Sleepless nights, excessive alcohol, high temperatures, and lots of partying. For those who truly enjoy Carnival, whether in blocks, parades, or parties, it's essential to take care of your health during these days. We prepared a medical guide and consulted experts for tips to stay well during the festivities.
During Carnival, simple care for metabolic and hormonal health can make a significant difference, especially on the hottest days.
Endocrinologist Gisele Lorenzoni explains that complete hydration can prevent drops in blood pressure and discomfort during the festivities. "It's important to drink plenty of water, but that's not enough. It's necessary to properly space out water intake and replenish sodium and electrolytes lost through sweat with drinks like isotonic beverages, in addition to avoiding severe salt restriction in the diet," she warns. Maintaining regular meals without skipping and avoiding excessive alcohol consumption are also essential actions to prevent spikes in blood sugar, dehydration, and low energy.
Meanwhile, pulmonologist and sleep medicine specialist Jessica Polese emphasizes how important sleep is. "It's the night of sleep that recharges our energy for the next day and preserves our overall health," she points out. However, she knows that during this period, what often happens is lost nights that cannot be recovered.
"The problem is imminent. Besides cardiovascular risks, physical exhaustion is intense, and without a restorative night's sleep, irritation and fatigue will be part of the days," she states. After Carnival, it still takes a while for individuals to return to their routine, and that's where common sense comes in. "It's necessary to follow ideal sleep hygiene, without using electronics, screens, caffeine, or alcohol, and to try to relax and make up for lost sleep," the doctor highlights.
Doctor Renata Melo reminds us about sunscreen. "Daily use of sunscreen is essential, as ultraviolet (UV) radiation — even present on cloudy days — is one of the main factors related to premature aging, the appearance of spots, and skin cancer.
She emphasizes that the combination of sunscreen, water, and healthy eating cannot be overlooked during the festivities! Regardless of weather conditions, protect your skin, as each year the radiation is getting stronger, and don't forget to reapply, because during these days sweating is more intense, and sun protection is essential to minimize the damage caused by the sun," explains Renata.
Dermatologist Karina Mazzini raises a warning regarding makeup: With vibrant colors, sparkle, and more elaborate looks, makeup is one of the main protagonists of Carnival. However, prolonged use of products, combined with heat and sun exposure, requires extra attention to skin health. "During Carnival, makeup tends to be more intense and stay on the skin for many hours. Therefore, it's essential that the skin is well-hydrated and has a healthy skin barrier before application, which reduces the risk of irritation, acne, and sensitivity," explains dermatologist Karina Mazzini.
"Proper removal of makeup at the end of the day is just as important as skin preparation. Sleeping with residues of makeup, glitter, or sunscreen can clog pores, promote inflammation, and compromise the skin's natural recovery, especially after long periods of heat and sweat," the dermatologist advises.
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