Holi is right around the corner, and you are looking forward to a day full of colourful fun. But before you step out to play Holi, do you think you have taken good care of your hair and skin to prevent all possible damage?
Don’t worry, here’s the essential Health Wealth guide to safeguard your skin and hair from harsh chemicals in Holi colours. And the best part? These are dermatologist-approved.
PRE-HOLI SKINCARE
Holi can often mean exposure to chemical-laden colours that can weaken your skin barrier and penetrate it, causing short- and long-term harm. To minimise the impact of Holi colours, the most important step is to reinforce the skin barrier. Two ways to do this are:
Use occlusives: Occlusive agents are barrier-reinforcing creams that prevent trans-epidermal water loss. They are usually used over moisturisers to seal the hydration in.
Based on your skin type, use your regular occlusives religiously before Holi. They form a protective layer, preventing harmful chemicals from penetrating.
Avoid active ingredients: Retinol, and alpha- and beta-hydroxy acids (AHA, BHA), like salicylic acid, are chemical exfoliators which work by going deep inside your skin. It’s best to avoid using them 48 hours before and after you play Holi.
“Holi colours, especially synthetic ones, can weaken the skin barrier and trigger irritation or breakouts. I recommend avoiding actives like retinol and exfoliating acids at least 48 hours before playing Holi,” Dr Chandni Jain Gupta, Head Dermatologist and Aesthetic Physician at Elantis Healthcare, New Delhi, said.
Many parts of the body, like nail cuticles and the skin behind the ears, often get overlooked during regular skincare routines. Make sure they, too, stay protected when prepping your skin for a day of festivities and colours.
“Petroleum jelly can be used on dry areas like lips and cuticles, but people with acne-prone skin should choose a non-comedogenic cream,” Dr Gupta added.
Sunscreen is always important for a good skincare routine, but for Holi, it’s all the more significant. A mineral-based, water-resistant sunscreen will last better through the colours while also forming a protective shield over your skin.
POST-HOLI SKINCARE
If you’ve played Holi and now have a thick layer of colour sitting on your skin, the idea of using a face wash, or even worse, a face scrub, may look tempting, but hold on for a moment.
You should first break down the colours and any deposits on your skin with an oil-based cleanser so that your natural oils are not stripped away. If you don’t have access to an oil-based cleanser, squalane, or the good-old coconut oil, also works fine. Rub it gently on your skin and wipe off the residue.
Use a pH-balanced face and body wash. Avoid products with fragrances or harsh, active ingredients because your skin is already irritated. Avoid scrubs, especially those with physical beads or particles. It is important not to overwork soap into your skin. If you were exposed to harsh colours, they will go with time and not all at once.
Restoring your skin barrier is crucial. Use ceramide-based creams. Colloidal oatmeal or aloe vera are calming agents that can soothe the inflammation, but check with your dermatologist for any possible allergies.
“Repair the skin barrier with ceramide-based or soothing creams, and avoid makeup or strong actives for another 48 hours to allow proper recovery,” Dr Gupta said.
Let your skin breathe after you play Holi. Avoid makeup and active ingredients for 48 hours more, and wear loose-fitting clothes if possible.
HAIRCARE
According to Senior Dermatologist Dr Kabir Sardana, applying organic oil to your hair and scalp before playing Holi can prevent damage to a large extent.
After Holi, do not reach for shampoo immediately. Instead, rinse your hair with plain water first – this removes surface residue.
Following a good rinse, apply conditioner. This might seem different from your usual product order, but dermatologists have approved this advice. After conditioning your hair, use a mild shampoo.
Avoid using synthetic colours as much as you can. Play Holi safely with organic colours, and don’t force people to play with colours if they don’t want to.
Happy Holi!
