Come 4th March, it was time to celebrate one of the most popular festivals of India, Holi. Also called the festival of colours, Holi symbolizes the victory of good over evil and fosters a sense of community, joy and wholesome celebration. But Holi also means application of colour and irrespective of the colours you use it definitely take a toll on your skin. Hence the importance of taking care of your skin before (which we did cover previously, but especially) and after the festival can hardly be overemphasised. Especially as Holi celebrations have extended far beyond just being the “day of” and have gone into the weekends surrounding.
Pre Holi Skin Care
But first, a brief preamble. “As Holi approaches, preparing the skin becomes just as important as planning the celebrations. It is imperative to focus on strengthening the skin barrier, ensuring deep hydration and protecting against sun exposure. Synthetic colours and long hours of outdoor exposure can strip moisture and trigger sensitivity, making pre-care essential,” says Snigdha Suman, GM, Marketing & Business Development, Avon India. The ideal pre-Holi skincare routine is to make sure that you stop all the activities and do not try a dramatically new facial on the skin, as this might make the skin more sensitive to the colours that will be used.
Festival and Post Festival Regime
While it is natural to get excited to celebrate with friends and family, do take a moment to apply a thick layer of moisturizer or sunscreen before stepping out as it reduces dye penetration. Always remember to use SPF protection. “On the day of Holi, you must apply a generous layer of moisturiser on the face and body to create a protective shield. Broad-spectrum sunscreen is non-negotiable and should be applied 20 minutes before stepping out. Lips should be protected with a balm, and hair should be lightly oiled to prevent colours from settling on the scalp. This is a simple but a highly effective regime that protects the skin without overwhelming it” adds Snigdha.
Post celebration, the focus should shift to calming and restoring balance. “Start by loosening colour with a light oil massage before cleansing it gently. Once cleansed, applying a toner becomes essential. Cleansing and exposure to colours can disrupt the skin’s natural pH balance, leaving it dry or irritated. A well-formulated toner helps restore this balance, refine the appearance of pores, and prepare the skin to absorb subsequent treatments more effectively. Consistent, science-backed skincare ensures that Holi leaves behind joyful memories and healthy, radiant skin” quips Snigdha.
It is important to note that people with acne-prone skin should avoid too much colour as they can trap colour and debris in their pores and this can lead to worse breakouts. Those with eczema or active inflammation should also minimize exposure, as compromised skin absorbs irritants more easily. Always try to choose organic or dry colours wherever possible and avoid fragranced products post-Holi.
