone, incorporate targeted treatments into your routine. For acne, use products with salicylic acid to unclog pores and reduce inflammation. While for hyperpigmentation, consider products containing vitamin C or niacinamide to brighten dark spots and even out skin tone.

Here’s a few products you can consider adding into your existing skincare regimen.

Origins Spot Remover™ Acne Treatment Gel

If you’ve been dealing with breakouts post-Raya celebration, Origins Spot Remover™ Acne Treatment Gel is your go-to solution. Just a single dot of this potent gel works wonders, rapidly healing and fading those stubborn red PMS pimples.

Its anti-spot technology visibly corrects post-pimple darkening, while skin-calming caffeine and red algae reduce irritating redness. Plus, super exfoliators in the formula eliminate excess oils and pore-clogging debris to keep your skin looking flawless.

Get this for RM106 from Sephora

The Inkey List Niacinamide

You can also use The Inkey List Niacinamide as it helps to effectively reduce excess oil, blemishes, and redness. This lightweight, power-packed serum contains 10% Niacinamide, a naturally occurring Vitamin B3 known for its benefits for blemish-prone skin.

Alongside, it features 1% Hyaluronic Acid to soothe and hydrate the skin, leaving it looking refreshed and revitalized. Incorporate this daily serum into your skincare routine to improve the appearance of blemish-prone skin and achieve a clearer, smoother complexion.

Get this for RM52 from Sephora

Caudalie Vinopure Salicylic Spot Solution

Caudalie Vinopure Salicylic Spot Solution is a must-have for acne-prone skin. With ingredients of natural origin, it’s specifically formulated to target pimples and visibly reduce their appearance in just 1 hour.

The solution effectively purifies, dries out, and diminishes redness, thanks to its neutralising light green tint. Conveniently sized, you can take it with you wherever you go, making it perfect for on-the-go application throughout the day.

Get this for RM85 from Sephora

Step 5: Never Skip on SPF, Ever!

Never underestimate the importance of sun protection, even indoors. Shield your skin from harmful UV rays by applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen every morning, regardless of the weather. This helps prevent further damage as well as keep premature ageing at bay.

Read on:18 Best Sunscreens in Malaysia to Get in 2024

Melixir Vegan Airfit™ Sunscreen SPF 50+

No matter where you are, you should never skip on this crucial skincare part. The Melixir Vegan Airfit™ Sunscreen SPF 50+ offers invisible and hydrating protection with a natural, glowy finish.

Its Airfit texture is formulated to be suitable for all skin types and tones, absorbing easily without leaving a white cast or greasy residue. This sheer, non-irritating sunscreen provides SPF 50+ protection for up to 10 hours, while also nourishing and soothing sensitive skin with antioxidant-rich plants like kale, pine leaf, and basil.

Ensure your skin stays protected and nourished with this essential sunscreen.

Get this for RM145 (50ml) from Sephora.  

Everyday Humans Resting Beach Face SPF30 Sunscreen Serum

Everyday Humans Resting Beach Face SPF30 Sunscreen Serum seamlessly merges skincare with sun protection. Its lightweight formula caters to all skin types, ensuring comprehensive protection while imparting a healthy, radiant finish.

Enriched with antioxidants from spinach and green tea, as well as hydrating hyaluronic acid, it provides nourishment and vitality to your skin.

Get this for RM120 (50ml) from Sephora

La Roche Posay Anthelios UVM 400 Oil Control Fluid SPF 50+

Perfect for daily usage, this La Roche Posay Anthelios UVM 400 Oil Control Fluid SPF 50+ offers broad-spectrum and high protection against ultra-long UVA rays.

Its innovative Airlicium technology absorbs excess sebum and effectively controls shine, providing a dry touch finish with a 12-hour mattifying effect. Simply apply the sunscreen just before sun exposure and reapply generously and frequently to maintain protection.

Get this for RM132.90 from Watsons

After the festivities, give your skin the TLC it deserves to bounce back to its radiant self. With a simple skincare routine and the right products, you can effectively cleanse, hydrate, and protect your skin from the effects of Raya celebration.

Remember, consistency is key, so stick to your regimen and enjoy the glow of healthy, happy skin.