Holi is one of the most popular Indian festivals. Holi is the festival of colors, lots of sweets, music, and dance. Holi comes in March when the season changes from mild winter to summer.
Holi comes with a spirit of happiness and joy. We can see kids and adults having fun and playing with bright colors. But sometimes playing Holi can cause some health issues, especially in the vulnerable. The chemical-rich colors used to play Holi can cause side effects such as skin problems, eye allergies, and hair issues.
Tips for safe and healthy Holi
Holi is a festival of fun and vibrant colors, but the chemical-rich colors can cause some adverse effects on us. Even if we are using organic colors, they can still cause some impact on our eyes and skin. With some simple tips, you can protect yourself from the harmful effect of holi colors, dust, and dirt:
- During Holi bonfire night, maintain a safe distance from the fire so that no mishap happens.
- Instead of chemical-laden colors, opt for homemade organic ones such as flower petals, turmeric, and other skin-friendly natural colors.
- If you cannot organize homemade organic colors, use corn-starch blended colors with FDA-approved dyes.
Tips for skincare before Holi
Before heading out to play Holi, follow these simple tips to protect your skin from harmful colors:
- You should use a good amount of high SPF-containing sunscreen. While playing Holi outdoor, exposure to the UV rays from the sun can damage your skin. High SPF sunscreen protects can your skin from these sunburns.
- You can apply olive, coconut, almond, or mustard oil on your skin before heading out to play Holi. The oil will create a protective layer on your skin.
- Try to wear a full-sleeved kurta or t-shirt and a full-length lower garment to protect your skin from the negative impact of chemical-laden colors. These clothes provide additive protection to our skin.
- Apply thick moistures like petroleum jelly on your exposed sensitive body parts (around eyes, lips, and corner of the mouth, ears, and nail bed)
Haircare tips during Holi
Scalp and hair are sensitive. The holi colors can damage them and turn them into easily breakable hair with a lustreless appearance. Before heading out for playing Holi, protect your scalp and hair with some simple methods:
- You should apply hair oil thoroughly on your scalp and hair lengths before going out. It will create a protective layer for your scalp and hair.
- If you can not oil your hair due to some scalp or skin conditions, you may use a leave-in-conditioner. This conditioner will help provide extra nutrition to your hair. It also makes it easier for us to remove color.
- You should cover your hair with a scarf or a cap and braid your hair in such a way so that minimal damage happens.
Eye care tips
Eyes are important. Protection of eyes during holi is a must.
A little bit of color in the eyes can cause eye redness, irritation, allergies, abrasions, or mild to severe eye damage. With some simple tips, you can protect them:
- You should always wear glasses while playing holi. They will not only protect your eyes but can also create a fashion statement for you at the party.
- Hat, cap, and scarf can also play a role in protecting eyes.
- If you wear eye lenses, avoid wearing them while playing holi. Contact lenses can absorb chemicals that can cause many eye problems.
- The chemical-rich colors can settle at the eye corners and harm them due to prolonged exposure. To avoid this, apply a sufficient amount of oil or moisturizer to eye corners.
No matter how many measures you take, holi colors will cause some damage to your skin. Pamper yourself with a face pack, bodypack, and oil massage to soothe your skin. If you encounter any skin allergies or eye problems, consult a specialist. With these simple tips, you can lessen the harmful after-effects. Have a lot of fun during this holi.
Dr. Gaurav Jain | Consultant – Internal Medicine | Dharamshila Narayana Superspeciality Hospital, Delhi