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Late Father ‘Returns’ To Bless Son At Wedding Through Deepfake AI Video

When guests gathered for Jaideep Sharma’s wedding reception in Ajmer, many expected the usual wedding montage featuring photos of the couple. Instead, they saw something unexpected. On the screen appeared Sharma’s father, who had died more than a year earlier, smiling and offering blessings to the newlyweds.  The emotional video was not an old recording. It had been created using artificial intelligence by a creator Sharma discovered on Instagram. The story, first reported by Rest of World, shows how AI tools are now being used in India to recreate the presence of loved ones who are no longer alive during important family events. How AI Deepfakes Are Recreating Loved Ones For Family Occasions According to Rest of World, the video shown at Sharma’s wedding reception took about a week to create and cost around 50,000 rupees. Using photographs of Sharma’s father, the creator produced a one-minute clip that looked realistic enough to surprise many guests at the event. “It was like a bombardment of emotions for everyone,” Sharma, a 33-year-old garment trader, told Rest of World. “He was like a central force in the entire family. So when the video played, everyone was very happy and emotional at the same time.” The use of AI deepfakes for personal events is slowly growing across India. Families are using the technology to recreate deceased relatives, clone voices of loved ones, or digitally include people who could not attend celebrations. Tools such as OpenAI’s Sora, Google’s Nano Banana, and Midjourney have made it easier to produce realistic-looking images and videos. Creators in smaller towns are learning to use these tools through online tutorials and social media platforms, turning the skill into a new business opportunity. Why AI Deepfake Creators Are Finding New Opportunities In India One such creator is Akhil Vinayak from Thiruvananthapuram, who initially posted deepfake videos of deceased actors on Instagram for entertainment. According to the Rest of World, a client once approached him with a personal request. She asked if he could create a video of her late mother-in-law blessing her newborn baby. “She wanted to surprise her husband,” Vinayak told Rest of World. “Her mother-in-law had passed away before the baby was born.” Vinayak created a video showing the woman meeting the baby for the first time. The family reaction video later gained more than one million likes on Instagram. He usually charges about 18,000 rupees for a one-minute AI-generated clip. However, experts warn that while such videos may help families cope with grief, they could also blur emotional boundaries. Bhaskar Malu, a Delhi based behavioral scientist, told Rest of World that AI-generated stand-ins are emerging partly because social rituals often expect the presence of family members. “In cultures like ours, where social rituals demand physical, or at least symbolic presence, especially during weddings and funerals, AI-generated stand-ins are a response to real emotional pressures,” he said.

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8 months ago

SpaceX rocket launch creates ‘space jellyfish’ effect in Florida sky during Falcon 9 mission carrying 29 Starlink satellites

Times of India

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8 months ago

Meet Evelyn N. Wang: The scientist who wants to make every home produce its own water

Times of India

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8 months ago

Mars once had beaches like Earth: Radar data is revealing the buried shoreline

Times of India

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8 months ago

World’s largest acidic geyser erupts after 6 years, sending 30-foot blasts across Yellowstone

Times of India

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8 months ago

Finn Allen IPL Team: Which Franchise Does the New Zealand Star Represent?

Finn Allen IPL Team: New Zealand have stormed into the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 Final with a dominating 9-wicket win over South Africa, and this is much courtesy of their star opening batsman, Finn Allen. He registered the fastest century in tournament history, reaching the mark and finishing the chase at the same time in style, and needless to say, fan interest has piqued in this batsman. In fact, many are also wondering about just which Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise he represents.  It is worth noting that Allen was found a brand new home for the upcoming tournament during the recently held IPL 2026 Mini Auctions. Which IPL Team Bought Finn Allen? The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) bought Finn Allen during the IPL 2026 Mini Auctions for Rs 2 crore.  The New Zealand star has never played in this T20 franchise league before, but will have all eyes on him as looks to make his debut at the very ground he has just crushed South Africa hopes of a T20 World Cup final in.  Finn Allen scored a 33-ball century against South Africa in the semi-final at the Eden Gardens, home stadium of KKR. Therefore, fans of the franchise would be hoping for more of the same once the league competition rolls around. Finn Allen T20I Stats Finn Allen has represented New Zealand in 60 T20I innings thus far, scoring 1,654 runs, which now include three tons and seven fifties.  His highest score is 137 in the shortest international format, and he has struck 145 fours and 115 sixes. While he hasn't played the IPL yet, as mentioned, the Kiwi opener has overall played 177 T20 innings, scoring 5,150 runs, where his highest is 150, with 456 fours and 334 sixes as of this writing. This builds promise for an exciting IPL career for Finn Allen, which starts with KKR likely in a couple of weeks from now.

