Protect your skin this Holi: Jamshedpur Dr. Rajiv Thakur’s expert tips

Dr Rajiv Thakur

The vibrant celebrations of Holi can bring joy but also impact your skin and hair. These colours often leave behind blemishes, cause allergies or acne breakouts on the skin. To be safe rather than sorry, it’s best to take out a few minutes for a pre-Holi and post-Holi skincare routine.

Pre-Holi skincare regime

Prepare your skin the day before Holi with a dedicated skincare routine. Since colours can have lasting effects, it’s best to be proactive. A word of caution for your skin: Opt for organic colours as much as possible.

Cleanse well

Start with cleaning your face with a milk-based cleansing milk, astringent or micellar water.

Now, use a readymade face mask. First, wash your face with water and then with a gentle face wash.

Don’t forget your CTM (cleansing, toning, moisturising) routine, followed by applying a Vitamin C serum or any other facial serum that you use. Do apply sunscreen during the day for extra protection.

Before hitting the bed, use a sheet mask to hydrate your skin. Follow this with your usual night-time serums and finish with a moisturiser to repair your skin barrier.

Colours tend to stick to long nails and cuticles. So, the best way is to cut the nails short before playing Holi. Apply a fresh coat of coloured or transparent nail paint to protect them from getting stained.

Cleanse your face with a gentle face wash. Do not exfoliate or use any serums on the Holi day. Instead, apply a thick layer of coconut oil or a moisturiser to protect your skin.

Apply sunscreen generously. If you want to put on some makeup, avoid doing a full base and stick to a kohl and a tinted lip balm with high SPF.

Post-Holi skincare regime

Even if you are tired, don’t skip the skincare routine, especially after playing with colours on Holi. While the first step is removal of colours, your skin needs special care for the next few days as well.

Start by using a cleansing milk to remove the upper layer of colours. Then wash off the remaining colour with lukewarm water. Do not be harsh on your skin to exfoliate.

Use a nourishing face and body wash to gently remove the colours. If you still have residual colours, give it some time to wash off naturally. It might take a few washes. Do not keep washing or rubbing your face and body as that will damage the skin barrier.

Skip any serum for the next three to four days. Instead, opt for sunscreen, a nourishing day cream and a barrier repair night cream. If you are not allergic to aloe vera, apply it on the skin to soothe it from the aftermath of the Holi colours.

(Dr Rajiv Thakur is a well known skin specialist in Jamshedpur)