Holi is around the corner, and with things returning to somewhat normal in terms of COVID-19, you may be excited to participate in the celebrations with full fervour after a long time.
However, it is important to remember that the pandemic is not yet over. You could still catch COVID-19 and fall mildly or severely sick. When celebrating Holi, keep indoors and interact in smaller groups with people you meet regularly, maintain a distance from each other while playing, and try to avoid large gatherings.
Now, let’s have a look at 7 tips to take care of your skin and hair while playing Holi this year.
7 Tips For a Skin-Safe Holi
1. Moisturise your skin well. Apply some good hydrating moisturiser or oil like coconut or olive oil at least one day before Holi and also just before playing with colours. This will help build a barrier between the skin and chemicals in colours.
2. Oil your hair generously. It is not only your skin but your hair that also needs to be protected from the side effects of colours during Holi. So, apply hair oil before you go out to play. You can use coconut or almond oil, which will help prevent your hair from getting dry and frizzy.
3. Avoid contact lenses. On Holi, do not wear contact lenses as the colour could get into your eyes and get deposited on the contact lenses. Lenses absorb colours and could continue to leach them out over time, causing chemical injury.
4. Apply sunscreen. Sunscreen is a must on Holi as you are going to be out in the sun all day. Top off your body and face moisturiser with waterproof sunscreen at least 30 minutes before stepping out. The sunscreen will prevent skin damage from heat, sun, and colours.
5. Choose full-coverage clothes. Wear full-sleeved and long clothing to make sure minimal skin area is exposed to the sun, colours, and water. The less skin that comes in contact with chemicals, the easier it will be for you to care for it later.
6. Go organic. You can choose dry, natural, herbal, and organic colours for playing with others. These colours are skin-safe with minimal adverse effects. Avoid synthetic, metal-based, and glass powder colours. Also, refrain from dark and wet colours.
7. Don’t forget the after-care. If you feel any irritation or redness while playing with colours, immediately wash them off with soap and water and apply a moisturiser or aloe vera to soothe your skin. Make sure you take a shower with a block of soap and do not use any detergent, scrub, or turpentine oil to remove colour as they can lead to irritation, allergy, or infection of the skin.
If any redness of the skin persists after Holi, consult your dermatologist immediately. Holi is an amazing time to enjoy the beauty of colours and reunite with family and friends, so enjoy the festival but take care of your skin and overall health.
Disclaimer: This article is written by the Practitioner for informational and educational purposes only. The content presented on this page should not be considered as a substitute for medical expertise. Please "DO NOT SELF-MEDICATE" and seek professional help regarding any health conditions or concerns. Practo will not be responsible for any act or omission arising from the interpretation of the content present on this page.