How to protect your skin before and after Holi

Colours can make your skin dry. Dr Banani Choudhary tells you how to cleanse and hydrate your skin before and after playing Holi.

Holi is one of the most vibrant and colorful festivals in the world.

Traditionally it is played gulal, which was once made of natural flowers.

Unfortunately, these days due to adulteration and mixtures of synthetic pigments it damages our skin and hair also, which can be harmful to our health.

Here are few tips to bear in mind before and after playing with colours:

Before Holi

1. Hydrate your skin before Holi. Apply a good moisturising cream on the face. Even if the skin is oily use a moisturiser, pick up water or gel-based cream.

2. Protect your skin from colours. If you have sensitive skin, use a barrier building cream on top of the moisturising cream.

3. Use a sunscreen, no matter what your type of skin is. You can choose a lotion, aqua gel or matte gel.

4. Wash your skin with a foaming face wash and reapply moisturiser. You may also directly apply sunscreen throughout the day.

5. If you have any skin problems like acne, or skin rash, consult a dermatologist before you play Holi.

After Holi

1. Cleanse your face with a good foaming face wash.

2. Colours can make your skin dry. Hydrate your skin with a cream-based moisturiser and let the cream stay on your skin.

3. Use micellar water (available at most chemist shops) to spray on your skin before and after Holi to give extra hydration.

4. Avoid putting any medicated products to prevent any side effect.

5. If any stains remain post Holi, don't try to remove them all at once. Do not rub. The colours can be removed with a mild cleanser multiple times.

Dr Banani Choudhary is consultant dermatologist at Jaslok Hospital and Research Centre, Mumbai. She can be reached at ga@rediff-inc.com.