Holi Skin Care Tips: Essential Pre- and Post-Festival Protection

Pre-Holi Skin Care Tips

• Moisturise generously: Before stepping out to play Holi, apply a thick layer of moisturiser all over your body. This will create a protective barrier between your skin and the colours, making it easier to remove them later.
• Oil up: Massaging your skin with oils like coconut, olive, or almond oil can provide an extra layer of protection. These oils form a protective coating on your skin, preventing the colours from penetrating deep into your pores. Pay special attention to areas like the back of your ears, between your fingers, and around your nails.
• Don't skip sunscreen: Holi is usually celebrated outdoors, which means your skin is exposed to harmful UV rays. Apply a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 to all exposed areas of your skin.
• Protect your lips: Apply a thick layer of lip balm or petroleum jelly on your lips to prevent them from getting dry and chapped. This will also make it easier to remove any colour that may stick to your lips.
• Cover up: Wear full-sleeved kurtas or t-shirts that cover most of your skin. You can also wear a bandana or a cap to protect your hair.

Skin Care Tips During Holi

• Use natural colours: Opt for natural, herbal colours made from flowers and herbs instead of synthetic ones. These are gentler on your skin and less likely to cause irritation or allergies.
• Keep yourself hydrated: Drink plenty of water and other hydrating fluids like coconut water and fresh juices throughout the day. This will help flush out toxins from your body and keep your skin hydrated from within.
• Avoid rubbing your skin: If you get colour on your skin, resist the urge to rub it off immediately. Rubbing can cause the colour to spread and penetrate deeper into your skin. Instead, let it dry and then gently dust it off.

Post-Holi Skin Care Tips

• Cleanse gently: After playing Holi, rinse off the colours with plain water first. Then, use a mild, soap-free cleanser to wash your face and body. Avoid using harsh soaps or scrubs as they can further irritate your skin. If you have sensitive skin, opt for a cleansing milk or lotion.
• Don't forget to moisturise: The colours and the frequent washing can strip your skin of its natural oils, leaving it dry and dehydrated. After cleansing, apply a gentle, fragrance-free moisturiser all over your body to replenish the lost moisture. You can also use a hydrating face mask or serum for extra nourishment.
• Soothe any irritation: If your skin feels itchy, red, or inflamed, apply a cold compress or aloe vera gel to soothe it. You can also use a calamine lotion or a moisturiser with anti-inflammatory ingredients like chamomile or green tea to calm any irritation.
• Avoid facials and bleach: Give your skin some time to recover after Holi. Avoid getting any facial treatments, bleach, or waxing for at least a week post-Holi. These treatments can further sensitise your skin and cause damage.

Additional Tips for Protecting Your Skin This Holi

Using Natural Ingredients for Skin Care

In addition to store-bought skincare products, you can also use some common kitchen ingredients to pamper your skin before and after Holi:

• Multani mitti (Fuller's earth): Mix multani mitti with rose water to make a paste and apply it on your skin before playing Holi. Post-Holi, you can use this pack to deep cleanse your skin and remove any remaining colour.
• Besan (gram flour): Besan is a natural cleanser and exfoliant. Mix it with yoghurt and a pinch of turmeric to make a paste. Apply this on your skin before Holi for protection and use it as a gentle scrub after playing Holi to remove colours and dead skin cells.
• Lemon and honey: Mix equal parts of lemon juice and honey and apply it on your skin post-Holi. Lemon helps brighten the skin and remove any stubborn colours, while honey moisturises and soothes the skin. Rinse off after 15 minutes.