Common Skin Problems During Holi and How to Prevent Them

Why Holi Colours Can Harm Your Skin and Common Skin Problems They Cause

Recently Holi colours are largely artificial containing a variety of harmful chemical dyes, heavy metals, and industrial chemicals. Such things can break down the skin’s natural protective barrier and cause symptoms such as irritation, dryness, and allergic reactions. Dry powders may be from contaminated starch or mica dust, which can cause skin micro-cuts, whereas wet colours may contain toxic chemicals mixed with the water.

Leaving these chemicals on the skin for a long time increases the risk of:

1. Allergic Contact Dermatitis: This is the most common problem that can occur. The symptoms are inflammation, itching, burning, and swelling. The skin can develop blisters or become very painful in the most serious cases.
2. Skin Rashes and Irritation: Chemicals that are very aggressive to the skin disrupt the protective layer making the skin dry, itchy, and irritated. Face, neck, and hands are generally the most sensitive and can show the first signs of any skin disorder.
3. Acne Flare-ups: The Holi colours can get inside the open pores on the face and trap the bacteria inside. Due to bacteria build up, the acne may develop and it becomes even more concerning during this season for those who have oily skin.
4. Skin Infections: Bacterial or fungal skin infections can occur due to exposure to contaminated water and colours especially when there are cuts or open wounds on the skin.
5. Sunburn and Photosensitivity: When playing outdoors, your skin is exposed to UV rays, which can cause sunburn, redness, peeling, and eventual skin cell damage.
6. Hair and Scalp Damage: When hairs get colors on them with mixed chemicals, they tend to become dry, rough, and prone to breakage. Besides, the scalp may become irritated and flaky and dandruff is one of the symptoms.

Essential Skin Care Tips Before, During, and After Holi

One needs to prepare their skin beforehand, be careful during celebrations, and promote healing even after the festival. It is possible to have great fun and stay beautiful with skin and hair by taking precautions at each stage.

1. Before Holi: Prepare and Protect Your Skin

It is very helpful to coat the skin with a protective layer so that colour does not go inside. For this, you can:

• Apply a layer of moisturiser or coconut/olive oil over your skin, which will not allow the colours to stick and make the color removal easier.
• Put coconut or olive oil in your hair and scalp. Coating your hair and scalp will prevent colour. absorption
• Wear covered clothes, sunglasses, and a hat to avoid direct contact of the skin with colours and sunlight.
• Don’t have any kind of beauty treatments like waxing, facials, threading or lasers at least a week before the Holi festival.
• To avoid staining, apply a layer of petroleum jelly or moisturiser to nails and lips as well.

2. During Holi: Prevent Immediate Skin Damage

During Holi, just a few simple precautions can effectively mitigate the negative effects of colours and the sun and you might be able to ward off the immediate and long-term skin damages.

• Choose only organic and herbal colours since they are made of natural ingredients and do not cause skin irritation or allergies. 
• Avoid going out and being out in direct sunlight to reduce the chances of sunburn.
• Drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated and to be healthy.
• Don’t rub colours on your skin aggressively, as it can break the skin barrier, leading to skin problems.
• Do not forget to wear face masks and goggles to protect your eyes and face from direct contact to colors and UV rays. 

3. After Holi: How to Help Your Skin Recover and Heal

Taking care of your skin after Holi is very important to bring back moisture, calm the irritated skin, and fix the skin barrier. Simply cleansing and thoroughly moisturizing will allow your skin to recover quickly and also keep the long term problems away.

• Choose soft cleansing products for your face and body instead of using regular soaps.
• Do not rub vigorously as it can cause redness and damage the skin layer that protects your skin.
• Do not forget to apply moisturiser after bath to regain the lost moisture and softness of your skin.
• For irritated skin apply aloe vera extracts or lotions, since they have calming effects and decrease skin irritations and inflammation.
• Use a gentle shampoo when washing your hair and apply a conditioner to bring back the moisture and smoothness.
  

Final Thoughts

Holi is meant to be a festival of joy and not the occasion to get skin infections. When you follow a proper skin care routine, use very gentle washing, and drink plenty of fluids, it is possible to safeguard your skin against chemicals and irritation.

If you come across any unusual skin conditions during this Holi, you should seek the help of a dermatologist.

Luckily, our expert dermatologists at Sarvesh Health City, laced with the latest medical technology offers treatments for skin problems. Thus, anyone looking for a best skin care hospital in Hisar for their safe and healthy skin round the year can rely on Sarvesh Health City.