Holi skincare tips: How sunscreen protects you from heat and harsh colours

Holi colours: The combination of synthetic colours, harsh sun rays, and environmental pollutants can lead to skin irritation, dryness, and even long-term damage (Image: Canva)

Colours? Check! Pichkaris? Check! Old clothes, sunglasses, snacks? Check, check, check! Are you all geared up for Holi celebrations? Not until you have added sunscreen to your list of must-haves, suggest beauty experts.

Celebrating Holi with loved ones and friends is fun, as this is one of the few festivals that is celebrated outdoors. While you prepare yourself for the excitement it’s  easy to overlook the impact of prolonged sun exposure and chemical-laden colours on your skin.

The combination of synthetic colours, harsh sun rays, and environmental pollutants can lead to skin irritation, dryness, and even long-term damage, says Shaily Mehrotra, CEO and Co-Founder at FCL Skincare.

Also read | Best skincare tips for a skin-safe Holi 2025

“It is important to follow proper skincare protection, particularly by using a high SPF sunscreen. A broad-spectrum sunscreen acts as a shield, protecting the skin from harmful UV rays, reducing the risk of sunburn, and maintaining the natural glow even after the celebrations,” says Mehrotra.

Sometimes people, she adds, don’t realise that UV exposure during Holi can be as intense as a summer day at the beach. “Sunscreen is not just for vacations, it’s  a daily essential, especially during festivities where our skin is highly exposed," adds Mehrotra.

Many Holi colours in the market contain synthetic dyes and chemicals that can cause skin irritation, allergies, and even long-term damage. “When combined with prolonged sun exposure, these chemicals may lead to excessive dryness, pigmentation, and increased sensitivity. Additionally, the sun’s UV rays contribute to premature aging, sunburns, and in extreme cases, skin cancer. UV radiation triggers excessive melanin production, leading to uneven skin tone and long-term damage," explains Mehrotra.

She warns that the risk of melanoma and other skin concerns heightens with prolonged UV exposure, as harmful rays penetrate the skin, breaking down collagen and causing oxidative stress. “Applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen helps prevent sun damage and also creates a protective layer against Holi colours, reducing direct contact with the skin,” Mehrotra says.

Also read | The ultimate Holi beauty care guide to keep your skin protected, nourished, and rejuvenated

However, not all sunscreens offer the same level of protection, especially when dealing with Holi’s mix of colours, heat, and sweat. “A lightweight, non-comedogenic, and fast-absorbing sunscreen is ideal, as it prevents clogged pores and breakouts while allowing the skin to breathe. Plus, water-resistant formulations are particularly beneficial, as they stay intact despite sweat or colour splashes, providing uninterrupted protection,” she suggests.

Sunscreen, according to Mehrotra, should be protective, comfortable and effective. “Choosing one with hydrating ingredients prevents post-Holi dryness and irritation. Sunscreens infused with Zinc Oxide, Niacinamide, and antioxidants offer added benefits. Zinc Oxide provides superior UV protection, Niacinamide helps repair the skin’s barrier, and antioxidants neutralise free radical damage caused by pollution and synthetic dyes” she says.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.