This Holi, don’t let colours steal your shine! Follow these skincare hacks

Holi 2024: The festival of colours — Holi — is here! While most of us love playing with herbal colours and pichkaris, if you have grown up in a typical Indian neighbourhood, you might have come across those who experiment a little too much during this special occasion, iykyk (if you know, you know). And these harmful chemicals found in artificial colours can significantly damage our skin. In such a scenario, many individuals prefer staying at home, but what if we told you needn’t worry anymore?

Yes, we talked to beauty and skincare experts to get you all the information you need to play a ‘skin-safe’ Holi!

Contrary to popular perception, the dry colours, commonly known as gulaal, can oftentimes be mixed with metals such as mercury, copper, or nickel, Rajat Mathur, DGM, Learning Academy, The Body Shop, India, tells indianexpress.com. Additionally, artificial colours are difficult to wash away, sticking to our hair and skin and resulting in skin allergies, rashes, acne, and a host of other issues, including scalp problems.

Besides this, Holi is usually celebrated outdoors, which can harm your skin and hair by exposure from harsh UV rays, causing dehydration, suntan, and other UV damage — making pre- and post-Holi care pertinent.

D. Chytra Anand, dermatologist & founder, SkinQ & Kosmoderma Clinics, further cautions that artificial colours can clog pores in the skin, leading to acne breakouts in people with sensitive skin.

Here are a few things to be mindful of before playing Holi, according to the experts:

• Protect your skin from drying out by applying a thick layer of moisturiser with potent ingredients such as shea butter or aloe vera.
• For acne-prone skin, it’s best to opt for facial oils with ingredients such as tea tree extract and Edelweiss extract to keep your skin radiant.
• Apply a waterproof sunscreen that is at least SPF 30-50 and broad spectrum, which is a must to protect your skin from sun damage.
• Similarly, for hair care, ensure you gently massage coconut oil to prevent colours from sticking to your hair, making it dry and brittle.
• Make sure to wear protective clothing as this will help minimise direct contact with the colours.

Holi after-care

Be mindful of these tips pre- and post-Holi celebrations! (Source: Freepik)

Post-celebrations, Dr Anand advises using a mild cleanser that can help remove stubborn pigments without causing irritation. Follow this up with a generous application of moisturiser, which will help replenish lost moisture and soothe any potential irritation. “In case, there is any kind of inflammation or redness, use a cold compress,” she adds.

On the other hand, for your hair, it’s best to shampoo it twice with a mild shampoo containing ingredients like ginger, shea butter, moringa oil, or bananas, says Mathur. “Apply a mask or conditioner for optimum hydration and healthy, nourished tresses.”

Don’t forget to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water to flush out toxins and maintain skin hydration, the experts urge. “In case there is persistent irritation or allergic reactions, make sure to get in touch with a specialist,” Dr Anand concludes.

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