Say No To Skin Damage This Holi! 6 Pre-Holi Skin Care Tips To Prevent Chemical and Sun Exposure

Holi, the Festival of Colors, is one of the most eagerly awaited and joyous festivities in India. Though it offers joy, excitement, and bright colours, it may also affect your skin negatively because of the strong chemicals in certain dyes, intense sun exposure, and extended water use. Dryness, irritation, and damage can result from harsh chemicals in colours, extended sun exposure, and constant contact with water. 

A good pre-Holi skincare routine is crucial to maintaining moisturised, protected, and radiant skin. Preparing your skin with barrier-building, UV protection, and moisturising products will help avoid irritation and simplify cleanup after the holi. To keep your skin healthy and radiant after the celebrations, it's important to adhere to a pre-holi skincare regimen. This blog will provide you with 6 useful skincare suggestions along with detailed instructions to prepare and safeguard your skin prior to diving into the festivities.

Table Of Contents

1. Should We Apply Oil On The Face Before Playing Holi?

2. How To Prepare Skin Before Holi?

3. How Do You Take Care Of Your Face After Holi?

4. Dietitian's Recommendation

5. The Final Say

6. FAQs

7. References

How To Prepare Skin Before Holi?

Here are the 6 useful pre-holi skin care tips to help you celebrate joyously without worries:
 

1.  Apply Oil For A Protective Shield

Holi mornings are mornings where you lather yourself with oil, top to bottom. Wonder why? Natural oils like coconut oil, mustard oils and more can act a protective shield against the harsh chemical based colours to keep your skin protected from the damage.
 

What To Do:

• Select a natural oil, such as olive, mustard, almond, or coconut oil.
• To ensure uniform coverage, massage a liberal amount of oil onto your face and body.
• Pay extra attention to areas like elbows, knees, and behind the ears, where colours tend to stick more, and you might struggle to fix them post-holi.
• Let the oil absorb for at least 30 minutes before heading out.

2. Protect Your Lips And Nails

Your lips are fragile; no wonder we spend truckloads of money on our lip balm while nails come in contact with the Holi colours the most.
 

What To Do:

• To keep lips hydrated and safe, use a thick layer of lip balm with SPF.
• Use coconut oil or shea butter on your lips for extra nourishment.
• Trim your nails short to avoid colour accumulation.
• Apply clear or dark nail polish to prevent staining and massage cuticle oil around the nails.
   

3. Use Sunscreen To Prevent Sun Damage

Sunscreen for your skincare dreams! With Holi around the corner, winter's almost gone, and the sun has started going wild. The colours on your skin may cause irritation and itchiness when in contact with the sun. A layer of sunscreen, especially water-resistant ones, works best to safeguard your skin from the harmful radiations of the sun and the harsh Holi colours. 
 

What To Do::

• Select a broad-spectrum sunscreen that has a minimum SPF of 30.
• Cover your arms, neck, face, and other exposed regions thickly.
• Reapply sunscreen every 2-3 hours if you are outside for an extended period.
• Opt for a water-resistant sunscreen to ensure protection despite water splashes.
   

Also Read: Ban the Tan With 10 Effective Skin Tanning Treatments At Home

4. Wear Protective Clothing

Full-length clothes can minimise your exposure to harsh chemical-based colours as well as sun exposure. The lesser the exposure, the better because your skin remains protected nevertheless.
 

What To Do:

• Choose full-sleeved tops, leggings, or full-length trousers to minimise skin exposure.
• Wear breathable fabrics like cotton to stay comfortable while playing.
• Opt for darker shades to reduce visible stains.
• Tie your hair in a bun or braid and cover it with a scarf or cap to protect it from colours.
   

5. Use A Barrier Cream Or Petroleum Jelly

Your eyes, ears, and lips are some of the sensitive parts of your body, and the skin around them needs an extra layer of protection. Petroleum jelly or a barrier cream can give the area extra protection due to its enriching properties to prevent rough skin or itchiness.
 

What To Do:

• Put a thick coating of barrier cream or petroleum jelly on delicate parts including the lips, ears, and eyes.
• Massage some petroleum jelly onto your hands, feet, and between fingers to make colour removal easier.
• Reapply the barrier cream if you sweat excessively or come into contact with water.
   

6. Wear Minimal Or No Makeup

Makeup and Holi colours do not go well together. Heavy makeup can clog pores, leading to breakouts when mixed with colours and water. If you must wear makeup, opt for minimal, lightweight, and waterproof products. A tinted moisturiser with SPF and a lip balm with sun protection can be sufficient.

How Do You Take Care Of Your Face After Holi?

