Summer festivities can be tough on your skin - especially those requiring you to be outdoors. While Holi is one of the most fun out of all, it can have some lasting implications on your skin - a day spent under the scorching March sun, playing with colours and bingeing on sweet beverages. Holi colours, organic base or not, can sabotage your skin health. The fine particles can clog your pores, and their dry powders dehydrate the skin. Also, natural or not, the dyes in Holi colours can sensitise your skin, leading to breakouts and redness. Not to mention the heavy-duty cleansing some do to get the colours off their face. We’re here to tell you that none of that is necessary nor do you need to cancel any of your fun plans. So, skip your grandma's pre-Holi tips (we’re looking at you, coconut oil); we’ve got a routine to have you sorted for Holi 2023!
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Pre-Holi skin care routine
“I’m gonna have to shower later anyway” is no way to begin your Holi day. A proper skincare routine before you play is a great idea. This is done to avoid piling dry colours on skin that has been slept in. Also, preparing the skin to take on hours of colour and sun exposure causes damage.
Cleanse + moisturise:
Start with a gentle cleanse to avoid overstimulating your skin before colour play. Opt for a non-foaming, non-drying formula, like the Kama Ayurveda Mridul Soap Free Face Cleanser, to subtly remove dirt and oil buildup from the night before. Avoid exfoliating face washes because actives can keep working on your skin long after you cleanse, which can interfere with the colours. Moisturise with a lightweight and hydrating formula; skip the toner!
Prep with face oil:
The age-old practice of slathering yourself with oil before stepping out for Holi is based on some truth. While coconut or olive oil can be too overwhelming for your skin, prepping it with lightweight or drier facial oils is beneficial. It does so by keeping your skin hydrated, so the colour adheres to it less. Nourishing oils, like Love Earth 24K gold Glass facial oil, also function as occlusives - forming a protective layer on your skin and keeping it safe from dryness.
Apply sun-screen like there’s no tomorrow:
Given that you will spend more of your afternoon outdoors, opt for a higher SPF sunscreen to double up on protection. Re-application will be tricky, so opt for a chemical sunscreen that won’t wash off with water play. A lightweight formula like the Re'equil Oxybenzone & OMC Free Sunscreen SPF 50 can help keep the sun damage at bay. If you’re not playing with colours or water, carry a powder or spray sunscreen for the day!
Post-Holi skin care routine
Post-Holi routine is as crucial as your prep. Avoid overburdening your skin with besan rubs or lemon baths right after Holi, as your skin needs gentle love, care, and cleaning. Even more so for people using physical scrubs and hot water showers to get all the colour off their skin. Here’s what you've got to do:
Take the day off with double cleansing:
You will need something stronger to remove permanent colours, and no, we’re not talking about physical scrubs at all. Oil and wax-based colours require an oil or gel-based skincare product to melt and clean. Opt for a multi-purpose hybrid like the Yves Rocher Pure Algue, The 3 In 1 Makeup Removing Marine Jelly. Follow it with a rejuvenating formula like The Face Shop Jeju Aloe Fresh Soothing Foam Cleanser. Gently massage both kinds on your skin for 60 seconds; try not to rub or tug your skin too much.
Moisturise and restore -
Do not hope to get all the colour out in one go - you will need to let your skin breathe and do its own thing when it comes to getting rid of foreign materials on it. Post-cleansing, go deep with hydration with a lightweight formula like the Clinique Moisture Surge 100H Auto Replenishing Hydrator.
Unless there is significant damage, your skin shouldn’t take more than 24 hours to settle. Once that’s done, restart your regular skincare routine.
