Holi, the festival of colours, is celebrated with great fervour in India and around the world. It is a time when people come together to celebrate, have fun and spread happiness. However, amidst all the fun and excitement, it is important to take care of your skin and hair. The colours used during Holi can be harmful and cause damage to your skin and hair.
Dr. Prateek Nagrani, MBBS, MD, IFAAD, Max Super Speciality Hospital, Shalimar Bagh shares some tips to help you take care of your skin and hair during Holi.
Oil your skin and hair
The first step to protect your skin and hair is to apply oil. Applying oil to your skin and hair forms a protective layer between them and the colours. Unbleached, organic coconut or almond oil works best for this purpose. It also helps the colour come off easily. In case you have acne-prone skin, use a non-comedogenic moisturizer in place of oil. For those who cannot use oil for their hair, a leave-in conditioner is a good alternative.
Don’t forget your SPF
Spending time under the sun on Holi can cause damage to your skin. Therefore, it is important to use sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to prevent tanning and damage from the sun. Apply the sunscreen at least 20 minutes before going out. You can also apply oil or moisturiser over the sunscreen just before going out.
Keep yourself hydrated
While you’re out celebrating the festival of colours, it’s important to drink water at regular intervals to avoid dehydration. This will help keep your skin and body hydrated and healthy.
Use petroleum jelly
To protect your lips, ears, and nails, apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly over them. This will prevent the colour from stubbornly sticking to these delicate areas. It is also a good idea to trim your nails beforehand to avoid color from getting stuck there.
Cleansing after Holi
After the festival is over, it’s important to remove the colour from your skin and hair. However, it is important to do this gently to avoid damaging your skin. Use only gentle skin cleansers or oil-based cleansing balms to remove the colour. Also, try to avoid hot showers or baths before and after Holi.
Use Ice and Calamine
In case you develop a rash after Holi, it is a good idea to ice your skin for a while and apply Calamine lotion over the affected area as afirst aid measure. In case the rash persists, consult a dermatologist.
Avoid your actives around this time
It might be a good idea to stop using your skin actives, especially Retinol, a couple of days prior to and after Holi, as your skin tends to become sensitive with all the colours and cleansing around this time.
In conclusion, Holi is a time to celebrate and have fun, but it’s also equally important to take care of your skin and hair while doing so.
