NEW DELHI: Holi is a festival of happiness, colours and togetherness. Dr. Akriti Gupta, Founder and Chief Dermatologist at Jivisha Clinic in Gujranwala Town and Yamuna Vihar, New Delhi, says, “Every year, however, a few days after Holi my clinic starts seeing a predictable rush — patients with itching, redness, rashes, sudden acne breakouts, eye irritation and even chemical burns. The problem is not the celebration; it is the way our skin is exposed to harsh colours, sun and repeated washing. With a little preparation and the right after-care, you can enjoy Holi without damaging your skin.”
Here is my simple dermatologists checklist that I advise all my patients to follow:
1. PREPARE YOUR SKIN BEFORE STEPPING OUT The biggest mistake people make is playing Holi on completely dry skin. Dry skin absorbs colour faster and deeper. At least 20-30 minutes before going out, apply a generous layer of a thick moisturiser or coconut/almond oil on your face, neck, arms and legs. Don’t forget areas like behind the ears, around the nails and the back of the neck — these are where colours settle the most. This oil layer works as a protective barrier so colours stay on the surface instead of entering the pores.
2. SUNSCREEN IS NON-NEGOTIABLE Holi is played outdoors, usually between late morning and afternoon when UV exposure is strongest. When colours mix with sweat and sunlight, they irritate the skin more. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or above) before oiling. Many people skip sunscreen thinking colours will cover the skin anyway, but in reality the sun damage continues underneath.
3. PROTECT LIPS, NAILS AND HAIRLINE Your lips and cuticles are very sensitive. Use a thick lip balm or petrolatum jelly. Apply clear nail paint on nails to prevent staining and keep cuticles moisturised. Along the hairline and eyebrows, apply oil or a heavy moisturiser. These areas trap colour and often lead to itching and dandruff-like flakes afterwards.
4. AVOID HARSH COLOURS AND REPETITIVE SCRUBBING Whenever possible, prefer herbal or organic colours. Dark purple, black and metallic shades often contain industrial dyes and small particles like mica or glass powder, which can cause micro-injuries. Also remember — the damage after Holi is often caused not by the colours but by aggressive removal. Many people scrub their skin multiple times with soap, loofahs and brushes. I always tell my patients, Dr. Akriti Gupta notes “Colour will fade in a few days, but over-scrubbing can damage your skin barrier in minutes.”
5. HOW TO WASH COLOURS SAFELY Do not try to remove colours immediately with hot water. First rinse gently with plain water. After that, use a mild cleanser or baby shampoo for the face and body.
AVOID:
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Detergent soaps
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Scrubs
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Bleach
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Lemon directly on the face These cause irritation, pigmentation and sometimes chemical burns.
6. POST-HOLI SKIN RECOVERY After bathing, your skin needs repair. Apply a soothing moisturiser containing aloe vera, ceramides or glycerin. If you feel burning or redness, use a cold compress and avoid makeup for at least 24 hours.
If you notice persistent itching, swelling, pus-filled pimples, severe tanning or eye irritation, do not rely on home remedies. That is the time to consult a dermatologist, because early treatment prevents long-term pigmentation and scarring.
Holi should leave you with memories, not skin problems. Enjoy the festival, stay hydrated, protect your skin and be gentle with it afterwards. Healthy skin is not about avoiding celebrations — it is about celebrating wisely!” concluded Dr. Akriti Gupta.
Wishing everyone a safe, colourful and skin-friendly Holi! Inputs by Dr. Akriti Gupta, Founder and Chief Dermatologist, Jivisha Clinic, Gujranwala Town and Yamuna Vihar, New Delhi.
