Holi is the festival of colors. Though Holi brings unlimited joy it also brings some skin and hair related problems. It is very important to protect yourself from colors that get used around this time. Harsh chemicals in the colors can cause itching and rashes, which lead to eczema upon scratching. Contact dermatitis, abrasion, irritation, itching, dryness, pruritus and burning sensation are the other problems.
Have a Lovely Holi!
Presenting some tips & precautions which may help you and your family.
- Avoid using chemical colors and try to use only natural colors which are not only helpful to you but also to the environment.
- Wear clothes which cover most of your body, and reduce your exposure.
- The best way to protect your skin is to apply a thick layer of oil or petroleum jelly on the exposed parts of the body an hour before you start. The grease and slipperiness of the oil will not let the harsh colors settle deep into your skin.
- Keep yourself hydrated! Dehydration causes your skin to dry and combined with harsh chemicals, the color might seep into your skin. So keep drinking water, juices and any other fluids.
- Do not wear contact-lenses. Wear protective glasses while playing with colors. Even a pair of sunglasses is a good idea. In case of any irritation in the eyes, wash them with cold water.
- It is easy to forget about the sun and the damage it can cause to your skin. Tanning, pigmentation, sun allergy and more can occur when out in the sun. Make sure that you apply a sunscreen lotion as it will protect you from getting a severe tan.
- Apply plenty of lip balm before joining the play of colors. Protect your nails by applying nail polish as this will give you a protective coat.
- Oil your hair well, so that color doesn’t stick on your hair and can be washed off easily later. Make use of hats or caps to protect your hair from being colored with hard-to-rinse dyes.
- Avoid over intake of bhang, drinks or food. Do not drive if you are high on alcohol or bhang!
Here are a few tips to follow post-celebration.
- Washing and scrubbing to remove colors aggravate the problem. Use a cream-based cleanser or baby oil – these are better options than detergent soaps.
- Add one teaspoon of besan to two tablespoons of milk and make a paste. Add a few drops of lavender essential oil. Apply this paste on your skin thoroughly and then have a bath.
- Do not use kerosene, spirit or petrol to remove the color. Make sure you use cold water for washing as hot water makes the color stick to the skin.