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Beat the side effects of colours with these easy pre and post-Holi skincare tips

As harsh chemicals can leave your skin dry and lacklustre, My Kolkata suggests a TLC guide to keep your glow intact and enjoy a hassle-free Festival of Colours

Pooja Mitra Published 22.03.24, 03:45 PM
Holi calls for a special skincare routine, don’t skip it

Holi calls for a special skincare routine, don’t skip it Shutterstock (Representational images)

The vibrant celebrations of Holi can bring joy but also impact your skin and hair. These colours often leave behind blemishes, cause allergies or acne breakouts on the skin. To be safe rather than sorry, it’s best to take out a few minutes for a pre-Holi and post-Holi skincare routine. My Kolkata suggests a TLC routine for a happy skin on Holi.

Pre-Holi skincare regime

Since colours can have lasting effects, it’s best to be proactive

Since colours can have lasting effects, it’s best to be proactive Unsplash

Prepare your skin the day before Holi with a dedicated skincare routine. Since colours can have lasting effects, it’s best to be proactive. A word of caution for your skin: Opt for organic colours as much as possible.

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The day before Holi

Clean your face with a milk-based cleansing milk, astringent or micellar water

Clean your face with a milk-based cleansing milk, astringent or micellar water

Cleanse well

Start with cleaning your face with a milk-based cleansing milk, astringent or micellar water.

Exfoliation is a must

Exfoliate your face with a store-bought or DIY facial scrub. Then, wash your face with lukewarm water. Be gentle on the skin and don’t rub your T-zone harshly.

Mask up

Now, use a readymade or DIY face mask. First, wash your face with water and then with a gentle face wash.

CTM a must

Cleaning, toning and moisturising a must before Holi

Cleaning, toning and moisturising a must before Holi Unsplash

Don’t forget your CTM (cleansing, toning, moisturising) routine, followed by applying a Vitamin C serum or any other facial serum that you use. Do apply sunscreen during the day for extra protection.

Soothe and create skin barrier

Use a sheet mask to hydrate your skin

Use a sheet mask to hydrate your skin Shutterstock

Before hitting the bed, use a sheet mask to hydrate your skin. Follow this with your usual night-time serums and finish with a moisturiser to repair your skin barrier.

Don’t forget the nails

Apply a fresh coat of coloured or transparent nail paint to protect them from getting stained

Apply a fresh coat of coloured or transparent nail paint to protect them from getting stained Unsplash

Colours tend to stick to long nails and cuticles. So, the best way is to cut the nails short before playing Holi. Apply a fresh coat of coloured or transparent nail paint to protect them from getting stained.

On the day of Holi 

Apply a thick layer of coconut oil or a heavy moisturiser before playing with colours

Apply a thick layer of coconut oil or a heavy moisturiser before playing with colours Unsplash

Layer it up

Cleanse your face with a gentle face wash. Do not exfoliate or use any serums on the Holi day. Instead, apply a thick layer of coconut oil or a moisturiser to protect your skin.

Sunscreen is a saviour

Use a high SPF sunscreen to protect your skin

Use a high SPF sunscreen to protect your skin Unsplash

Apply sunscreen generously. If you want to put on some makeup, avoid doing a full base and stick to a kohl and a tinted lip balm with high SPF.

Post-Holi skincare regime

Use good quality products on your skin

Use good quality products on your skin Shutterstock

Even if you are tired, don’t skip the skincare routine, especially after playing with colours on Holi. While the first step is removal of colours, your skin needs special care for the next few days as well.

Clean-up time

Start by using a cleansing milk to remove the upper layer of colours. Then wash off the remaining colour with lukewarm water. Do not be harsh on your skin to exfoliate.

Nourish and remove

Do not keep washing or rubbing your face and body as that will damage the skin barrier

Do not keep washing or rubbing your face and body as that will damage the skin barrier Unsplash

Use a nourishing face and body wash to gently remove the colours. If you still have residual colours, give it some time to wash off naturally. It might take a few washes. Do not keep washing or rubbing your face and body as that will damage the skin barrier.

A protective shield

Apply sunscreen and aloe vera to soothe and hydrate your skin post Holi

Apply sunscreen and aloe vera to soothe and hydrate your skin post Holi Shutterstock

Skip any serum for the next three to four days. Instead, opt for sunscreen, a nourishing day cream and a barrier repair night cream. If you are not allergic to aloe vera, apply it on the skin to soothe it from the aftermath of the Holi colours.

The day after Holi rituals…

Follow the CTM routine post Holi

Follow the CTM routine post Holi Unsplash

CTM a must

Start your day with cleansing, applying sunscreen, toning and moisturising. Keep your skin hydrated throughout the day and don’t skip the nightly CTM routine.

Mask it up

Apply a DIY mask or use a sheet mask to nourish and soothe the skin.

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