Unabashed dancing to Bollywood songs on loop, chilled glasses of flavoured milk, a warm and friendly vibe, and a whole lot of colour in the air- Holi is by far one of the most fun festivals in India. However, the one thing we tend to forget amongst all the fun is all the skin damage the excessive sun and colour exposure can cause. If you’re looking to celebrate the festival of colours with your friends and family this year, you’ll want to prep your skin and then take care of it once you’re done playing too. We spoke to Dermatologist Dr Soma Sarkar to set the record straight on what to do before you play and how to control the damage after.
How To Look After Your Skin Pre-Holi
Because Vitamins Can Fix Everything
The key here is to build up your skin’s resistance to outside oxidants. Hero skin ingredients such as Vitamin C and Vitamin E can help to protect your skin from free radicals. So, adding these to your skincare routine in the weeks before can really help curb the damage.
Strengthen Your Skin’s Barrier
Before you play, slather your skin, body, and hair with a barrier cream or oil to prevent the colour from sticking. Use moisturisers with ceramides as they help to strengthen your skin barrier. Use a non-comedogenic, plumping moisturiser that does the work of hydrating your skin while making it absorb less colour by forming a protective physical barrier.
An SPF A Day, Keeps The Skin Woes Away
As you’re going to be playing in the Sun, apply your SPF on the sun-exposed area to prevent UVA and UVB Induced sun damage. Sunscreens that include ingredients like titanium dioxide can form a physical barrier around the skin without reacting with any of the synthetic chemicals present in the colour, so even peeps with sensitive skin types can slather it on.
Stop Using Actives Two Days Prior To Holi
Additionally, stop using AHAs, BHAs, retinol, and other actives three days before Holi. Avoid applying them for a day or two afterwards either. Plus, don’t go for peels or lasers for five to seven days prior.
Pro Tips To Take Off Colour Safely
Coconut Oil FTW!
Coconut oil helps to emulsify the colour right off, makes the removal of colour super easy, and prevents over-drying.
Say No To Harsh Scrubs
Avoid using harsh scrubs or loofahs to take off the colour. Overzealous scrubbing, wiping, or over-washing the skin can cause micro-injuries, which in turn can promote infection or acne. Given the fact, a double cleansing method might work best.
Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate!
Once the majority of the colour is taken off, replenish your skin with fatty acids and ceramides to build up the skin barrier.
3-Step Process For The Body
You can go for an easy 3-step process to take off the Holi colour from your body. Firstly, gently scrub your body. After you’re done with scrubbing, use a gentle, sulfate-free body wash and follow it up with body oil. Use a Vitamin E-rich body oil to soften and brighten the skin after you scrub and take off the colour.
Use Cool Water To Wash Off The Colour
It’s best to use cool water to wash off colours. The reason being hot water can actually react with the chemicals present in the colour, making them cling to the skin even more. If your skin is too red or itchy, using a barrier cream can help soothe it. You can also try using ice packs or cold milk to calm the concerned areas.
Follow A Simple CTM Routine Till Your Skin Recovers
Stick with a simple CTM routine four to five days after Holi and stay away from actives.
DIY Remedies For Gorgeous Skin Post Holi!
If you’re looking for a desi way out, you can mix honey and papaya to create a hydrating but acid-exfoliating mask. Alternatively, a mixture of honey and oats can be used as a mid scrub. We are fans of the traditional ubtan made of curd, besan, turmeric, and honey, which helps lift the colour off the skin while moisturising it as well.
Soak in the hues of joy, happy Holi!
Featured Image: Pexels
