New Delhi: The festival of colours is here, but if you ask the human skin – it can also be sheer pain.
Dermatologists have offered several tips on how to emerge unscathed from the colour onslaught on Holi day.
Senior Consultant Dermatologist of Fortis Dr Rashmi Sharma weighs in. She says:
It’s essential to take proper care before and after Holi.
Before stepping out, apply oil all over the body with special attention to areas like skin folds, finger web spaces, behind your ears, nails and private parts. Apply a thick coat of nail paint to protect your nails from harsh chemicals. Do not apply any cream or serum which has the potential to irritate. Don’t introduce anything new to your skin one week before and after Holi.
One must apply hair oil and tie the tresses into a braid to prevent damage and reduce the exposure to colours.
Apply lip balm to keep lips protected. Apply sunscreen to protect your skin.
You must also keep yourself hydrated by drinking water and juices. Dehydration can make skin more prone to damage.
Don’t be out in the sun with colours for too long. Keep reapplying sunscreen at an interval of 2 to 3 hours. You must always stay indoors and not expose yourself to harsh sun rays with colour on your face.
Post-Holi, stand under the shower till the outer layer of the colour washes off. Rub coconut oil on your body and try to remove the leftover, obstinate stains with a mix of curd, besan and coconut oil. Use a mild body cleanser in the end. Be gentle and don’t scrub too hard.
Apply a good moisturiser after the shower and top up at regular intervals if you feel your skin is still dry.
You could also use this mask for your hair – mix amla, reetha, shikakai, methi and curd and keep for half an hour. Wash it with a gentle shampoo.
Apply almond and honey on your face and take it off after five minutes.
Also read: ‘Bura na maano’, but Holi is a great chance to teach children about consent