Since Holi is played outdoors, exposure to the sun can have a detrimental effect on the skin. Apart from harmful UV radiation, sun-exposure makes the skin dry by causing depletion of moisture and also tans the skin. The skin can become dry and dull after playing Holi.
What, therefore, are the preventives?
Apply sunscreen 20 minutes before going out in the sun. Use a sunscreen of SPF 20 and above. If your skin is prone to pigmented patches, select a higher SPF. Most sunscreens have built-in moisturizers. If your skin is very dry, first apply the sunscreen, wait for a few minutes and then apply a moisturizer. Apply moisturizing lotion or cream on the arms and exposed areas.
For the hair, apply leave-in conditioner or hair serum.
This protects the hair from the effects of sun exposure and dryness caused by colors. Hair cream containing sunscreen is also available. Take a little amount, spread on both palms and massage light on the scalp, or smooth palms over the hair. Or, apply pure coconut oil and massage it lightly into the hair. This also provides protection against colors.
To make your own cleanser, take half a cup of cold milk and add one teaspoon of any vegetable oil, like "sesame(til)," olive or sunflower oil. Mix well. Dip cotton wool into this mixture and use it to cleanse the skin. Sesame seed oil can be used to remove colors from the body, massaging it on the skin. This not only help remove the colors, but provides additional care to the skin. Sesame seed oil actually helps to counteract sun-tan.
Immediately after your bath, apply a moisturizer on the face and body, while the skin is still moist. This helps lock the moisture.
If there is itching, add two tablespoons vinegar to a mug of water to rinse the affected area. This helps reduce itching. However, if the itching continues, rash and redness develops, there may be an allergic reaction to the color. Consult a doctor immediately.
While washing the hair, first rinse with plenty of plain water to wash away the dry colors and tiny particles of mica. Then apply a mild herbal shampoo, working it into the hair with the fingers. Massage the scalp gently and rinse thoroughly with water again.