Facial Cosmetic Surgeon Shares Skincare Tips for Holi that you should not Miss!

Holi is the festival of colours, happiness, and a joyful time to spend with family. But have you ever wondered that, in the midst of this celebration, we often forget to pamper our skin and hair, ending up spoiling them for days? So Local Samosa asked Dr. Sapnna Vaderra, Facial Plastic & Facial Cosmetic Surgeon and Director at Stellar Aesthetics, Mumbai, to help us all sort out our skin and hair both before and after Holi.

Celebration Minus the Unwanted Aftereffects

By now, we are all aware of how harsh Holi colours can be on our skin and hair. As a cosmetic surgeon, every year after Holi, I have patients with concerns related to skin and hair damage, including allergies. I have even come across people who have stopped celebrating this beautiful festival for fear of skin damage. Well, this Holi, let’s prepare ourselves beforehand. No more running away from colours! Follow these simple steps, and enjoy the colours of Holi with your loved ones without affecting your skin and hair!

Pre-Holi Preparation to look for!

To start with, skipping moisturisers is a big no-no. We often skip moisturiser in our daily routine, thinking it’s no big deal. Well, when it comes to Holi, with all those chemicals on your dry skin, skipping moisturiser is a big mistake, as not hydrating your skin and hair can actually make them absorb more colour post-Holi.

To avoid this, make sure to apply a thick layer of moisturiser if you have dry skin and at least a thin layer if you have oily skin. I wouldn’t recommend coconut oil on a regular day, but before entering the arena full of colours, applying lots of coconut oil to your skin and hair will not only hydrate your skin but also help you easily get rid of those colours.

You can also try using Cerave moisturiser. It contains hyaluronic acid and ceramides to help retain skin moisture and strengthen the skin barrier, protecting it from further damage.

If you rely more on 'desi nuskha', you can also apply ghee to your skin. It helps retain moisture and protect the skin barrier. However, ghee is only recommended if you have dry skin, as it might clog the pores on oily skin.

Make SPF your Buddy

I’m sure we all play Holi outdoors, unless you're planning to try a new colour for your furniture! Being out in the sun makes our skin vulnerable to sun damage. If you ask me, sunscreen in general should be applied 3–4 times a day. However, on the day of Holi, apply a thick layer of sunscreen with SPF 50+ on the exposed areas of your skin at least once. You can go for Foxtale Sunscreen SPF 50+. It contains niacinamide, panthenol, and tocopherol, making it a perfect fit for Indian skin.

Lip Balm on the Go

Your lips are among the most delicate areas of your body and are often neglected. Remember to nourish them with a thick layer of lip balm, which will not only create a protective barrier but also ensure they stay nourished before stepping outside. My go-to balm is Sesderma Lip Balm. Each application creates a perfect blend of hydration and softness.

Post-Holi Saviour Tips

Gentle Cleanser for your Gentle Skin

Getting rid of those harsh colours can be tricky, and you might end up damaging your skin and hair. To avoid this, follow a double cleansing routine. Start by gently cleansing your face with micellar water. After that, use a gentle cleanser like Cetaphil or Cerave for the second round. Use a scrub-free face wash to remove any remaining colour. My go-to face wash for dry skin is Clean & Clear or Cetaphil. If your skin is oily, you can use the Cerave Foaming Cleanser, which contains ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide to maintain your skin’s protective barrier and calm it.

If you’re worried about missing out on your glow, you can also try Glutathione Face Wash by Skin Exclusive. For those sticking to homecare therapy, try a paste of turmeric, besan, and milk. Mix it, apply it to your skin, and leave it on for 10 minutes before rinsing off with lukewarm water. Don’t forget to moisturise your skin after cleaning to avoid extra dryness.

Hydrating Sulfate-Free Softness for your Hair

Rinse your hair with lukewarm water and mild sulfate-free shampoo. Pilgrim sulfate-free shampoo with argan oil could be a good choice. Also, Loreal’s hyaluronic-based shampoo can help replenish that lost moisture. Remember, don’t be harsh while cleansing, go gentle on your hair. If the colour doesn’t come off easily, apply coconut hair oil, keep it for 30–40 minutes, and then gently wash your hair. Try a DIY hair mask using honey, lemon, and yogurt to restore shine and moisture. This year, say yes to eco-friendly natural and organic colors that are focused on protecting your skin and hair.

May the colours of joy and happiness stay forever in your life!