Holi is without a doubt the world's most vivid and colorful Holiday. Traditionally, it was marked with dry gulal and buckets of water, but nowadays, it is marred by synthetic hues. The consequences of which not only cause discomfort to our skin, hair, and eyes but also pose a health risk. Maybe that's why a little forethought goes a long way.
Here, at deconstruct, we will attempt to provide you with a manageable and affordable skincare regime and Holi skincare tips to be followed before and after Holi so that you don’t miss the celebration as well as never regret celebrating one of the most vibrant festivals celebrated on Earth.
Why Holi Skin Care Is Important
While Holi is easily the most fun festival in India, there can be a few problems. The colors we use to play Holi can be very harsh on the skin. Even if you go completely natural, Holi colors can still be too concentrated on your skin and can cause allergic reactions. Drying of the skin is one of the most common side-effects of Holi colors.
Additionally, the water used to play Holi is often hard water with too many salts which can further break down skin cells and damage skin barriers.
The third concern is that because Holi is played outdoors during the day, long exposure to the sun can result in sunburns, hyperpigmentation, and other skin issues arising due to UV rays exposure.
We, therefore, suggest looking out for the skin by following a good skincare regime before and after Holi celebrations.
Pre-Holi Skin Care Tips
- Hydrate your skin: Apply body oil all over your body and massage it into your skin the day before Holi. This moisturizes the skin, resulting in reduced color absorption the next day. You can also use oil to establish a protective barrier on your hair strands. You can also use good oil-based or cream-based skin moisturizers instead of the oil but make sure that your skin is hydrated. Also, drink plenty of water.
- Avoid exfoliation: Exfoliation both chemical or physical can open pores which can lead to the Holi colors penetrating deeper into your skin. Stop exfoliating at least 3 days before Holi and you are good to go.
- Protect your nails: Before going out to play Holi, paint your nails with many applications of transparent varnish.
During Holi skincare tips:
- Layer your skin just before playing Holi: Apply body lotion to your entire body an hour before you play Holi. Apply Vaseline to the region around the eyes and a dash of baby oil to the eyelashes and nails to protect them. To avoid direct color exposure, always wear long-sleeved clothing.
- Cover yourself: The more you're covered, the less likely it is that colors will harm your skin. Wear clothing that covers your entire body. Wear a long-sleeved shirt that covers your entire body. A physical barrier can provide the finest protection for your skin.
- Don’t miss on Sunscreen: A considerable amount of chemical, water-proof SPF 50 sunscreen should be applied to the face and full body. Choose a sunscreen that is both perspiration and heat resistant.
Post Holi Skin Care Tips
- Gently remove the color: Use cleaning milk after playing Holi to help the colors come off more readily. After removing the colors, apply a good moisturizer to prevent any dryness.
- Washing your face: Using a foamy face wash is recommended since the foam will optimally remove debris, colors, and excess oil while keeping the skin's natural moisture. A word of caution: make sure you're using a cleanser that's appropriate for your skin type.
- Use cold water: Avoid putting warm water directly on the skin because it may not be very effective. Use cold water instead, as it will readily wash the color away.
- Use oil: Apply an oil, such as coconut oil, to specific locations and let it sit for a few minutes to allow the color to fade.
- Hydrate your skin: Applying a decent moisturizer and face serum is essential, and you can do it at any time.
Holi Color Removal Skincare Tips
- To remove the colors, use cold water. The colors will be tough to remove with hot water.
- Washing your face repeatedly will cause it to dry out.
- To remove the colors from your face, soak the cloth in coconut oil and wipe it off.
- Avoid getting facials, bleach, hair color, and other skin and hair treatments right after Holi. Before using chemicals or creams on your skin or hair, wait at least a week or two
Holi Skincare Do's & Don'ts
- Exfoliation should be avoided 48-72 hours before and after Holi to avoid skin irritation.
- Avoid any skin and salon treatments, including cleanups and facials, for a few days before and after the event.
- You can treat dry and parched skin that has developed as a result of excessive UV exposure and heat with a nightly hydration mask. Use hydrating eye and lip masks to calm your skin.
- Use a good SPF.
- Use oil and vaseline to cover your skin.
- Use organic colors instead of those that contain copper sulfate, lead oxide, or mercury sulfate.
- Before and after playing Holi, use very soothing creams on your skin.
Deconstruct's Products That Can Be Used For Holi Skin Care
- Deconstruct’s Hydrating Face Wash with Hyaluronic Acid and amino acids can gently cleanse the dirt off the face, leaving the skin hydrated.
- Deconstruct Hydrating serum with 2% Hyaluronic Acid + 1% Niacinamide- This unique serum combines two of the best ingredients for dry skin. With 2% Hyaluronic Acid and 1% Niacinamide, the serum has a mild formula that will be well tolerated by all skin types alike. It hydrates while repairing the skin barrier.
- Deconstruct Beginner’s exfoliating serum with 5% Lactic Acid + 0.5% Probiotics It is a gentle exfoliating serum that has a mild formula, making it perfect for beginners. Probiotics in combination with Lactic Acid can help relieve a wide range of skin problems and exfoliate the skin effectively. It also contains 1% Hyaluronic Acid which keeps the skin hydrated while exfoliation.
- Deconstruct Brightening Moisturizer with 5% Niacinamide + 1% Kojic Acid This moisturizer with a unique formulation combines two potent ingredients to deliver instant results for the skin. Niacinamide protects the skin from damage while Kojic Acid acts as a tyrosinase inhibitor and tackles hyperpigmentation.
- Deconstruct NMF Hydrating Moisturizer- NMF skin cream is a lightweight daily gel moisturizer that hydrates, nourishes and calms skin. Enriched with Natural Moisturizing Factor Complex (NMF) that mimics the skin’s natural NMF, helps to maintain adequate hydration in the barrier, without giving the oily feel and strengthens the skin barrier.
Conclusion
Playing Holi safely can be challenging in the ear of chemical-based colors and hard water but a little extra care could go a long way. You protect your skin and hair during Holi, make sure to follow all of the pre and post-Holi care dos and don'ts listed above.
Using more water and flower petals and less color is always a smart idea. If you must use color, choose organic. Use natural colors like Haldi and organic gulal instead.
Don’t miss on the Holi fun and also don’t miss on SPF protection and you are good to go. Also, care for your hair, wear oil, and even cover your hair to protect them.
Deconstruct wishes you a happy Holi!
FAQs
What should I do on Holi if I have acne and have oily skin?
If you're worried about putting facial oils on your skin, look for non-comedogenic options. Make sure you apply it to a clean face and only a thin layer of it. To ensure total protection to the skin, apply a non-comedogenic sunscreen afterward.
How can I remove the Holi color from my face without scrubbing it?
To remove the color, gently massage the skin with light oil or gel cream and then wash with a gentle cleanser. Don't worry if it doesn't come off all at once. It will eventually come off, but don't scrub!
What can I do if my skin is red and irritated after I remove the Holi color?
An allergic reaction to the Holi colors, which are frequently contaminated with toxic metals and engine oils, causes redness. Afterward, apply a decent moisturizer to calm the skin, and treat the allergy with a mild steroid and antibiotic-based cream.
Try to avoid physical scrubs to remove the colors as this might react on the skin that is already exposed to colors!