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8 months ago

IPL 2026: MS Dhoni Fined For Speeding In Ranchi - Check Amount

Former Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni was reportedly issued a digital traffic challan on March 1, 2026, after his luxury vehicle was caught overspeeding in his hometown, Ranchi. The incident occurred just as "Thala" was transitioning from his pre-season training in Chennai back to his residence. "Need for Speed" in Ranchi The violation was recorded by the city’s Automatic Traffic Monitoring System (ATMS), which operates 24/7 across major intersections. The Violation: Dhoni's Mercedes-Benz was detected traveling at 91 km/h on the Kanke Ring Road (near Birsa Agricultural University). The permitted speed limit for that specific stretch is 60 km/h. An e-challan of ₹1,000 was automatically generated under Section 183 of the Motor Vehicles Act (driving at excessive speed). Recent Headlines Surrounding Dhoni While the traffic fine is a minor administrative lapse, it adds to a busy week of headlines for the cricket legend: Housing Board Notice: Earlier this week, the Jharkhand State Housing Board served Dhoni a notice regarding his former residence on Harmu Road. Authorities are investigating claims that the residential plot was being used for commercial purposes (reportedly a diagnostic center). “A residential plot was allotted by the Jharkhand State Housing Board to cricketer Mahendra Singh Dhoni, but it was found to be used for commercial purposes. We have issued a notice to him for violation of rules and norms,” Housing Board chairman Sanjay Lal Paswan told PTI. IPL 2026 Preparations: Despite the off-field noise, Dhoni remains focused on the upcoming IPL season. He was recently seen at the CSK training camp in Chennai, sporting the team’s newly unveiled 2026 jersey. The "Uncapped" Veteran: At 44, Dhoni has been retained by CSK for ₹4 crore under the revived uncapped player rule, as the five-time champions look to rebound from a bottom-of-the-table finish in 2025. Many cricket fans have speculated that IPL 2026 could mark MS Dhoni’s final season in the lucrative league. Reports suggest that his availability for all matches is uncertain, especially with Sanju Samson, who also keeps wickets, now part of the Chennai Super Kings squad. Dhoni was retained by CSK ahead of IPL 2025 as an "uncapped player" for Rs 4 crore, and he continues with the franchise in the same role for this season.

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8 months ago

‘Dark oxygen’ discovered 4,000 meters below the Pacific Ocean where sunlight has never reached

