Holi—the festival of colours—is just around the corner! It's the season of vibrant celebrations, delicious sweets and uninhibited joy. However, while you're soaking in the fun, your skin and hair could be absorbing harsh synthetic colours, leaving them dry, dull and irritated. The synthetic dyes in colours, exposure to the sun and excessive washing post-Holi can lead to long-term damage.
The good news? With the right pre- and post-Holi skincare routine, you can enjoy the festival without compromising on your skin's health.
We spoke to skincare and haircare experts, including Dr Aparna Santhanam, dermatologist and skin expert at ITC Dermafique, and Dr Rashmi Shetty, dermatologist, who shared essential tips to keep your skin and hair safe before, during and after Holi.
Pre-Holi prep
1. Hydration is key
Healthy skin starts from within. In the days leading up to Holi, increase your water intake and include hydrating foods like watermelon, cucumbers and oranges in your diet. "This ensures your skin remains plump and less prone to dryness," Dr Shetty recommends.
2. Oil your skin and hair
Dr Shetty suggests massaging your scalp and hair with coconut-based oil before stepping out to play Holi. "This acts as a barrier and prevents colours from coming in direct contact with hair cuticles and scalp, which means less damage and scalp irritation," she explains.
For the skin, using a natural, oil-based moisturiser helps create a protective layer, making it easier to remove colours later. "Moisturising well before you set out to play Holi is key," Dr Shetty says.
3. Sunscreen saviour
Holi is usually played outdoors, making sun protection non-negotiable. "Using a sunscreen that protects from the full sun spectrum—visible light, infrared (IR), UVA and UVB—is essential," Dr Santhanam advises. Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 50 and reapply as needed.
4. Protect your nail
Your nails can trap Holi colours, leading to staining and infections. Keep them short and neatly trimmed. "A simple hack is applying a thick coat of nail polish to create a protective layer against the colours," Dr Shetty explains.
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Post-Holi pampering
1. Gentle cleansing first
The biggest mistake people make after Holi is scrubbing their skin harshly. Dr Shetty advises against this: "Since your skin is already exposed to chemicals, make sure you do not bathe in very hot water as it will irritate your skin further."
Instead, follow this gentle cleansing routine. "Wipe your face with a light moisturiser to help loosen the colour. Use a mild, foaming cleanser with lukewarm water to wash away colours without stripping your skin. Pat dry your skin instead of rubbing it aggressively," Dr Shetty says.
2. Moisturise and soothe
After cleansing, your skin will need deep hydration. "Apply a hyaluronic acid-based toner to cleanse pores gently, followed by a calming moisturiser for hydration," Dr Santhanam recommends.
3. Exfoliate with caution
Your skin will be sensitive post-Holi, so avoid scrubbing or exfoliating for at least 3-4 days. "Instead, allow your skin to heal naturally with hydration and nourishment," Dr Santhanam says.
Also Read | Holi 2024: Tips for a healthy and safe Holi
4. Night cream
Applying a rich night cream post-Holi helps repair the skin barrier overnight. "Use a generous dollop of moisturiser all over your face and body to stave off the irritation and dryness caused by chemicals in the colours," advises Dr Shetty.
Disclaimer: This article only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific diagnosis.
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