Are You Holi Ready? Get Your Skin Prepped For Holi With These Effective Tips!

The festival of colors is almost around the corner. 

If you are all set to enjoy the festival while also taking care of your skin, it is important to prep your skin accordingly and take care of your skincare routine. The water balloons and vibrant powders used during the celebrations can leave your skin dry, rubbed, and discolored. 

Hence, it becomes necessary to follow a pre-celebration and post-celebration care routine to maintain healthy, beautiful skin throughout the festivities. Let us dissect all the information on the essential steps required to pre-prep your skin this Holi.

To enjoy Holi festivities without worrying about skin irritation or discoloration, it is essential to take precautions beforehand. In this section, we talk about the essential steps you need to take before celebrating Holi:

1. Hydration and Moisturization 

• As you gear up for the festive Holi celebrations, it is important to ensure that your skin is well-hydrated and moisturized. 
• For this you should start hydrating your skin at least a week before the event. 
• Pay special attention to the areas that tend to become dry such as your elbows, knees, and heels. 
• To lock in moisture and maintain soft, supple skin, opt for a body lotion or cream that contains hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or shea butter. 
• These ingredients are known for their exceptional hydrating properties and will help your skin stay nourished and healthy. 
• Make sure to include them in your skincare regimen to prepare your skin for the colorful festivities of Holi.

2. Apply A Protective Barrier 

• One of the best ways to do this is by applying a protective barrier on your skin. 
• You can use a thick layer of oil or moisturizer, before heading outside to celebrate. 
• This will help prevent the colors from seeping into your skin, eventually making it easy to wash off the color later. 
• You can choose from multiple options such as petroleum jelly, coconut oil, or almond oil. 
• Make sure to apply the protective layer generously on your hands, face, and any other exposed skin for complete defense against any potential harm.

3. Keep Your Skin Covered 

• To minimize direct contact with water and colors, it is recommended that you choose clothing that provides ample coverage and stain resistance. 
• Opt for full-sleeved garments made of thick and non-absorbent fabrics, which will not only protect your skin but also keep you comfortable throughout. 
•  Avoid wearing clothes that are too tight as they may irritate by rubbing against your skin. 
• Additionally, to safeguard your hair and scalp from color damage, consider wearing a cap or scarf that can effectively shield them from the harsh elements. 

Now let us talk about how you should take care of your skin during the holi celebrations:

1. Apply Sunscreen 

• It is crucial to protect your skin from the harmful effects of UV radiation, particularly during the Holi celebrations. 
• To safeguard your skin, generously apply a high-SPF, broad-spectrum sunscreen to your arms, legs, face, neck, and other areas of your skin, in case they are exposed to the sun. 
• Reapply the sunscreen every two hours, particularly if you are spending an extended time outdoors playing Holi. 
• This simple precautionary measure will help prevent sunburns, premature aging, and sun damage, allowing you to enjoy the festivities without any worries.

2. Stay Hydrated

• During the Holi celebrations, it’s necessary to keep yourself well-hydrated to avoid any skin irritations caused by dehydration. 
• Dry skin can become more susceptible to damage and irritation from the Holi colors, making it a must to drink lots of water and other fluids. 
• Make sure to keep a water bottle with you at all times and take frequent breaks to replenish your fluids. 
• Additionally, you can opt for hydrating drinks such as herbal teas, fresh fruit juices, or coconut water to keep your skin radiant from the inside out.

3. Gently Cleanse

• Thoroughly cleanse your skin to eliminate any color stains, dirt, or pollutants that may have accumulated on your skin.
•  However, it’s crucial to avoid using harsh soaps or scrubs that can strip away the natural oils from your skin and further irritate it.
•  Instead, opt for a mild, pH-balanced cleanser that can remove the color pigments without causing any discomfort to the skin. 
• For best results, gently massage the cleanser in circular motions on damp skin. 
• Finally, rinse off the cleanser with lukewarm water to complete the cleansing process.

Similar to the pre-Holi and Holi celebration stage, it is equally important to take care of your skin once the celebrations are completed. Here we discuss a few tips on how to care for your skin post the Holi celebrations are completed.

1. Proper Moisturization

• Use a rich and nourishing body lotion or moisturizer to restore the lost moisture to your skin.
• To effectively soothe and moisturize your skin, opt for a lotion that comprises calming elements such as oatmeal, chamomile, or aloe vera.
•  Apply the moisturizer liberally onto damp skin, ensuring that you focus on the dry or irritated areas of your skin. 
• Massage gently until the moisturizer is fully absorbed to seal in the moisture and restore the natural balance of your skin.

2. Treat Irritation 

• If you find your skin feeling irritated or inflamed after playing Holi, you can try applying a soothing skin treatment or consider preparing a homemade solution. 
• Aloe vera gel is an excellent remedy for reducing redness and irritation and promoting faster healing. 
• You can also use ice packs or cold compresses to ease pain and soothe burnt skin. 
• However, it is essential to avoid touching or scratching the affected area as it can worsen inflammation and slow down the recovery process.

3. Exfoliation 

• After celebrating Holi, it might get frustrating to get rid of stubborn color stains on your skin. 
• To help remove these stains and improve the health of your skin, consider adding mild exfoliation to your post-Holi skincare routine.
• You can use a light scrub or a mixture of yogurt and gram flour. Simply apply the scrub or mixture to your skin and gently massage in circular motions, focusing on areas with color stains. 
• This process will help to break down the color pigments and remove dead skin cells.
• Once you have thoroughly massaged the skin, rinse with warm water and let it pat dry.

To fully enjoy Holi while keeping your skin healthy and glowing, it is essential to follow the above mentioned tips related to – pre-Holi preparation, during Holi celebrations, and post-Holi skincare routine.

Remember to pamper your skin with love and care, so it can shine brightly throughout the vibrant celebrations of Holi!