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. My Kolkata suggests a TLC routine for a happy skin on Holi.
Pre-Holi skincare regime
Since colours can have lasting effects, it’s best to be proactive Unsplash
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.
The day before Holi
Clean your face with a milk-based cleansing milk, astringent or micellar water
Cleanse well
Start with cleaning your face with a milk-based cleansing milk, astringent or micellar water.
Exfoliation is a must
Exfoliate your face with a store-bought or DIY facial scrub. Then, wash your face with lukewarm water. Be gentle on the skin and don’t rub your T-zone harshly.
Mask up
Now, use a readymade or DIY face mask. First, wash your face with water and then with a gentle face wash.
CTM a must
Cleaning, toning and moisturising a must before Holi Unsplash
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.
Soothe and create skin barrier
Use a sheet mask to hydrate your skin Shutterstock
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.
Don’t forget the nails
Apply a fresh coat of coloured or transparent nail paint to protect them from getting stained Unsplash
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.
On the day of Holi
Apply a thick layer of coconut oil or a heavy moisturiser before playing with colours Unsplash
Layer it up
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.
Sunscreen is a saviour
Use a high SPF sunscreen to protect your skin Unsplash
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
Use good quality products on your skin Shutterstock
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.
Clean-up time
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.
Nourish and remove
Do not keep washing or rubbing your face and body as that will damage the skin barrier Unsplash
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.
A protective shield
Apply sunscreen and aloe vera to soothe and hydrate your skin post Holi Shutterstock
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.
The day after Holi rituals…
Follow the CTM routine post Holi Unsplash
CTM a must
Start your day with cleansing, applying sunscreen, toning and moisturising. Keep your skin hydrated throughout the day and don’t skip the nightly CTM routine.
Mask it up
Apply a DIY mask or use a sheet mask to nourish and soothe the skin.
