The Ultimate Holi Skincare Routine: Best Products To Use Pre And Post Holi

Proper skincare before and after being drenched in a riot of harsh colours, especially under the sun, can work as a protective shield for your skin, preventing dryness and irritation. So, if a Holi party is on the horizon, be sure to slather on a thick, moisturising layer to guard against both dry and wet colours. And don’t forget, making SPF your BFF is a must, especially during Holi!

Before you step out to play, there’s a lot of skin prep you need to do as soon as you wake up. So, plan ahead!

A sheet mask works like ice on your skin after you wake up. It helps your skin wake up, hydrate and tighten up before you move on to the next step. Innisfree's Hyaluronic Acid Active Mask is a great option, especially for dull & dry skin, because it provides long-lasting moisture while being mild on the skin.

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A must if you’re in your late twenties, an anti-ageing serum needs to be part of your day-to-day routine. But for pre-Holi skincare, it’s an additional protective layer from the damage that the colours can cause.

RAS Luxury has an Infinity Anti-Ageing Face Elixir, which packs a punch in one bottle; it's got 20+ pure botanicals and 10+ vitamins. Just take two to four drops of the elixir and gently dab them on your face, massaging in upward and outward directions.

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If you have a solid skincare routine, you know a moisturiser after a face serum is a must. So slather some on. Bioderma's ultra-soothing balm is a great option. It has a non-oily texture that quickly absorbs and strengthens the skin barrier. On top of that, it's fragrance-free, hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic.

Pro-Tip: 8 Moisturisers For Combination Skin 

The most essential step, whether it’s Holi or otherwise—sunscreen is a must! And on the day of Holi, it will protect your skin from tanning when and after playing in the sun. Apply it on your face and exposed body parts. This moisturising sunscreen from Neutrogena has all the qualities of a good sunscreen: SPF 50+, PA+++ coverage, no white cast and is made with Helioplex XP Technology for superior sun protection.

Pro-Tip: 7 Sunscreens That Won’t Leave A White Cast

We seriously underestimate petroleum jelly. But it’s going to save your face, eyes and nails during the festival of colours. Petroleum jelly will prevent the colour from sticking to your skin for too long, and keep it moisturised too. Apply Vaseline, especially to the corner of your ears, under-eye area, along your hairline and inside your nails. Don’t forget to apply some on your lips too! 

Pro-Tip: Best Lip Balms For A Seasoned Lip Care Routine

Yes, hair care is just as important. Hair tends to get the most damaged during the Holi season, mostly because the colour settles in by the time we wash it. To prevent that from happening, make sure you oil your hair properly with an oil of your choice. Coconut oil never disappoints, so it's an easy pick for us.

Pro-Tip: 10 Best Hair Oils To Get Absolute Nourishment

Getting rid of colours can be a daunting task. But follow these steps and you can definitely heal your skin.

Apply an ample amount of body oil from head to toe and let it soak in. This is definitely going to help soothe your skin and remove the stubborn colours. This Khadi Natural Olive Hair and Body Oil feels like a non-sticky moisturiser that hydrates and improves your skin, and the best bit is that it feels weightless, leaving the skin remarkably soft and plump. Plus, it is made to suit all skin types!

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Playing in the harsh sun could cause sunburn, or the colours may have caused some irritation to your skin. Aloe vera can do the job of soothing or calming your skin and also help heal it. Get a Pure & Natural Aloe Vera Gel from Wishcare. We love that it comes in an easy bottle, with a nozzle that provides only as much gel as you need. It is also 100% natural, paraben-free and has been dermatologically tested.

Pro-Tip: 12 Aloe Vera Skincare Products To Soothe Your Skin

After 30 mins of your shower, follow up with gentle exfoliation or scrubbing. Be gentle, as your skin may have burnt or tanned after your Holi party. A good body scrub can do wonders by exfoliating better. This Wishful Yo Glow Enzyme Scrub can do a great job at exfoliation. It has cellulose that removes dead skin cells and AHAs & BHAs to de-clog pores. 

Pro-Tip: 7 Exfoliating Scrubs That Will Transform Your Skin

After spending the day in the sun, your face needs a cooling face mask that can bring back some hydration. This pore-refining clay mask deeply exfoliates and detoxes your skin. The creamy formula doesn't strip your skin and at the same time, helps remove dirt, pollutants and excess oil. Plus, it soothes redness and irritation, caused by getting your face rubbed with harsh Holi colours.

Pro-Tip: 9 Best Clay Masks To Unclog Pores

As the last step, moisturise all the way! Use a generous amount of a cooling moisturiser and keep your skin protected. We recommend this Aveeno moisturiser for sensitive skin, as it is formulated with oat oil and natural shea butter. It has been clinically shown to relieve and soothe dry skin for a full 24 hours, making it a must-add for your post-Holi skincare routine.

Pro-Tip: 8 Best Moisturisers That Hydrate And Treat Pigmentation 

Don’t forget to drink ample water for your skin and book yourself a manicure-pedicure appointment for some much-need post-Holi nail care.

If you’re not up for a full-fledged skincare routine and prefer a simpler, more accessible way to tackle the pre- and post-Holi madness, here are some readily available natural remedies to try:

- Ice Cubes: To prevent harmful colours from seeping into your skin and causing breakouts, rub an ice cube on your face before playing Holi and before applying oil. Since ice can dry out your skin, skip this step if your skin already feels parched after the celebrations.

- Cucumber: With its cooling and soothing properties, cucumber helps calm skin irritation and redness. Simply place chilled cucumber slices on affected areas or blend them into a face pack.

- Honey: Known for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory benefits, honey promotes faster healing and deep moisturisation. Apply it directly to affected areas or mix it with yoghurt or oatmeal for a hydrating face mask.

- Rose Water: A natural astringent, rose water effectively soothes irritated skin. Soak a cotton pad in rose water and gently dab it on affected areas for instant relief.

- Green Tea: Packed with antioxidants, green tea helps revitalise stressed skin. Brew some green tea, let it cool, soak a cotton pad, and apply it to your skin for a refreshing boost.

Q. Which oil is best before Holi?

A. Coconut oil is the most recommended option before playing Holi. A generous layer creates a protective barrier on your skin and hair, preventing colours from seeping in.

Q. How to wash your face after Holi?

A. Always use a mild soap or face wash, as harsh, chemical-laden cleansers can further irritate your skin. The best approach is to start with oil cleansing to break down the colours gently, then wash with lukewarm water.

Q. How to clean your hair after Holi?

A. Deep cleansing is key to removing stubborn Holi colours from your hair. Use a clarifying shampoo to wash away residues and follow up with deep conditioning for hydration. If you've played with dry colours, gently dust them off before heading for a shower to prevent them from spreading further.