7 Simple Steps to Protect Your Skin from Colours

Holi is a festival of colours, joy, and fresh vibes, marking the start of the summer season in India. From food to music to playful excitement, there is a lot to expect. However, among the fun and excitement, our skin often takes a toll. In between the powder and watered colours are harsh chemicals usually found in the synthetic colours. And no, they are not skin-friendly but can strip away the natural oils, leading to even more dryness, irritation, and even allergic reactions in the worst cases. 

But is it something to be afraid of? With the following simple pre-Holi skincare routine, you can ensure your face appears naturally radiant and glowy even if you get engaged throughout the celebrations and get involved with vibrant colours. Through this guide, we will take you through a 7-step procedure in which you can prepare your skin to embrace the Holi colours without taking too much stress. But before that, let’s take a look at its importance. 

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Why Pre-Holi Skincare Is Important? 

Why is it important to prepare your skin the right way just before playing with the colours? If you still have doubts, do not worry; we are here to break them.

How chemical colours affect the skin barrier-

• Artificial colours: They usually contain heavy metals like lead oxide, dust, etc., which cause dryness, itching, and allergies.
• Affects Skin Barrier-The colour pigments strip the natural skin oil, resulting in more redness, breakouts, and sensitivity.

UV exposure and dehydration: Attending an open party and playing outdoors for a long time causes disruption of the moisture balance, leading to a weakened barrier, flakiness, etc. Also, exposed skin results in tanning, sunburn, and pigmentation.

Prevention is better than post-care: Taking crucial steps for your skin always turns out effective. Preapplied skincare essentials prevent pigmentation. Makes it easy to say goodbye to stains and aids in maintaining the right moisturization level.

Step-By-Step Skincare Routine: 7 Tips for Pre-Holi Ritual 

1. Start with Cleansing

Deep cleansing is required, especially during Holi, though it’s an essential year-round skincare tip. A facial cleanser will effectively remove dirt, toxins, and residual colours while maintaining the natural moisture barrier. This step is crucial, as colours mixed with sweat and pollution can irritate your skin and clog pores. Hence, opt for a non-drying, non-foaming formula to subtly remove dirt and oil buildup before night, essentially prepping your skin.

2. Time for Gentle Exfoliation

A day or two before, start with gentle exfoliation. It aids in removing dead skin cells and prevents the pores from clogging. Using the best scrub for your skincare lets you prepare a clean canvas that absorbs moisture better and gets rid of dirt, impurities, etc. However, do not do the scrubbing on the day of Holi, as it can affect your skin’s natural barrier. 

3. Using a Lightweight Moisturiser is the Key

 Dry skin always attracts more struggles, especially when you are surrounded by colours. But there is a solution too: at the third step, use a rich moisturizer that creates a protective barrier for your skin to prevent irritation and dryness. Prepping your skin with a lightweight moisturizer that contains ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, ceramides, etc., works for hydration and protecting the skin barrier from damage. 

4. Never Skip Sunscreen

Planning to attend a Holi party outside? Better not skip the sunscreen! Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen at the fourth step with SPF 50. As Holi colours can increase the risk of sunburn and pigmentation, using a water-resistant sunscreen is all you need to do for the pre-Holi skincare routine. Apply at least 20 minutes before heading out, and make sure to cover all exposed areas such as the face, arms, neck, and legs. For better results, you can also reapply it every 2-3 hours in case you are using too much water and sweating. 

5. Massage Oil 

Applying oil before playing Holi is not limited to the traditional method to prep your skin from colours. Instead, for the little hydration, using facial oil before Holi is highly recommended! Creating a protective layer, the oils, such as coconut, almond, or jojoba, limit the colour penetration into the skin. All you need to do is apply a few drops of oil over your face and body, mostly for people with dry skin, who should go for it.

6. Lip Care

We often forget to take care of the skin on our lips, which requires more attention as it is delicate. During Holi, using synthetic colours can irritate and damage your skin, and not taking care can lead to dryness, cracking, and pigmentation. For the ultimate protection at the sixth step, apply a layer of nourishing lip balm to your lips to build a protective barrier. 

7. Nail Care

 Nails are often forgotten, but they lose their spark, appear in different colours, and ultimately affect your nail health. At this last step of the pre-Holi skincare ritual, apply a base coat of clear nail polish to nails; you can also go with oil around them to keep them protected from colours. For a better outcome, make sure you trim your nails promptly before going out to play Holi.

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What Additional Tips Can You Follow? 

Along with following a pre-Holi skincare routine, there are some additional tips that you can follor the ultimate protection, such as: 

• Avoid scrubbing too much on your face because it can irritate your skin.
• If your skin is sensitive, always do a patch test before applying any skincare product.
• Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated from the inside, as maintaining hydration levels from the outside is not enough.
• Opt for chemical-free colours. Use natural, herbal colours instead of synthetic colours that may affect your skin health.
• Protect your eyes with goggles and your hair with a scarf and cap: This Holi, play safe, and go with a scarf and goggles to protect them from exposure and prevent colour splashes. 

Final Thoughts

Holi brings a positive festive vibe- it’s one of India’s biggest festivals, and many people wait a year to celebrate with family and friends. But, on the other hand, Holi colours can damage your skin. Ultimately, following the pre-Holi skincare steps we explained above is crucial. As prevention is key, taking timely action is required. Prep your skin the right way and follow additional tips to confidently celebrate Holi 2026.

Also Read 

Post-Holi Skincare Guide: Protect Your Face From the After-Effects of Harsh Chemicals

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