ARE YOU HOLI-READY?
Thandai…Gujiya…dancing to blaring Bollywood songs with gay abandon…child like fun with mishmash of vibrant colors and dousing others in it…HOLI, the festival of colors is just round the corner.
The jazzy and bright festival brings in a lot of positivity and unfettered joy, but it also brings with it – skin rashes, skin allergies, chafed skin, acne break-outs and irritation. It is ironic that Holi which is reveled in all its hues and finery is largely celebrated with synthetic and unhealthy colors, composed of chemical solvents and toxic agents that can damage or have deleterious effects on your delicate skin.
Besides, exposure to the sun for long hours and fitful water splashes may add on to the damage and result in a chafed skin. In consequence, it is extremely imperative to protect your skin and save yourself from any unpleasant occurrences. As per the experts, you need a day long skin protection to prevent your skin from these irritants that come in various forms.
HOLI SKINCARE TIPS
Before you head out and jump into the colors, make sure you prep your skin and guard it by following some easy tips to make your Holi experience safe and happier than ever. Here’s what you can do –
WEAR CLOTHES WITH MAXIMUM COVERAGE
The most important tip you can follow and cheat on colors is by ensuring what you wear covers the maximum of your body so that there will be less of skin exposed. This will not just protect your skin from damage of colors, but also from sun exposure that can further affect your skin. While you pull out old clothes from your wardrobe, opt for something in cotton as other fabrics can feel sticky on your skin. Besides, wearing dark colors will ensure that the colors do not come on your skin so easily when mixed with water.
MOISTURIZE AWAY
Keeping your skin moisturized is of utmost importance. Before stepping out, smear your exposed body parts with either a rich moisturizer or oil and gently massage so that it’s all absorbed into the skin. This will act as a barrier between your skin and colors and will also help in easy removal of colors later. Pick a moisturizer or oil that suits your skin type and helps retain moisture.
DON’T FORGET THE SPF
It's not just the color and water that you need to be worried about, but also sun damage. Never forget to sun protect your skin as you’ll be outdoors for a longer period of time. Secure your skin with a broad SPF sunscreen, preferably one that is waterproof or water-resistant. Carry the sun-block cream with you and keep re-applying it every 2-3 hours to keep the sun shield up.
NAIL IT & BALM IT
Lips and nails also require protection from toxic colors. Coat your lips with a lip balm to ensure colors don’t seep through the cracks. To safeguard nails, drench your cuticles in olive oil so your nails do not soak up any color. Follow it up with a thick coat of nail paint and put petroleum jelly under the nail edges. Keeping your nails short will ensure that color doesn’t settle as it can be dangerous if you ingest it while eating.
HYDRATION...HYDRATION...HYDRATION
Dehydrated skin can become dry and get sunburnt easily. This combined with Holi colors can make the skin appear dull and lifeless. Load up on water and other healthy drinks before, throughout and after to keep yourself hydrated and your energy levels high. Your skin and body will thank you for it.
PLAY SAFE!
- Do not play in big groups, stay away from gatherings. Avoid using water balloons and eggs as it can cause injuries and infections. Avoid using them during Holi.
- Use safe and non toxic, natural colors as much as possible
- If you are suffering even from mild cold or cough, do not venture out during celebrations.
- For kids & senior citizens suffering from allergies & low immunity levels, avoid Holi this year
- Keep a hand sanitizer handy. If you are wearing a mask, discard it after celebrations.
- Take bath with anti-bacterial soaps, post celebrations.
- Avoid hugging or any physical contact while playing holi.
- Use an anti-chafing cream as a barrier and day long protection
- If you have chronic respiratory conditions like asthma, pneumonia, avoid playing Holi.
