The spring festival of Holi is one of the most popular and much-awaited festivals of the country. Expectedly, we are all set to witness a colour riot as part of the celebrations. However, before indulging in the colour splash, consider the effects such myriad colours will have on your skin — Chemical and metallic colours are capable of creating allergies, brittle hair and skin rashes among others. Hence, incorporating a few tips will go a long way in preventing skin and scalp damage:
Massage your body with coconut or mustard oil right after the celebrations, as these natural oils make it easier to wipe out traces of colour.
Chemical colours can harm the texture of the skin, leaving it looking parched. In order to tackle this issue, slather on some petroleum jelly.
The humidity and the artificial colours can take a toll on your skin. Keep the body well-hydrated before the onslaught of Holi begins.
Lukewarm water should be used to wash off the colours from the face. Also, remember to apply a mixture of glycerine, sea salt and an aroma oil, as this helps fight bacteria and infections. This is highly recommended for individuals with dry and sensitive skin.
Even fingernails aren’t spared of the Holi stains. So make sure you trim your fingernails properly. Application of a thick and bright nail polish helps in protecting the nails from toxic artificial colours.
While a lot of emphasis is laid on protecting the face, lip-care is often overlooked. Hence, do not skip the lip balm to moisturise and protect the lips!
— The writer is a dermantologist and cosmetologist
