Holi 2024: Tips To Prepare Your Skin For The Festival Of Colours

The colours used during Holi, though a symbol of laughter and frolic, can also wreak havoc on our skin if not handled with care.

Tips To Prepare Your Skin For Holi (Representational Image)

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Holi, is a festival which is marked by vibrant colours, joyous gatherings, and traditional delicacies. As we dive into the festivities, it's important to remember the importance of skin care amid the festivities. The colours used during Holi, though a symbol of laughter and frolic, can also wreak havoc on our skin if not handled with care. To ensure a radiant Holi glow, here are some essential skin care tips and tricks you may find helpful during this Holi season.

The Role Of Jackfruit In Skincare:

Festivals in India not just have a religious and cultural signifcance, they also have a gastronomical importance as well. Similarly, Holi is not only about colours, it is also about the delicacies prepared during this time, and jackfruit is one of the vegetables eaten widely during this time, especially in the state of Bihar.

But did you know, apart from the lip-smacking vegetable curry that can be made with jackfruit, it is also a good skincare ingredient. Yukta Raghu, CEO and Co-founder of Afforest Green Beauty said, "Packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, Jackfruit offers a plethora of benefits for the skin, ranging from hydration to anti-aging properties."

"One of the most notable benefits of Jackfruit in skincare is its exceptional hydrating properties. The fruit's high-water content helps to replenish moisture levels in the skin, leaving it supple, plump, and radiant. This hydrating prowess create luxurious formulations that quench the skin's thirst, providing long-lasting hydration for a healthy, dewy complexion. Beyond hydration, Jackfruit is also revered for its nourishing and revitalising properties. Packed with vitamins A, C, and E, as well as minerals like potassium and magnesium, Jackfruit nourishes the skin from within, promoting cell renewal and repairing damage caused by environmental stressors," she added.

In today's world, where our skin is constantly exposed to pollutants and free radicals, antioxidant protection is paramount. Jackfruit comes to the rescue once again with its abundant supply of antioxidants, including flavonoids and phenolic compounds. These powerful antioxidants help to neutralise free radicals, preventing oxidative stress and premature aging of the skin. 

Avoiding Common Holi Skincare Mistakes: Dos And Don'ts

While, most of us love playing with colours, the ingredients used in them often harms our skin leaving it dry and flaky. In addition, it may also result in acne and blemishes due to the presence of allergens in the colours. Although, nowadays we have the option of using herbal colours, still it is better to keep this tips in mind to prevent skin damage.

Poorva Batra, Founder at Skinara and Director at Hair Masters listed the following things to keep in mind before going out to play with colours.

Dos

1. Preparation is key:

Start your skin care regimen right before Holi. Moisturise your skin often to create a protective barrier against harsh colours. Apply a sufficient amount of moisturiser to your face, hands, and all exposed areas to prevent shades from penetrating your pores and skin.

2. Oil your way to protection:

Before heading out to play Holi, apply coconut oil, almond oil, or any non-comedogenic oil of your choice to your pores, skin, and hair. The oil acts as a defense so it's less complicated to remove colours later on, while protecting your pores and skin from damage from artificial dyes.

3. Dress appropriately:

Wear clothing with full sleeves and cover as much of your pores and skin as possible to limit direct contact with the shades. Select antique clothing that fits loosely and doesn't mind becoming soiled. Additionally, remember to shield your hair from colour damage by using a cap or scarf.

4. Stay hydrated:

Drink plenty of water before, during, and after playing Holi to keep your pores and skin hydrated from within. Dehydration can worsen pores and skin sensitivity, so there is a greater risk of color-induced inflammation.

5. Use herbal colours:

Whenever possible, choose herbal products, and herbal colours created from flower extracts or other natural sources. These colours are gentler on the pores and skin and are less likely to cause allergies or inflammation.

6. Care after the holiday:

Use a gentle cleanser to completely clean your skin and pores after the festivities in order to get rid of any leftover colour. Be careful when cleansing your face; excessive scrubbing might irritate your skin and pores even more. To restore lost moisture, apply a nourishing moisturiser thereafter.

Don’ts

1. Steer clear of harsh chemicals:

Remove artificial colours that contain lead, mercury, ammonia, or other harmful substances. These ingredients irritate the skin, cause skin dryness, or provoke acne due to the perforation of pores.

2. Say no to cleaning:

Resist the urge to scrub vigorously to get rid of stubborn colour stains. Instead, choose gentle cleaning strategies and let the colour fade away over time. Scrubbing too vigorously might irritate the skin and weaken its barrier of defence.

3. Skip sun exposure:

Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight throughout Holi, especially while dipping colours. The combination of UV rays and chemicals in dyes can increase the risk of burning and cause pores and skin damage. If you must be outdoors, wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an excessive SPF.

4. Don't skip on eye care:

Wear goggles or sunglasses to shield your eyes from dye contact. Paints include chemicals that, if they come into contact with the eyes, might damage the cornea or even induce illness or redness.

5. Don't delay colour washing:

As soon as the celebrations are over, immediately rinse the colours from your skin and hair. Persistent colours can seep into the layers of the skin, making them difficult to remove and undoubtedly causing blemishes or inflammation.

6. Avoid Overdoing Your Makeup:

During Holi, minimize the use of make-up, especially heavy foundations and powders. This can mix with colours, clog pores, and aggravate pores and skin problems. Choose light water-based or natural make-up to allow your skin to breathe freely.

Beauty Rituals For Inner And Outer Glow:

Pravir Arora, Brand Custodian at Lakmé Academy Powered by Aptech suggested eight beauty rituals to nourish your body, mind, and soul this Holi:

1. Mindful Meditation: Begin your day with a few moments of mindful meditation. Settle into a comfortable position, close your eyes, and focus on your breath. This practice not only calms the mind but also cultivates inner peace, reflecting as a radiant glow on your face.
2. Hydration: Hydrating your body is essential for maintaining supple, glowing skin. Make it a ritual to drink plenty of water throughout the day. You can also indulge in hydrating herbal teas or infused water for added benefits.
3. Nourishing Skincare: Establish a skincare regimen tailored to your skin type to maintain a healthy complexion. Consistent cleansing, moisturising are key for radiant skin. Don't forget the importance of sunscreen to protect against harmful UV rays.
4. Healthy Diet: Fuel your body with nourishing foods rich in vitamins and antioxidants to support skin health from within. Incorporate fruits, vegetables, and hydrating fluids for a glowing complexion.
5. Quality Sleep: Prioritise restful sleep to allow your body time to repair and regenerate overnight. Quality sleep is essential for skin renewal, energy levels, and overall well-being.