Expert-Approved Guide To Pre And Post-Holi Skincare

You’ve got your Holi gifting sorted and even planned out the sweet treats you’re going to whip up for your loved ones. But in the rush to celebrate the festival of colours, don’t forget the most important step: Prepping your skin!

Holi means synthetic colours, inevitable water fights and prolonged sun exposure. While incredibly fun, it could also wreak havoc on your skin if you’re not careful. But fret not; with a few simple steps, you can prepare your skin to take whatever you throw its way this Holi.

Pre and Post-Holi Skincare Guide

We got skin expert Shahnaz Husain, CMD of Shahnaz Husain Group, to reveal some of her best tips to avoid skin damage before and after Holi. Take a look…

Pre-Holi Skincare steps to follow

You can stay one step ahead of skin damage this Holi if you remember to prep your skin properly before going out to play with all the colours and water. A few extra steps in your skincare routine can ensure your skin remains unaffected by everything that happens during the Holi party.

Moisture Barrier

Apply your go-to moisturiser liberally on your skin before leaving your house so that it can act as a barrier and hinder harmful chemicals from seeping into your skin. Shehnaz Husain also advises using something natural like aloe vera. “Before heading out to play Holi, apply freshly cut aloe vera directly to your skin. It will create a protective barrier that helps prevent color stains and irritation,” she says, adding, “It will leave the skin feeling soft and hydrated.”

Oil Massage

If you want to add another layer of protection to your skin (especially if you have dry skin), you should add a natural oil to your skincare routine before celebrating Holi. “Mix equal parts of coconut oil and sesame oil, and gently massage it into your skin before playing Holi,” advises the expert. “It will create a shield to lock in moisture and protect the skin from drying out due to the chemicals in synthetic colours.”

Sunscreen

A non-negotiable part of any skincare routine, sun protection cannot be missed in your pre-Holi skincare routine. “As Holi involves spending long hours outdoors, can leave your skin vulnerable to sun damage.”

Post-holi Skincare steps to follow

Now that you’ve played with all the colours and spent the whole day outdoors in the sun, it’s time to restore your skin back to its natural, glowy and supple state. Here are the steps to follow…

Gentle Cleanser

Cleansing your skin is a no-brainer to get all the colours out thoroughly. However, you should avoid scrubbing your skin roughly to clean it. Shahnaz recommends using a DIY natural cleanser this Holi. “Cleanse your face with a mixture of rose water and sandalwood powder,” she says, “Sandalwood helps calm irritated skin, while rose water helps maintain the skin’s pH balance and refreshes the complexion. This will leave your skin feeling rejuvenated and soothed.”

Face Pack

Treat your skin to a calming face pack after you’re done cleansing all the colours off it. Shahnaz’s go-to? A yogurt and honey mask. “Yogurt gently exfoliates the skin while honey, being a natural humectant, restores moisture. This pack will help to calm any redness or irritation caused by exposure to colors and leave your skin soft and refreshed.”

Rehydrate

To ensure your skin feels healthy and hydrated, Shahnaz suggests using a natural toner for the job. “Blend a cucumber and mint leaves to make a refreshing toner,” she says. “ It will provide an instant boost of freshness and hydration.”

Don’t forget your extremeties

Shahnaz advises taking extra care of your hands and feet after Holi. “Both hands and feet are often exposed most to the color during Holi,” she says. “To cleanse and relax, soak your hands and feet in warm water with a few drops of tea tree oil.”  According to her, tea tree oil’s natural antifungal and antibacterial properties will cleanse the skin and prevent infections caused by the colours.