Times of India

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8 months ago

IPL 2026 Schedule: Governing Council Officially Clears First Half Of Tournament

The IPL Governing Council has officially greenlit a two-phase rollout for 2026 season schedule. This decision, finalized during a virtual meeting on March 2, 2026, stems from the need to align the tournament with the upcoming Assembly Elections in West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, and Assam. By splitting the schedule, BCCI aims to keep the entire tournament within India. This "staggered release" strategy was previously successful during the 2019 and 2024 election years, allowing the board to coordinate security deployments with the Election Commission as polling dates are announced. Key Timeline & Schedule Details IPL schedule announcement date: The fixtures for the first phase (covering the initial 14 days) are expected to be released on March 6 or 7, 2026. Tournament Dates: The season is tentatively set to begin on March 28, 2026, slightly pushed back from the original March 26 date due to festivals like Ram Navami. The Grand Finale: Despite the staggered start, IPL 2026 Final remains locked for May 31, 2026. Venue: Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) are slated to host the season opener at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. Bengaluru is also expected to host the final. New Rules for Overseas Players To ensure stability and fairness, BCCI has implemented strict regulations for international stars in the 2026 season: The ₹18 Crore Salary Cap: In the mini-auction, the maximum pay for an overseas player is capped at ₹18 crore (or the highest mega-auction price, whichever is lower). If a team bids ₹25 crore, the extra ₹7 crore goes to the BCCI's player welfare fund; the player still only receives ₹18 crore. Two-Year Ban: Any overseas player who withdraws after being bought in the auction - without a legitimate medical reason - will face a two-season ban from the IPL. Also on ABP Live | Babar Azam Removed From Pakistan Squad After Poor T20 World Cup Form Also on ABP Live | Five England Players Who Could Shatter India's Dream Of Winning T20 World Cup 2026

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8 months ago

Can crickets really tell the temperature? Here’s what 127-year-old science reveals

Times of India

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8 months ago

ABP Live Doc Talk | Holi Hair Damage Is Real: Know How Colours Affect Scalp Health And Cause Hair Fall

Holi is one of India's most joyful festivals, vibrant, loud, and full of colour. But as a dermatologist, I see a predictable spike in patients every year in the weeks following Holi, coming in with scalp irritation, excessive hair fall, dryness, and in some cases, chemical burns on the scalp. The damage is real, and it is largely preventable. Here is what is actually happening to your scalp and hair when those colours land on you. ALSO READ: Holi 2026: Post-Holi Skincare Tips Every Acne-Prone Skin Type Must Follow What's Actually In Those Colours? Most commercially available Holi colours, especially the dry gulal and wet synthetic varieties, are far from what their cheerful packaging suggests. Many contain industrial dyes, heavy metals like lead, chromium, and mercury, along with silica, mica, alkalis, and even glass powder in some cheaper variants. Wet colours often contain engine oil or kerosene as a base, making them exceptionally difficult to wash out and deeply damaging to both scalp skin and hair fibre. How Colours Damage The Scalp ? Our scalp is basically skin sensitive, pore-bearing, and home to your hair follicles. When harsh chemical dyes sit on the scalp for hours (as they often do during Holi celebrations), several things happen simultaneously. The alkaline compounds in synthetic colours disrupt the scalp's natural pH balance, which sits between 4.5 and 5.5. This disruption weakens the protective acid mantle, leaving the scalp vulnerable to microbial infections, fungal overgrowth, and inflammation. Heavy metals like lead and mercury are known allergens and irritants, they can trigger contact dermatitis, presenting as redness, itching, flaking, and painful pustules on the scalp. The chemicals also penetrate the follicular openings, causing folliculitis. Inflamed follicles cannot support healthy hair growth. In acute cases, this can cause telogen effluvium, a condition where large numbers of hair follicles are prematurely pushed into the shedding phase, resulting in diffuse hair fall two to six weeks after the exposure. Many patients mistake this for seasonal shedding, not connecting it to Holi. Beyond the scalp, the hair shaft itself suffers significant damage. The cuticle (the outermost protective layer of each hair strand) is made of overlapping scales that lie flat when hair is healthy. Harsh alkaline dyes and abrasive particles in synthetic colours roughen these scales, causing the cuticle to lift. This leads to immediate loss of moisture, increased porosity, frizz, brittleness, and breakage. Hair that was already chemically processed, bleached, or heat-damaged is far more susceptible and can suffer irreversible structural damage from a single Holi exposure. Prevention Is Far Easier Than Treatment The single most effective thing you can do is apply a generous layer of a hair oil (coconut, almond, or castor oil) to your scalp and lengths before stepping out. This creates a physical barrier that significantly reduces colour penetration into the scalp and along the hair shaft. Tying your hair up or covering it with a scarf provides additional protection. Post-Holi, resist the urge to scrub aggressively. Use a gentle, sulphate-free shampoo and wash your hair twice to remove residue without stripping the scalp. Follow with a deep conditioning mask. If colours do not wash out easily, do not force them. Visit a dermatologist if you notice scalp burning, significant swelling, or pus-filled bumps. If you have the choice, opt for natural, plant-based colours made from turmeric, rose petals, or marigold. They are not entirely risk-free, some people can still react to botanical ingredients, but they are significantly safer than synthetic alternatives. Celebrate the festival, but protect your scalp. The fun lasts a day; the hair fall can last months. Disclaimer: The information provided in the article is shared by experts and is intended for general informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

