Unless you hide under the sheets in your bedroom all day, you probably won’t be able to avoid being smeared with colours on Holi. Instead of staying away from the fun for fear of damaging your skin, follow these steps to ensure it remains as flawless as it was before you looked like a multi-coloured alien.
Different colours can lead to allergic dermatitis. Don full-length clothes and dodge a permanent tan by applying almond oil, olive oil, cold cream or moisturiser on all exposed body parts.
Keep yourself well hydrated by taking a liquid diet before or while playing Holi, to avoid the ill-effects of colour on the skin.
Apply foundation just before you step outside the house. This will provide a protective base to the skin.
Apply lip balm, vaseline or lime glycerin mixture to your lips.
Oil your hair. Massage it with castor oil, coconut oil or warm olive oil. Also add a few drops of lemon juice to avoid infection. In case your hair is coloured, wear a shower cap or any scarf, as Holi colours tend to react badly with hair dyes.
To protect your nails, apply a coat of nail booster, easily available in most cosmetic shops. Nail enamel works as a protective shield, so apply nail polish of any colour too.
To protect your nails, apply a coat of nail booster, easily available in most cosmetic shops. Nail enamel works as a protective shield, so apply nail polish of any colour too.
If you are allergic to colours, use water-soluble organic and herbal colours instead of chemical-based ones.
You can also make Holi colours at home with besan, turmeric, sandalwood powder, rose petal powder and talcum powder.
Don’t wear lenses. If the colour comes into contact with your eyes, wash them immediately with cold water.
Inputs from:
Seema Malik, Eleganza; Sangeeta Amladi, Kaya Skin Clinic; Beauty Expert Meenakshi Dutt and Simmi Ghai, Xpressions.