Holi is known as the festival of colours. It is a colourful Indian festival, which is celebrated all over India. Various colors and water are thrown on each other, amidst loud music, drums etc to celebrate Holi. Like many other festivals in India, Holi also signifies a victory of good over evil.
Holi colors used to be made from flowers of ‘tesu’ or ‘Palash’ tree and known as gulal. The colors used to be very good for skin as no chemicals were used to make these. But amidst of all definitions of festivals, the definition of colors for sure have changed with
time. Today people have started using harsh colors made from chemicals. Even fast colors are used to play Holi, which are bad and that is why many people avoid celebrating this festival. We should enjoy this age-old festival with the true spirit of festivity.
Dr. Anup Dhir, senior cosmetic surgeon, Apollo Hospital explains why you must take extra care of your skin before you venture out into the pool of colors. “Harsh chemicals present in colors used in Holi can cause itching and rashes which can lead to eczemas upon scratching. Dry skin leaves a lot of scope for these harmful chemicals as the skin layer allows the color to penetrate easily.
Most importantly use the only gulal, which is so vibrant and beautiful and avoid using harsh water paints or colors. While buying gulal make sure it is made using natural products, is skin friendly and made by a reputable company. Red and pink shades are better, as colors like purple, green and yellow have more harmful chemicals in them. These may be a little more expensive, but it is definitely worth the money. At the start of the day, apply a generous amount of good skin cream or oil to the face and body and oil the hair well. Cover the nails of the hands and feet with nail polish. Wear clothes that cover the maximum part of your body. You could cover your hair with a scarf or cap.
If irritation occurs. wash off the colour from that part immediately using warm water and a gentle soap, rubbing softly with your hands. Do not scrub the skin with any harsh substance. On some soft cotton, use a cream cleanser or baby oil to gently remove the leftover color.
If you are not allergic to nuts, you could use almond oil as well. Do not use kerosene, petrol etc. on the skin as these will dry the skin and cause further irritation. If all the color does not come off at the first go, do not try and scrub it off, let it be, it will slowly wear off with repeated washing over days. Wash the hair with warm water and a gentle shampoo. Splash the eyes with clean cool water to wash off any color.
Once clean, moisturise the skin well, with cold cream or any other moisturizer meant for sensitive skin. You could use homemade products as well, like a paste of soyabean flour or besan with milk. A mixture of sea salt, glycerine and few drops of aroma oil have an anti-bacterial and anti-fungal effect and can mitigate the bad effects of chemical colours.
In case of a minor rash, apply soothing calamine lotion. Avoid sunlight in case the skin is seriously affected as it will increase the irritation. If the rash if not settling, looking red and angry, or if associated with any pain, or any serious eye irritation, see a doctor immediately.
