While we all gear up to celebrate the festival of colours, here are some basic tips to keep in mind to play safe this Holi.

There is excitement in the air, a galore of colours, happy faces and excitement as we welcome the festival of colours. Delectable sweets, Thandi and loud music perfectly set the mood for this day.

So while these colours are definitely not tender on our skin and hair, Mumbai based Dr. Pallavi Sule, Dermatologist and Aesthetic Physician, shares some quick precautions – pre-care and post-care for Holi.

PRE-HOLI CARE

Moisturize – A day prior to the day, hydrate your skin with loads of moisturizer. A well-hydrated skin is less fragile and will not be easily damaged.

Oiling – It is advisable to coat the hair with coconut oil a night prior. On the day of holi, apply baby oil on the body and coconut oil in your hair. Protect the lashes with baby oil light application and lips with lip balm. Women should preferably tie a ponytail or bun/pin it up.

Clothing – Wear full sleeves clothes so that the damage is minimal.

Nail polish – Wear polish to protect your nails.

Sunscreen – Don’t forget to wear sunscreen even on this day. The sun is harsh and the oil on your face doesn’t protect you from getting tanned as you are out in the open all day.

Water – Drink a lot of water and stay hydrated.

Skin treatments – Should you decide to play holi, don’t get any skin treatments like microdermabrasion, facials, waxing or threading done 3-4 days before holi.

POST-HOLI CARE:

While you enjoyed playing holi, removing the colours is a task. Here are some post care tips by Dr. Pallavi Sule.

• In a mug, mix water lukewarm and shower gel. Now gently cleanse the body with this mixture using a loofah. Please note that gentle scrubbing to be done. Do not overdo as it may spoil the skin texture even more. Also, do not try to remove all colour at once.
• Clean the eyelashes with an earbud or a wet wipe (the lids and corners).
• Clean the ear lobes with earbud (the outer ear).
• A water-based makeup remover can also be used.
• To wash your face, use mild cleansers.
• Nails can be cleansed with a nail polish remover which is not very harsh (do not use acetone).
• Post shower, apply moisturizer to your body and hydrate lips well with a lip balm.
• Hair tends to get a little rough Post Holi. Opt for a Hair Spa Post Holi.
• Incase of a severe allergic reaction to the colours – it is advisable to take the opinion of a board-certified dermatologist. Mild steroids like hydrocortisone based creams can be applied, but post consulting a dermatologist.

While you keep in mind these basic tips, enjoy yourself. HAPPY HOLI!