The festival of colours and welcome of the spring season- Holi is finally here. There are going to be colours all around, music, partying, gujiyas and chilled glasses of thandaai! And even though there are celebrations all around, but one must not forget that playing Holi can at times spell disaster for your skin and hair. So we spoke to dermatologist Dr Simal Soin about skin and hair care tips which you must follow while playing Holi.
Please tell us what are some of the best ways to protect one’s eyes and hair while playing Holi?
Everyone is excited about their party, clothes and food plans for Holi. However, one must not forget to follow preventive measures to ensure that skin, hair and nails don’t suffer in the process. One of the best ways to protect hair from the damaging effects of colours is to apply a rich moisturizing serum or oil like coconut oil, olive oil, etc, on the scalp a few hours before playing Holi. Wearing a turban or hat or cap or scarf will also protect your hair against damage and constant UV radiation.
What preparations can people do a few days before Holi and on the day to make sure their skin goes unaffected?
Since Holi is an outdoor festival played in the sun, constant exposure will dry out your skin making it dull and lifeless if you’re not hydrated enough much in advance. Keeping yourself hydrated at all times before the festival will keep your skin supple and moisturised, therefore, making it less likely to develop a reaction, if at all.
Also, obsessively moisturise your skin days in advance to alleviate all dryness. There have been a few instances of people fainting due to dehydration, especially when they go out to play on an empty stomach. So, care must be taken about not only your skin and hair but also of your diet. Don’t step out to play without lathering up with a sunscreen that has an SPF30.
What steps should be taken if the eyes get irritated with Holi colours or water?
While you cannot completely prevent colours from going into your eyes, you can follow some steps to avoid further irritation and damage. Wash your eyes immediately if your eyes get irritated with the colours with room-temperature water, as both hot and cold water might further irritate the delicate area. Follow up with lubricating eye drops to counter any dryness or a gritty sensation. Do not rub your eyes as this will only worsen it.
Ingesting colours orally is another huge problem during Holi celebrations. What can be done if one ingests the colours accidentally?
One can ingest colours during Holi either accidentally or by negligence. In either case, make sure to rinse your mouth with normal water and gargle with saltwater. If you have developed any allergic symptoms or suffer from an upset stomach, it is best advised to visit the doctor immediately.
On the other hand, usually, we see food lying in the open at some parties with people playing with colours in the vicinity. It is best to avoid such items that are exposed to Holi colours as the colours contain chemicals that can irritate the gut. Besides that, avoid eating anything with dirty hands, especially hands smeared with colours.
Taking off colours after Holi can be quite problematic. What are the best ways to remove colours after playing Holi?
One of the best ways to get rid of the colours is to massage your skin with some cleansing milk. Wipe it off with a soft wet cloth once done. You can also make your own cleansing milk using milk and vegetable oil like sesame oil or olive oil. For hair, it is best to first wash off the colour with water. After that, use a gentle shampoo and massage before rinsing with water. Apply a moisturizing hair serum after the hair wash.
Permanent dyes and colours are a big problem during Holi celebrations. What can one do to get rid of them and other harmful colours?
These days, it’s very difficult to find naturally-derived holi colours as most of them sold in the market are made of harsh chemicals. One should absolutely avoid buying such colours, especially permanent dyes. There are some vendors who do promote colours made from plant or flowers extracts which are generally not harmful to the skin and hair. Theme-based parties promoting such herbal colours use should be encouraged instead.
When would you say is the right time to visit a dermatologist after playing Holi?
In case you do develop an unsettling rash or burning or itching or swelling, do visit the doctor at the earliest. In the case of colours in your eyes or ingestion of colours, observe after the first-aid for any development of new symptoms or any worsening of existing ones, and if so, visit the doctor.
What special precautions would you suggest for young children while playing Holi?
The preventive measures stay the same for children as is for adults. However, extra care and attention need to be given to children as their skin is more sensitive and prone to damage caused by the colours. They are also more susceptible to the accidental injuries caused. It is best to have children play with colours under the supervision of parents. Use skin and hair products specifically developed for children. Make sure they stay hydrated and wear loose cotton clothing during Holi to avoid any skin irritation.
Any specific brands or products you suggest for taking care of one’s skin and hair during Holi?
Basically, one should stick to a rich and healing moisturiser, broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF30, and soothing cleansing milk for the skin. And for hair, a gentle shampoo, light hair oils and moisture-locking serums should suffice.