After playing Holi, cleaning and nourishing your skin is important. Here is what you can do post-celebration to take care of your skin:

• Start by rinsing your face with lukewarm water to remove loose colour particles.
• Avoid scrubbing harshly, as it can damage your skin. Use a gentle oil-based cleanser or coconut/olive oil on a cotton pad to break down the colours.
• Massage it in circular motions before washing your face with a mild, sulfate-free face wash.
• Once clean, apply a soothing toner like rose water to calm any irritation.
• Follow up with a hydrating moisturiser or aloe vera gel to restore moisture. If you experience redness or itching, applying a honey and yoghurt mask for 10 minutes can help soothe the skin.
• You can also use a facemask with 1 tbsp or gram each of flour and yoghurt to get rid of the colours.
• Avoid using harsh exfoliators or strong soaps immediately, as they can strip natural oils and make the skin drier.
• Drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated from within.

Should We Apply Oil On The Face Before Playing Holi?

Yes, applying oil on your face before playing Holi is a great idea! Holi colours, especially synthetic ones, often contain chemicals that can harm the skin, causing irritation, dryness, or allergies. When you apply a layer of oil, such as coconut oil, almond oil, or even a mild moisturiser, it acts as a protective barrier. This prevents colours from sticking to your skin, making them easier to wash off later.

Oils also help maintain the skin's natural moisture, preventing dryness that can be caused by harsh colours and prolonged sun exposure during outdoor celebrations. Additionally, if you have sensitive skin, oil reduces the chances of breakouts or allergic reactions. It's best to apply the oil at least 15–30 minutes before stepping out and reapply if needed. Don't forget sunscreen over the oil to protect against sun damage. Taking this simple step ensures that you enjoy Holi without worrying about skin problems afterwards!

Taking these simple steps ensures that your skin remains healthy and glowing even after all the Holi fun!

Dietitian's Tips For Healthy skin

Healthy skin starts from within! Before Holi, hydrate well with coconut water, buttermilk, or lemon water to keep your skin moisturised. Enjoy homemade sweets like jaggery-based instead of sugar-laden treats. Opt for natural thandai with almonds and fennel for digestion support.

After playing, detox with a bowl of curd and fruits to soothe the gut, and avoid excessive fried snacks to prevent bloating. Lastly, post-Holi detox with green tea, turmeric milk, and aloe vera juice to reduce inflammation.

                                                                                         Dt. Akshata Gandevikar

The Final Say

By following these six practical skincare tips with step-by-step instructions, you can enjoy Holi without worrying about skin irritation, dryness, or long-term damage. Proper preparation ensures that your skin stays healthy and radiant even after the festivities. Have a safe and colourful Holi!

FAQs

1. Holi skin care tips for oily skin?

For oily skin, apply a light, non-greasy oil like jojoba oil before playing Holi to prevent color absorption. Use a gel-based sunscreen for sun protection. After Holi, cleanse with a mild face wash, followed by rose water as a toner. Apply an oil-free moisturiser and a clay mask to control excess oil and soothe the skin.

2. Why is pre-Holi skincare important?

Pre-Holi skincare is crucial because Holi colours, especially synthetic ones, can cause dryness, irritation, and allergies. Preparing your skin with oil, moisturiser, and sunscreen creates a protective barrier, making it easier to remove colours later. Proper skincare ensures that your skin remains healthy and glowing even after the celebrations, preventing long-term damage caused by harsh chemicals and sun exposure.

3. How do I protect my eyes during Holi?

Avoid wearing contact lenses as they can trap color particles and cause irritation. Apply a light eye cream or petroleum jelly around the eyes to prevent colours from sticking. Wearing sunglasses provides an extra layer of protection from both colours and sun exposure. Avoid rubbing your eyes, as it can cause redness or infection.

4. How can I prevent skin allergies during Holi?

If you have sensitive skin, do a patch test with colours beforehand to check for reactions. Avoid synthetic colours and opt for herbal ones. Apply a layer of oil and sunscreen to create a barrier. Post-Holi, cleanse gently with a mild face wash and apply aloe vera gel to soothe irritation. Drinking plenty of water also helps detoxify the skin.

5. What oil should I apply to my skin before Holi?

Coconut oil, almond oil, or olive oil are great options. These oils create a protective layer on the skin, preventing colours from penetrating deeply. They also help in keeping the skin hydrated and reducing irritation. Apply a generous amount at least 30 minutes before stepping out. For oily skin, use a lightweight option like jojoba oil to avoid greasiness.

References

• https://www.lancome.in/en_IN/beauty-magazine/skincare-blogs/pre-and-post-holi-skincare-tips.html
• https://www.sebamedindia.com/blog/10-pre-and-post-holi-skin-and-hair-care-tips-for-the-ultimate-protection-against-holi-colours-53
• https://lovechild.in/blogs/all-things-beauty/pre-holi-post-holi-care-with-lovechild?srsltid=AfmBOopopiZMK4ugiOYTRH2RqaqvgGWvRAh37a0xKF8jgfsRcwT6j4lk
• https://www.stbotanica.com/blog/pre-post-holi-skincare?srsltid=AfmBOophcHNA9k7SDWj1Ggu0KBMRQh97kGu_ghpaqAhdh0JC4I4dC_N7
• https://blog.skinqure.in/pre-holi-skin-care-rituals/

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