7 Side Effects of Holi Colors on Skin

Delicious food and colors – Holi is a festival that people celebrate with great enthusiasm. Many people love and play Holi because it is a festival of colors. After the festival, many people complain of dry skin, itching and redness. Unfortunately, some people also suffer from allergic reactions due to harmful substances in Holi colors including lead, chromium, cadmium, copper, mercury, nickel and asbestos. These compounds pose significant risks to skin health, leading to various adverse effects. Read on to understand the side effects of Holi colors on your skin.

7 Side Effects of Holi Colors on Skin

1. Sun exposure

During Holi celebrations, people spend a lot of time outdoors exposing their skin to the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. The combination of sunlight and chemicals from Holi colors increases the risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage.

“To protect your skin, it is essential to apply sunscreen at least 20 minutes before going out in the sun. Choose a sunscreen with SPF 20 or higher, especially if you have pigmented patches or dry skin. Additionally, don’t forget to apply a moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated,” advises cosmetologist Ritu Kharian.

Health Shots recommends: Best Sunscreens for Sensitive Skin: 5 Top Picks to Protect Your Skin

2. Allergic reactions

One of the most common side effects of Holi colors is allergic reactions. Many synthetic dyes contain harsh chemicals like lead, mercury and chromium that can trigger allergic reactions in people. If you are developing an allergy, you may also notice redness, itching, swelling, and blisters on the skin. If you already know that your skin is sensitive, avoid using Holi colors.

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3. Dryness

Holi colors often contain drying agents like talc or silica, which strip the skin of its natural oils and moisture, leaving your skin dry, rough, and dehydrated. In fact, it makes your skin prone to cracking, flaking and peeling.

4. Skin irritation

“Chemicals in Holi colors can cause skin irritation and inflammation, especially if you spend a lot of time playing Holi,” says Kharian. Moreover, if the color is not washed off properly, it can lead to dry, red and burning sensation.

Also Read: 8 Homemade Face Masks That Will Help You Repair Your Skin After Holi

5. Rashes and redness

Holi dyes, especially toxic chemicals and irritants, can cause rashes and redness on the skin. Friction on the skin from playing with colors increases the risk of chafing and micro-tears on the skin’s surface, resulting in red, inflamed patches that may be tender to the touch.

6. Chemical burns

Holi colors can also induce chemical burns on the skin. These burns can range from mild to severe depending on the type of dye you use and the duration of exposure to the harmful chemicals. In some cases, burns are so severe that they require medical attention and can leave scars or pigmentation problems.

7. Acne

Pimples may not appear immediately after playing Holi with color but after some time, you may notice pimples on your face. “The heavy oils and dyes in holi colors can clog pores and lead to breakouts,” explains Kharian. Along with acne, you may also notice blackheads or whiteheads, especially in people with oily or acne-prone skin.

How to protect skin from Holi color?

To protect your skin from the side effects of Holi colors, follow these 10 tips:

1. Apply thick moisturizer or coconut oil to your skin before going out to play Holi. It creates a barrier between your skin and the dye.
2. After moisturizer, apply sunscreen or face oil to protect against harmful UV rays.
3. Use body lotion to keep the skin hydrated and less prone to damage.
4. Apply Vaseline to protect the delicate skin around the eyes.
5. Wear full-sleeved clothing and cover as much skin as possible to minimize direct contact with dyes.
6. Choose breathable cotton clothes and avoid synthetic or tight clothes as they can cause rashes and allergic reactions.
7. Don’t forget to drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration.
8. Protect your face with sunglasses and a scarf or bandana to protect your face from color splashes.
9. Use natural or organic dyes made from flowers, as they are less likely to irritate the skin.
10. Avoid using harsh chemical-based dyes, as they can cause allergic reactions and skin irritation.

Tips for Post Holi Skin Care

These tips will help you protect your skin after playing Holi:

• Wash your face with warm water and mild soap to remove Holi colors.
• Avoid vigorous scrubbing as this will further irritate the skin.
• Apply a layer of moisturizer after showering to hydrate and soothe your skin.
• If you feel any irritation, burning or itching, you can apply aloe vera gel.
• Stay hydrated after the festivities to flush out toxins and maintain skin health.

Keep these tips in mind as you plan to play Holi this year! Happy Holi!