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8 months ago

Holi Fun Turns Disturbing In Haryana As Men Force Cow To Drink Alcohol In Viral Video

Holi is a festival of colours, happiness, and celebration. People across India celebrate it with music, sweets, and bright gulal. The festival marks the arrival of spring and the victory of good over evil. But sometimes, a few incidents during celebrations shock people online. Recently, a disturbing video related to Holi celebrations has gone viral on social media.  The clip shows a group of young men misbehaving with a cow during Holi. The video has upset many people and animal lovers, who say such actions should not happen during a joyful festival. Viral Holi Video Shows Cow Being Forced To Drink Alcohol A viral Holi video on social media has made many people angry. In the video, a group of young men celebrating Holi on a street can be seen creating trouble. They are covered in colours and appear to be drunk while playing Holi.           View this post on Instagram                       A post shared by NAUGHTYWORLD (@naughtyworld) During the celebration, the group caught a cow that was walking on the road. They first tried to make the cow drink alcohol. When the animal refused, they forcefully held its mouth and lifted its neck. After that, they poured a full bottle of alcohol into the cow’s mouth. Someone recorded the incident on camera and shared it on social media. The video quickly started spreading online, and many people watched it.  After seeing the clip, many viewers said they felt shocked and upset because the cow was clearly being treated badly. Social Media Reacts To Cow Alcohol Viral Video The cow alcohol viral video was shared from an Instagram account named “naughtyworld.” Since being posted, the video has been watched by lakhs of people and has received many reactions online. The video also shows that after giving alcohol to the cow, the group did not stop. They tied the cow to a cart and made it pull the cart while several people sat on it. Many viewers said this was cruel because the animal was forced to work after being given alcohol. Social media users strongly criticised the people in the video. One user wrote that humanity has died after seeing such behaviour. Another user said it is shameful that people who call the cow sacred would treat it like this.  Some users also demanded strict action and said people who harm helpless animals should be punished by law.

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8 months ago

IPL 2026 Final Venue Confirmed: Bengaluru’s M. Chinnaswamy Stadium To Host IPL Final And Playoffs

Following the official announcement by KSCA Secretary Santosh Menon, the path is clear for the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium to regain its status as the heartbeat of Indian cricket. After a traumatic 2025 that saw the venue shuttered due to a fatal stampede, the stadium has undergone a rigorous infrastructure and security "ramp-up" to satisfy both the BCCI and the Karnataka Police. "They (Royal Challengers Bengaluru) have agreed to play five games in Bengaluru, and the playoff will also be played in Bengaluru, and the biggest news is that the final of the IPL will also be played in Bengaluru. The fans are going to be entertained at the inaugural function--the date will be shortly announced--followed by the first match, five league games, one play-off game, and the final. This is what the BCCI has committed to us, and they will probably announce the schedule shortly. The RCB roar is going to echo again in the Chinnaswamy Stadium," KSCA secretary, as quoted by ANI. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), entering the season as defending champions, will play five of their seven home league games at the Chinnaswamy. The announcement, made by KSCA Secretary Santosh Menon on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, marks the end of months of uncertainty regarding the venue's safety readiness. Chinnaswamy To Host Eight Events Including the Final  In total, the Chinnaswamy is set to host eight events: the Inaugural Function, the Opening Match, five league games, one Play-off, and the Grand Final. While five league matches will be held in Bengaluru, RCB will fulfill a "prior commitment" by playing two home fixtures at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Cricket Stadium in Raipur. Stampede Background The return of cricket to Bengaluru carries deep emotional weight. The stadium has been out of bounds for mainstream cricket since June 4, 2025, when a devastating stampede during RCB's maiden title celebrations claimed the lives of 11 fans. The venue was subsequently bypassed for the ICC Women's World Cup and the ongoing men's T20 World Cup after failing to meet initial security audits. KSCA President Venkatesh Prasad described the successful safety overhaul and the return of the IPL as a moment "bigger than my five-wicket haul at Lord's".

