Home > Skin & Hair > Essential Holi Prep That NO ONE Talks About! These Dermatologist Tips Are a MUST-READ

Essential Holi Prep That NO ONE Talks About! These Dermatologist Tips Are a MUST-READ

Dr. Mugi Anju

5 Min Read

Fast Check Fact Checked

Bura na mano holi hai. It’s that time of the year again for vibrant colours and playful laughter as we celebrate Holi. Whether it is by putting colors on each other or sharing sweets, Holi is that festival that begins and ends with color. However, it’s important to know that the tradition of putting colors during Holi celebration involves the use of harsh chemicals that can have devastating effects on both skin and hair. While the festival commemorates the triumph of good over evil, it’s crucial to prioritize safety and protect ourselves from the harmful effects of these chemicals

Skincare Tips for Holi

Planning to celebrate Holi? If so, it’s important to take good care of your skin and hair. Here are some common mistakes you won’t believe that people make before celebrating Holi. Are you guilty of any of these? Take a look to make sure you avoid these mistakes.

Not moisturizing: Failing to properly hydrate your skin leaves it vulnerable to the harsh chemicals in Holi colors. A good moisturizer creates a barrier that helps protect your skin.

Skipping sunscreen: Even on a cloudy day, UV rays can damage your skin. Holi celebrations often last for hours, making sunscreen a must to prevent sunburns and long-term damage.

Forgetting about hair protection: Holi colors can be drying and damaging for your hair too. Not applying a protective oil layer leaves your strands vulnerable to breakage and dullness.

Using harsh products beforehand: Exfoliating or using strong skincare treatments immediately before Holi can irritate your skin, making it more sensitive to the colors.

Ignoring sensitive areas: Neglecting to protect delicate areas like lips and around the eyes can lead to irritation and dryness.

Not testing colors: Some people have allergies to specific dyes or chemicals in Holi colors. Doing a patch test beforehand helps avoid unexpected reactions.

Dermatologist approved tips to take care of your skin during Holi

Here are some essential skincare tips for you to protect yourself from the side effects of Holi colors:

On the night before Holi …

The night before Holi is the most important time for safeguarding your skin. Here’s how to prep like a pro:

(1) Avoid using any actives

Do not use any active ingredients on the night before Holi. Ingredients like retinol, AHAs, and BHAs can make your skin more sensitive to the sun and harsh colors. Give your skin a break for the night.

(2) Moisturize your skin

Coat your skin in a rich, nourishing moisturizer and massage it in thoroughly. This hydrates the skin so that it absorbs less color, creating a protective barrier against the drying effects of Holi colors. Doing so also makes it easier to wash off the colors later.

MFine recommends: MFine Ceramide Moisturizer, MFine Ceramide + 8% Vitamin C Mositurizer.

MFine Ceramide Moisturizer

MFine Ceramide + 8% Vitamin C Mositurizer

(3) Apply hair oil

Generously apply coconut or almond oil to your hair and scalp. This creates a protective barrier against harsh color pigments, minimizing dryness and potential breakage of your strands.

(4) Polish your nails

Prevent stubborn color stains by applying a layer or two of clear nail polish. This shields your nails from absorbing the vibrant pigments, leaving them beautifully polished even after the color washes away.

(5) Don’t forget your lips and eyes

Protect your lips by applying a moisturizing lip balm or a thin layer of petroleum jelly. This will prevent the harsh Holi colors from causing dryness, cracking, or discoloration. Similarly, the delicate skin around your eyes needs extra attention. Applying a thin layer of petroleum jelly to this area will minimize irritation and potential staining.

What to do on the day of Holi itself?

Here’s how to protect your skin while you’re out there having the time of your life:

Lather with a moisturizer:

A thick layer of moisturizer acts like armor against the harsh colors, preventing them from penetrating too deeply.

MFine recommends: MFine Ceramide Moisturize, MFine Ceramide + 8% Vitamin C Mositurizer.

Use SPF 50/PA +++:

Holi usually involves long hours in the sun. Slather on a broad-spectrum sunscreen for protection against harmful UV rays.

MFine recommends: MFine Sunscreen Gel SPF 50/PA+++ (for oily, combination skin) & MFine Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50/PA+++ (for sensitive, dry and normal skin).

MFine Sunscreen Gel SPF 50/PA+++

MFine Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50/PA+++

Wear full-sleeved cotton clothes and cover your hair with a bandana if possible:

Covering up minimizes exposed skin and protects your hair from dryness and damage.

Wear goggles to protect your eyes:

Your eyes are delicate! Shield them from accidental splashes of color with goggles.

After Holi… Get rid of Holi color stains fast with these genius hacks

Forget frantic scrubbing and hours spent trying to erase those vibrant Holi colors! Here are a few genius tricks to banish the stains quickly and gently, leaving your skin soft and happy.

Avoid scrubbing your skin

It might be tempting, but harsh scrubs can irritate your skin and make the colors embed even deeper. Stick to gentle cleansers for now.

Forget DIY Remedies

Avoid unverified home remedies. Lemon juice, vinegar, and those internet “miracle cures” often do more harm than good. They can strip your skin’s natural barrier, leaving it vulnerable.

Use cleansing oils and balms

Cleansing oils and balms effectively break down stubborn color pigments. Gently massage them onto dry skin before rinsing. Follow with micellar water to remove any remaining color traces.

Shower with lukewarm water

Avoid hot showers! Lukewarm water is gentler and helps open pores, making color removal easier.

Conclusion

Remember, a truly joyous Holi celebration is one that prioritizes safety, inclusivity, and environmental responsibility. By choosing herbal or organic colors whenever possible, you minimize your exposure to harsh chemicals and help protect the environment. Don’t throw colours on animals and if somebody doesn’t want to play holi, don’t invade their privacy. Consent is a must to ensure a positive experience for everyone involved. Celebrate with colors, celebrate with kindness, and celebrate with a commitment to a joyous and sustainable festival for all! Happy Holi to you!