Traditionally, Holi is a festival that celebrates the return of spring – and people played with colors made from the flowers of those trees. However, over the years, the natural colours gradually came to be replaced by cheaper industrial dyes which may contain chemicals and toxins, grease and grime, oxidised metals and sometimes-even glass! This has a negative health effect on people in form of skin rashes, allergies, dry brittle hair, eye injury etc. The skin is the largest organ of the body is the most traumatized at the expense of our joy. A lot of people instead of taking precautionary steps crib on how 'bad' the skin has become or rush to a dermatologist with a rash.
Here are some FAQ's that might help you get answers and protect your skin:
Q1. Do I use a sunscreen?
Yes! Using a good water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF 30 + and PA+++ rating, 30 minutes before you get out to play colours.
Q2. Any other way of protecting the skin?
Colours are all chemicals and even if “organic colours”. Apply coconut oil liberally all over body and hair irrespective of skin/hair type. Apply Vaseline inside nails, feet, elbows, at the back of the ear. It will create a layer of protection preventing the colours from seeping into the skin.
Q3. Things to follow while playing Holi?
For as long as you can stick to dry colours. Avoid getting wet unless you have to get wet! Wet skin is more porous. This means that the colours tend to seep in more and get absorbed quickly.
Q4. How to wash the colours off?
Just before your cleansing reapplies a layer of coconut oil for 10 minutes. Use lukewarm water and use a pH balanced body wash according to your skin and gently try to dislodge the coloured particles off of your skin. Do not use pumice stones or loofahs! Do not scrub! Scrubbing your skin will cause microtrauma thus inviting an itchy rash.
Q5. What to do when you develop a skin rash or allergy?
If the colours react, they should be immediately washed away with running water. In case of any irritation or burning, calamine lotion can be applied. If the irritation persists, consult a dermatologist urgently. Please do not apply OTC creams for same, which may do more harm than good! Wishing you all a day full of 'Holi'ness!