The Complete Guide To Pre & Post Holi Skincare

The Holi hues have got us rounding up all the balam pichkaris, jamming to top Holi hits, and stuffing our faces with delicious gujia, barfis, malpua and other sweet treats. But, in the middle of all this enjoyment, we tend to take a back seat when it comes to skincare.  

Found yourself in a sticky situation with the right Holi skincare? Well, don't worry. We've got your back. If you're wondering how in the world can you kickstart your Holi skincare routine, here's a comprehensive guide filled with pre-holi skincare & post-holi skincare tips and tricks to get you playing without any worry. Read on to find out more!  

Pre-Holi Skincare Tips  

Before you head out for the ultimate colour fight, it's important to prep your skin for the same.  

Here are a few Holi precautions for skin to get you started.

1. Hydrate Your Skin  

The first step on your pre-holi skincare journey is to hydrate your skin. Apply a thin layer of a hydrating cream to strengthen your skin's barrier to the chemicals & powders ahead, so that the damage done is relatively less. Let the cream absorb into your skin completely before you head on out. Top it off with a nice, crisp body oil massage. This helps to reduce the absorption & impact of the colour. For best results, you can even do this the day before Holi.  

2. Avoid Exfoliation 

Another pointer to add to your pre-holi skincare is to skip the exfoliation pre & post-playing Holi. But, why? Well, when you exfoliate your skin, your pores tend to open, which allows the Holi colours to penetrate deep within the skin causing more harm than good. So, it's best to keep exfoliation off the table a few days before & after Holi.  

3. Don't Skip The Sunscreen 

Holi is typically played outdoors, making way to apply sunscreen before you head on out. With constant exposure to colour, water, and the sun, your skin is stripped away from its essential oils & moisture, leaving it dry & tanned. To prevent that, apply a good sunscreen to hydrate your skin while protecting it from the harmful UV rays of the sun.  

4. Oil Your Body The Right Way  

Holi, like every other festival, has its own set of myths, and oiling only your hair is one of them. Oiling is not restricted only to your hair. Oiling your skin helps boost your skin's texture while protecting your skin from allergies & acne that may come from the colours. Our DIY recipe? Take 1 tsp coconut oil & 1 tsp almond oil, and massage it all over your skin.  

5. Don't Forget Your Ears & Lips  

The last but not least step on our pre-Holi skincare tips is to not ignore your ears & lips. Holi colours can settle down in your ears & lips, staining them badly. So, to avoid it, don't forget to oil your ears & lips.  

Post-Holi Skincare Tips  

Despite you taking every precaution you possibly can to avoid colour staining, let's say it just happens. But, don't fret about it. All you have to do is implement these post-Holi skincare tips.  

1. Wash Your Face With A Foamy Face Wash 

Once you reach home from all that playing out in the sun, it's time to wash your face with a foaming face wash. It helps to dig deep within your skin to lift out the dirt & debris from the colours, leaving your skin refreshed & revitalized. But, like we always say, find a cleanser that best suits your skin to avoid allergic reactions & damage.  

2. Avoid Hot Showers  

While it sounds nice to jump in a hot shower post-Holi, it's not good for your skin. A hot water bath tends to solidify the colours, which can make it harder to remove them. Plus, it aggravates dry skin, leaving it itchy & irritated. So, the moral of the story? Avoid hot showers, and take cold showers.  

P.S. If you're wondering how to remove Holi colour from your skin, make sure to apply a cold-pressed oil before your shower!  

3. Hydrate Your Skin 

After washing the pigments off your skin, it tends to feel dry, flaky & tight, as its moisture levels are altered. That's why it's important to hydrate your skin. Use a moisturiser that is packed with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid.  

Salon? Call You Later!  

Even though it can be quite tempting to hit the salon for a cleanup or a facial, it can be a bittersweet ending for your skin. So, it's best you plan to go after a few days.  

All in all, having a skin-friendly Holi can seem daunting. But, with the right steps and a tad bit of extra care, it could go a long way for your skin. For best results, make sure to include all the above tips & tricks in your pre & post-Holi skincare routine. We wish you a happy, fun & safe Holi!