As the festival of Holi approaches, the anticipation of joining in the festivities is palpable. Without any doubt, the festival of colors is one of the most vivid, colorful and joyful celebrations. It will be honored with much pomp and show on Monday, March 25. Traditionally, buckets of water and dry gulal were used to celebrate Holi. Unfortunately, its modern versions contain splashes of artificial colour, which can be harmful to our health apart from irritating our skin, hair and eyes. Therefore, taking a little precaution goes a long way. Apart from enjoying the celebrations of Holi, it is also important to take good care of your skin and hair. (Also read: Holi 2024 Recipes: From Gheeyar to Shahi Jaggery to Mewa Gujiya, 7 Nutritious and Creative Dishes for Festive Celebrations ,
Essential Skin Care Tips for Holi
Dr. Rashmi Shetty, Cosmetic Dermatologist, Ra Aesthetics & Dermatology – Mumbai and Hyderabad shares with HT Lifestyle some precautionary steps you can take to get ready for a vibrant and safe Holi celebration.
1. Precautions:
The most important part of skin care during Holi is to maintain the safety of your skin as there are many factors that can disrupt it. In line with this, avoid bleach, laser treatments and AHA-BHA peels for at least a week beforehand. Consider using cocoa butter or petroleum jelly on exposed areas for more barrier protection.
2. Preparation from within:
Two major concerns during Holi celebrations are oxidative stress and inflammation. Therefore, you should increase your intake of colorful fruits and vegetables like nightshade vegetables, nuts and seeds, while reducing dairy and sweets to strengthen your body against these. Make sure to stay hydrated on Holi to combat dehydration caused by sunlight and alcohol consumption.
It is also important to start a week before with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory supplements like Ra Bright and Ra Defense, which contain important ingredients like vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, xanthine, etc. Other beneficial ingredients include milk thistle, basil, ginger, piperine, curcumin, and resveratrol.
3. External Preparation:
For dry, sensitive, or acne-prone skin, focus on moisturizing and strengthening the skin barrier with appropriate products such as moisturizers, night repair creams, and nourishing creams. If you have acne then consult a dermatologist and take appropriate anti-inflammatory supplements or medicines for a hassle-free Holi experience.
4. A comprehensive guide
Don’t forget to moisturize your skin well before leaving to play Holi. This will make the task of washing your skin color much easier. Natural ingredient-based moisturizers like coconut are good for your skin. It is not enough to moisturize only the face, moisturizing your entire body is equally important.
To prevent major skin concerns during Holi, it is important to pay attention to areas like the neck, which can get affected by colors and sweat. Holi is usually played during the afternoon peak time. Therefore, it is important to apply sunscreen as it is very hot and the color and heat can increase skin damage.
5. Cleaning
Choose a lotion to cleanse if your skin is dry or sensitive. Work your fingers into small circular motions on your skin and then wipe it off with a wet cotton ball. If you choose a liquid, watery cleanser, soak a cotton ball and clean your skin with it. Repeat with a fresh cotton pad until your face is clean. If your skin is very oily, you can use cleansers that are specifically for oily skin. It works like a toner and you should use it after washing your face. Apply a generous amount of moisturizer after washing thoroughly all over your face and body to avoid irritation and dryness caused by the chemicals present in colors.
6. Prioritize Safety:
If you experience serious skin reactions to dyes, seek immediate medical attention to prevent the skin condition from worsening. Avoid self-treatment or medication as this may worsen the condition.
Hair care tips on Holi
Broadly covering skin care, here are some tips for hair care:
● Start by applying coconut oil liberally to both your scalp and hair. It creates a protective barrier against harsh dyes, preventing them from penetrating deep into the roots of your hair.
● Keep your hair in a messy bun or braid to minimize exposure to dyes, which will reduce the risk of color tangling and potential damage from both dyes and environmental factors.
● Add an extra layer of protection by covering your hair with a hat or cap, which will protect it from direct exposure to colors and sunlight.
● Consider using a leave-in conditioner before heading out to play Holi. It helps seal the hair cuticles, and prevents the color from penetrating into the hair roots. Deep conditioning treatments are recommended for people with curly, coarse or frizzy hair.
● Wash your hair immediately after the celebration. One wash will be enough to keep your hair from drying out.
● Rinse your hair thoroughly with lukewarm water to remove any remaining color particles. It’s important to avoid hot water, which can strip away the natural oils.
● Choose a sulphate-free gentle shampoo, massage it delicately into your scalp and hair roots, focusing especially on areas where excess color remains. Use a hydrating conditioner to restore moisture and nourishment to your hair and rinse with cool water.
● Give your hair a break from heat-styling tools like blow dryers, straighteners, and curling irons. Instead, let your hair air dry naturally to avoid further damage.
