The joyous festival of colours, Holi, was celebrated with fervour across the nation, ushering in happiness and merriment. However, amidst the festivities, revellers often find themselves grappling with the aftermath of stubborn colour stains and pesky allergies.
As anticipation mounts for the pre-Holi celebrations, little attention is paid to the essential aspect of post-Holi care. Dr Chandni Jain Gupta, a renowned dermatologist shed light on effective methods to tackle the challenge of removing colour stains from the skin, utilising readily available household ingredients.
Dr Gupta emphasised the importance of promptly washing off water-soluble colours with lukewarm water. She recommended the application of coconut oil to the entire body and hair, given its efficacy in combating colour residue. For nail care, she advocated the use of petroleum jelly to effectively cleanse the nails of any lingering pigments.
“Refrain from vigorous rubbing or employing cold water,” cautioned Dr Gupta, stressing the preference for lukewarm water to maintain skin health.
Furthermore, Dr Gupta shared recipes for homemade masks tailored for post-Holi skincare. She suggested a potent mask comprising a blend of honey, besan (gram flour), and homemade yogurt, to be applied on the skin for 10 to 15 minutes before rinsing off with lukewarm water. Another recommended mask, consisting of glycerin and rose water, serves the dual purpose of moisturizing and cleansing the skin, effectively eliminating colour stains.
In addition, she advocated for a homemade scrub crafted from a mixture of coconut oil and sugar, ideal for exfoliating and removing stubborn colour residues.
For cleansing, Dr Gupta advised the use of Syndete soap bars, which boast a pH level closely aligned with that of the skin, unlike traditional soap bars. She cautioned against the usage of soaps with pH levels divergent from that of the skin, as they may induce adverse effects. Mild soap bars were also recommended for gentle cleansing.
“It is crucial to seek medical attention promptly for individuals with sensitive skin experiencing any discomfort such as itching, burning, or unusual sensations, as these could potentially lead to various forms of dermatitis,” Dr Gupta said.