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8 months ago

World Obesity Day 2026: Causes, Symptoms And All You Need To Know About This Health Condition

Every year on March 4, the world observes World Obesity Day to raise awareness about one of the most pressing health concerns of our time. The day serves as a reminder that obesity is not merely about appearance, it is a complex medical condition that affects overall well-being and increases the risk of several serious diseases. On World Obesity Day 2026, experts once again highlight the importance of understanding its causes, recognising early warning signs, and seeking timely care. Obesity develops gradually, often influenced by multiple factors working together. From lifestyle habits to genetics, the reasons behind weight gain are rarely simple. Here is a closer look at the causes, symptoms, risks, and diagnosis of obesity. ALSO READ: World Obesity Day 2026: History, Significance, Theme And All You Need To Know About This Day What Causes Obesity? At its core, obesity results from an imbalance between calorie intake and calorie expenditure. When the body consumes more energy than it burns, the excess gets stored as fat. Over time, this leads to unhealthy weight gain. However, this imbalance is often shaped by several contributing factors. Genes:Genetics plays a significant role in how the body processes and stores fat. Obesity often runs in families, not only because of inherited traits related to metabolism and fat distribution. A child is more likely to develop obesity if one or both parents are obese. Emotions and Stress:Emotional health strongly influences eating patterns. Feelings such as boredom, anger, sadness, or depression may trigger overeating, even in the absence of physical hunger. Stress, in particular, can lead to bingeing on high-calorie foods, making weight management more challenging. Gender Differences:Women generally tend to gain weight more easily than men, even when calorie intake is similar. One reason is that men typically have a higher muscle mass, and muscles burn more calories than fat. This natural difference in body composition affects metabolism. Ageing:As people grow older, metabolism naturally slows down. Calorie requirements decrease, muscle mass reduces, and fat accumulation becomes easier. Without adjustments in diet and physical activity, weight gain can occur gradually over time. Health Conditions and Medications:Certain medical conditions can contribute to obesity. Disorders such as depression, Cushing syndrome, and polycystic ovarian syndrome are linked to weight gain. In addition, some medications, including birth control pills, antidepressants, and steroids, may increase appetite and promote weight gain. Lifestyle Choices: Modern lifestyles often encourage habits that contribute to obesity. Diets high in fast food, sugary beverages, and calorie-dense items with low fibre content can accelerate weight gain. Physical inactivity further compounds the issue. Long hours spent sitting, whether using a phone, tablet, or laptop, reduce calorie burning. High consumption of alcohol and sweetened soft drinks also adds excess calories, increasing the risk of obesity. Symptoms Of Obesity The primary clinical indicator of obesity is a Body Mass Index (BMI) greater than 30. However, obesity also presents with several associated symptoms and health concerns. Individuals may experience sleep-related issues such as sleep apnea, where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. Other common problems include difficulty sleeping, varicose veins, gallbladder stones, joint pain, and various skin conditions. These symptoms often affect daily comfort and overall quality of life. Risks And Complications Linked To Obesity Obesity significantly raises the risk of developing multiple serious health conditions. Type 2 Diabetes:Excess body fat affects how insulin functions in the body, disrupting blood sugar control. This can lead to insulin resistance and eventually Type 2 diabetes. Heart Disease And Stroke:Obesity increases blood pressure and cholesterol levels, both of which are major risk factors for heart disease and stroke. Certain Cancers:Research shows that obesity is linked to a higher risk of cancers such as those affecting the uterus, breast, prostate, liver, pancreas, and kidneys. Sleep Apnea:Obese individuals frequently report disrupted sleep patterns. Sleep apnea, characterised by repeated pauses in breathing during sleep, is commonly associated with excess weight. Gynaecological Issues:In women, obesity can lead to irregular menstrual cycles and may contribute to infertility. Osteoarthritis:Carrying excess weight puts additional stress on the joints, particularly the knees and hips. Over time, this strain can lead to osteoarthritis. Other Health Problems:Obesity can also cause digestive issues, liver-related conditions, and gallbladder diseases, further complicating overall health. [Disclaimer: The information provided in the article is intended for general informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.]

