Holi 2024 skin care: Moisturise your skin with body oil, use gentle cleansers to remove colours

Holi skin care: Avoid using hot water for showers as they can further dry out the skin. Use a mild shampoo and a hair mask to prevent rough hair due to colours and chemicals

Holi is a colourful and fun festival celebrated in India. People come together to play with coloured powders and water, creating a joyful atmosphere. However, it's important to know that these colourful powders, called gulal, and water-based dyes can affect our skin. The dyes and powders used during Holi contain chemicals and artificial colours. These can sometimes cause skin irritation, allergies, or more serious problems for some people.

Hence, preparing your skin before and caring for it after Holi can help prevent damage and maintain a healthy glow. Here are some best pre and post-Holi skincare tips as suggested by Dr Geetika Srivastava, Dermatologist, and Founder of Influennz Skin and Hair Clinic, Delhi.

Pre Holi skin care tips

Pre-Holi skin care tips is all about nourishing the skin, keeping it moisturised and avoiding anything too harsh or aggressive 2 weeks prior.

Oil massage for the body and hair: Body oil and hair oil is the best form of moisturisation for body and hair respectively. Coating hair strands with hair oil can preserve cuticle from any damage caused by holi colours and chemicals. Similarly, a layer of body oil acts as a barrier between skin and chemicals and does not allow penetration of these into the skin.

Do not go for harsh chemical peels 2 weeks prior: Many of us are in the habit of regular medifacials or skin treatments at a medspa. It is great to pamper your skin but avoid treatments which are too harsh or aggressive such as a vampire facial or fractional laser resurfacing. Chemical peels should be avoided at all cost both at the clinic and at home.

Stop using retinol or other exfoliants at least 2 weeks prior: Using retinol or other exfoliants can make your skin prone to photosensitivity and sunburn. Since Holi is a festival of fun, frolic and laughter and is played outdoors,  its better to be extra safe in the sun.

Protect your nails with nail paint: Nail cuticles can get damaged with water and colours played during Holi. It’s a good idea to protect your nail plate using nail varnish or nail paint.

Post Holi skin care tips

Use gentle cleanser to remove colours: The colours used in the holi should be organic and easy to remove in the first place. The cleansing process to remove holi colours should be gentle and should not involve harsh rubbing or scrubbing. Using a gentle cleanser is better for removal of stains and colours.

Use cold water: Harsh chemical and colours can naturally dry out the skin. Avoid using hot water for showers as they can further dry out the skin. Use a mild shampoo and a hair mask to prevent rough hair due to colours and chemicals.

Moisturise: Moisturisation is the key as post holi skincare. Every part of your body should be hydrated, be it hair with hair oil application or body with body oil or nail beds with cuticle oil.

Avoid sun exposure and use SPF

Opt for detan treatments at medspa: Long hours of sun exposure while playing holi can severely tan you. Opt for detan treatments like laser toning, pico laser or mild cocktail peels to remove tan immediately from the exposed parts of the body

Be patient: Remember to be patient after holi. Be gentle to your skin and listen to your doctor. Don’t be in a rush to remove tan.