Want to enjoy Holi without skin trouble? Experts recommend using sunscreen, and proper care for safety

Excited for Holi? But have you prepped your skin? Well, this is one question that looms in everyone's mind when we talk about the festival of colours.

As Holi nears, the vibrant and festive vibes already surround the environment; after all, the festival is all about being with your family and friends, enjoying the spring season, eating delicious dishes, and more. But playing with colours can prove to be harsh on your skin.

But those vibrant hues? They're not always skin and hair's best friends. ¡°Synthetic dyes, relentless sun, and endless splashing can leave you with rashes, dryness, or a mane that's more nightmare than dream. Colours can make your skin look dry and cause itchiness, but that can be avoided by prepping your skin, and this also includes the sunscreen too,¡± says Dr. Soma Sarkar, MBBS, MD, dermatology, and co-founder of Skin Beyond Borders (SkinBB).

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Remember, sunscreen is quintessential and can be your best buddy during Holi. "Skipping sunscreen is a strict no-no as doing so can raise the chances of sunburn, tanning, redness, and even long-term skin damage. Harsh colors combined with sun exposure can cause irritation, dryness, and dullness of the skin. Ideally, to protect your skin, choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 and above to protect against harmful UVA and UVB rays," says Dr Jisha Pillai, Dermatologist, Lilavati Hospital Mumbai.

"Opting for a waterproof and sweat-resistant sunscreen will be more beneficial for the skin. Try checking the label for ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide for better protection from the harsh rays of the sun," she adds

Importance of sunscreen on Holi

Just like applying a good moisturiser suggested by the doctor and oiling the body, even sunscreen is crucial during Holi. However, people tend to include sunscreen in their daily skin regimen and fail to understand its importance. Dr. Shareefa Chause, dermatologist at Dr. Shareefa Skin Care Clinic, Mumbai, warns, ¡°It is not a good idea to skip sunscreen during Holi. You will be surprised to know that wearing sunscreen can help protect the skin from harmful UV rays and even the harsh chemicals present in colours.¡±

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Playing outdoors for long hours exposes the skin to the sun, which can make one prone to tanning, sunburn, and premature ageing. ¡°Applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or 50 will help to form a protective layer, reducing damage and keeping the skin hydrated and healthy. It is best to apply sunscreen 30 minutes before going out, carry it with you, and reapply it if you stay outside for a long time,¡± recommends Dr. Chause.

If you are planning to step out this Holi, here are tips to use sunscreen

Have a plan in mind: Have a plan in place for skin and health before playing Holi. Sunscreen is one of the essentials and shouldn¡¯t be overlooked.

Choose waterproof sunscreen: Try to go for a waterproof sunscreen that is recommended by an expert.

Seek expert advice: Don¡¯t use any product without an expert¡¯s knowledge. So, see to it that you make sunscreen part of your pre-Holi skin care and otherwise too on a day-to-day basis.

Take utmost care: Take utmost care of yourself while enjoying Holi. The skin needs tender love and care, and give it accordingly

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