Pune: Ahead of the festival of colours, skin specialists from the city have suggested remedies to protect skin and hair from the harmful effects of colours used during Holi.
Dr Mohan Thomas, a cosmetic surgeon at the Cosmetic Surgery and Skin Institute, Pune, said that oil application to the skin before playing Holi has been the age-old practice to prevent colours from sticking to the skin strongly. Olive or almond oil application is recommended.
"Strong chemicals in Holi colours can cause itching and rashes, which can lead to eczemas, a group of diseases that result in inflammation of the skin, upon scratching, which is the most common type of reaction seen after Holi. Dry skin leaves a lot of scope for these harmful chemicals as the skin layer allows the colour to penetrate easily," said Dr Thomas.
Speaking to Sakal Times, Dr Ridhima Yadava, dermatologist and cosmetologist from the city, said the post-Holi care is as much important as preparing for the festival.
"Remove the colour from the face and other body parts with the help of a cleanser or a homemade paste made of curd, honey, besan and turmeric and aloe vera. While bathing, use cold water and a washcloth. However, avoid scrubbing or using soap. Later, apply moisturiser generously over the damp face and body. Do not use body scrubs or exfoliates," said
Dr Yadava.
Chandrakala Purohit, Chief Operating Officer, JMD Medico, said homemade remedies can be used to take care of skin during the festivity.
"During festivals, our skin suffers a lot due to heavy makeup, eating oily and spicy food, eating too many sweets and carbohydrates, irregular sleeping pattern, exertion etc. Especially during Holi, The problem of breakouts, allergy, rashes, dryness are prevalent due to the use of colours. We should try to stick to organic colours, but again, that can also stress out the skin," said Purohit.
Precautions during festival of colours
Before Holi
* Put coconut oil on the skin before applying colours so that colours do not stick to the skin directly, to avoid rashes. Make sure the quality of coconut oil is good.
* Remove colours with the paste of turmeric, besan and milk cream rather than a soap, which may prove harsh for the skin.
* Application of dark nail paint will prevent strong colours entering the cuticle and the nail plate, thus preventing discolouration of nails.
* To prevent drying of hair, the formation of dandruff, thus causing hair loss, apply oil to your hair the night before and the day before playing Holi.
* Remove contact lenses and/or jewellery that you are wearing before going out to play Holi. This will prevent any eye injuries and also reactions between artificial jewellery and colours
After Holi
* First and foremost dust out all dry gulaal and colours from the face, hair and body.
* Apply some coconut oil on your skin before the bath. This is followed by washing off the Holi colours using cold water and a mild shampoo to scrub off colours and wash the hair
* If the hair turns rough, then massage the hair using olive and almond oil every night
* Moisturise your skin immediately after a bath. Do not use a very harsh shampoo or soap. Also do not scrub your skin with a scrubber, as it will scrape the superficial skin and make it dry. Moisturise your skin well after the bath.
* Facials and facial bleach should be applied only a week after the Holi festival.
