Unabashed dancing to Bollywood songs on loop, chilled glasses of flavoured milk, and a whole lot of colour in the air – there’s a lot to love about Holi. However, the one thing we tend to forget about amongst all the fun is all the skin damage the colours and excessive sun exposure can cause. As we all gear up to celebrate the festival of colours with utmost zeal and enthusiasm, we also need to ensure that we don’t let Holi celebrations take a toll on our skin. So to arm you with the right skincare tips before the festival of colours, we are listing down the complete guide to prep your skin and take Holi off of your skin safely.
How To Prep Your Skin Before Holi
I “C” You Need Protection
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.
Protect Your Skin’s Barrier
Making sure your skin’s barrier is healthy can also help reduce the damage. We recommend using 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.
The Eyes, Chico, Need Extra Care
As the skin around our eyes is the thinnest and thus needs all the protection it can get, we suggest you apply an antioxidant-rich eye cream around the eye area to help curb the damage. Alternatively, applying petroleum jelly is a hack that works too!
Stop Using Retinols Two Days Prior To Holi
Additionally, stop using AHAs, BHAs, and retinol two days before Holi and avoid applying them for a day or two afterwards either. Plus, don’t go for peels or lasers for five to seven days prior.
SPF = BFF
As you’re going to be playing in the sun, we can emphasise enough the importance of applying sunscreen. 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.
How To Take Off Holi Colour Without Damaging Your Skin
Avoid Overzealous Scrubbing And Wiping
Overzealous scrubbing, wiping, or over-washing the skin can cause micro-injuries, which in turn can promote infection or acne. Given this fact, a double cleansing method might work best.
Coconut Or Sesame Oil FTW!
Oil can help emulsify the colour right off, so use coconut oil or sesame oil. You can then follow it up with a double cleanser using a foam or gel cleanser. While a physical scrub can help too, make sure you use a very light hand while scrubbing.
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.
Give Desi Nuskhes A Try!
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 mild scrub. We are fans of the traditional ubtan made of buttermilk, besan, and honey, which helps lift the colour off the skin while moisturising it as well.
3-Step Process For The Body
You can go for an easy 3-step process to take off the Holi colour. Firstly, gently scrub your body. After you’re done with scrubbing, use a generic 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 as 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.
Now that you’re armed with this information, go have a blast at your Holi party!
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