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8 months ago

Holi 2026: Post-Holi Skincare Tips Every Acne-Prone Skin Type Must Follow

Holi brings with it a riot of colours, laughter, and endless celebrations. Streets turn vibrant, faces glow in pinks and blues, and the festive spirit feels contagious. Yet, once the celebrations wind down, many people, especially those with acne-prone skin, are left dealing with an unwanted aftermath. Holi colours, though festive and fun, can sometimes irritate the skin. Prolonged exposure, harsh pigments, and repeated washing may trigger breakouts, dryness, or rashes. For acne-prone skin, this can be particularly challenging. The key lies not in aggressive cleansing, but in gentle, mindful care. If your skin feels sensitive or congested after Holi, here’s how you can restore balance safely. ALSO READ: Holi 2026 Recipes: Make Rich And Creamy Thandai At Home With This Easy Method Safe Ways To Remove Holi Colours Avoid Scrubbing It may feel tempting to scrub vigorously to remove stubborn colours, but harsh rubbing can worsen irritation and inflame acne. Instead, cleanse your face and body using a mild cleanser or gentle body wash. Let the product do the work rather than friction. Pat your skin dry softly with a clean towel. Use Natural Oils Natural oils such as coconut oil or olive oil can help loosen colour pigments without damaging the skin barrier. Massage a small amount gently onto dry skin. Once the colour begins to dissolve, wipe it off carefully using a soft cloth or tissue. Follow up with a mild cleanser to remove any residue. This method reduces the need for harsh exfoliation, which acne-prone skin does not tolerate well. Lemon Juice or Aloe Vera for Stubborn Stains If certain stains refuse to fade, try applying a mild mixture of lemon juice and honey or simply use fresh aloe vera gel. Both options can help lift leftover colour while soothing irritation. Aloe vera, in particular, offers a calming effect that acne-prone skin often needs after exposure to colours. Post-Holi Cleansing And Hydration Once the colours are gone, your focus should shift to repairing and hydrating the skin. Hydrate Well After cleansing, replenish lost moisture immediately. Use a hydrating toner followed by a lightweight yet nourishing moisturizer. Look for ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or aloe vera. These components help restore hydration without clogging pores, an essential step for acne-prone skin. Apply a Soothing Face Mask A calming face mask can reduce redness and sensitivity. Ingredients like yogurt, honey, or cucumber provide gentle relief and hydration. Apply a thin layer, allow it to sit for a few minutes, and rinse with lukewarm water. This simple step can leave your skin feeling refreshed and balanced. Managing Rashes, Dryness, And Acne After Holi Even with care, some people may notice flare-ups. Address concerns early to prevent them from worsening. Rashes If you experience redness or itching, apply a mild anti-inflammatory cream or aloe vera gel to calm the area. Avoid experimenting with new products immediately after Holi. If irritation continues, seeking advice from a dermatologist is the safest option. Dry Skin Colours and repeated washing can strip natural oils, leaving the skin parched. Use a rich yet non-comedogenic moisturizer regularly to restore hydration. At the same time, drink plenty of water to support skin recovery from within. Acne Breakouts For post-Holi acne, opt for a gentle treatment containing salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide. These ingredients help manage breakouts without adding further stress to already sensitive skin. Avoid layering multiple active products at once, simplicity is key. [Disclaimer: The information provided in the article is intended for general informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.]

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