Holi is a festival with a lot of significance to human health. It marks the end of winters and the onset of summers and this change in the season brings transitional discomfort to the human body.
It’s the time with spring in the air and so are springtime mixed feelings with warmer temperature, longer days, blowing winds, harvesting time, blooming flowers, etc. causing concerns like laziness, flu, allergies, etc.
Holi is celebrated to promote good health with each of its rituals carrying major health benefits.
From the nourishing ubtans to Toxic colours – The use of the different natural colors to play Holi has a natural healing effect on the human body. The colors derived from plants, their leaf, flowers/petals, stems, fruit, roots, etc. when rubbed on the skin helps shed the long winters accumulated dead skin making it clean and healthy. However the use of chemicals in holi colors has resulted in fewer playing holi and those fewer too have to face side effects of toxic colors. The playtime with friends and family helps overcome the laziness and the tardiness caused by the season change.
The different colors green, yellow, pink, brown etc. help heal physical and mental illness through the traditionally practiced technique of color therapy.
And the Holika Dahan is performed to mark the victory of good over bad. The fire helps kill the bacteria in the surroundings and burn all that is dry and dirty to give way for a new life in the spring.
The coming together of people – friends and family singing, dancing, and playing the holi help rejuvenate and strengthen the body.
However nowadays the colors to play Holi are no more skin-nourishing ubtans rather they pose a serious threat to the skin and the human body. The synthetic colors comprise toxic substances like lead, chromium, mercury, copper sulfates, etc which can cause serious damage to the skin, hair, eyes, and other vital organs inside the body.
With the industrial revolution, different chemicals have made their way to make different holi colours. The market has flourished with cheap – cost effective herbal, natural, food colours to appeal the consumer against the growing awareness about the side effects of synthetic colours. And often what’s sold in the name of herbal or natural may contain synthetic ingredients in it.
So today we bring to you the true picture of different colours prepared from the different parts of the plant like rose, hibiscus, turmeric, marigold, camphor, mint etc.
The plant-derived colors are never as bright as the so-called natural colors usually found in the market. Hence it is better to use colors made by yourself or a trusted source which could be from a genuine herb or kitchen spice supplier whom you can really trust.
Make Holi color at home
- Use about a ½ kg roses
- Split the flower into petals and shade dry the petals.
- In about 3-4 days the petals will dry completely. If needed, you can run the fan to dry the petals quickly.
- Grind the petals in the mixer grinder.
- Sieve it using a mark-in/cheese piece of cloth
Here you can replace the rose with marigold, neem leaf, bougainvillea, calendula, etc. to get different colors.
Holi is a festival to ease the transition discomfort with its different rituals. Celebrate Holi the traditional way and promote good health.
Holi skincare guide - Holi colors can have different effects on your skin depending on the ingredients in the color and your individual skin type. Some common effects of Holi colors on the skin include:
Irritation: Some Holi colors contain chemicals that can irritate the skin, causing redness, itching, and dryness.
Allergic reactions: Some people may have an allergic reaction to Holi colors, which can cause symptoms such as hives, rashes, and swelling.
Skin dryness: Some Holi colors can strip the skin of its natural oils, causing dryness, flaking, and cracking.
Pigmentation: Some Holi colors, especially those that contain harsh chemicals, can cause pigmentation, leading to dark spots or patches on the skin.
Toxicity: In some cases, Holi colors may contain toxic chemicals that can be harmful if they are absorbed into the skin.
These days holi colors are not simply the fine powder of flowers, leaves or root but are synthetically prepared using chemicals that are cheap like pieces of glass, lead, mercury, cadmium, aluminum, titanium dioxide which harms the skin and its inhalation can lead to respiratory concerns like irritation and much more.
Pre Holi Skin Care Tips
Here are some pre-Holi skin care tips to help you prepare for the festival:
Exfoliate: A gentle exfoliation can remove dead skin cells, leaving your skin smooth and refreshed.
Hydrate: Moisturize your skin regularly to keep it hydrated and protected against the drying effects of Holi colors.
Apply oil on hair, body and face: Apply oil to create a protecting barrier between your skin and the colors. This will help bigtime in reducing the damage caused by synthetic holi colors. In case you are scared of using oil because of the greasiness, we suggest using oils like jojoba, watermelon or cucumber to get the strong moisturizing barrier but no greasy feel and no clogged pores.
Wear protective clothing: Wear clothing that covers as much of your skin as possible, such as long sleeves and pants, to reduce direct contact with the colors.
Avoid sun exposure: Holi is celebrated during the spring, when the sun is strongest. Try to be in the shade as much as possible. Use sunblock to protect your skin from sun damage and to prevent pigmentation.
Avoid alcohol and smoking: Alcohol and smoking can dehydrate your skin and make it more susceptible to damage from Holi colors.
Pre Holi skin care tips For Dry skin
Coconut Oil: Coconut oil is a highly moisturizing oil that can be used as a barrier cream to protect your skin from the drying effects of Holi colors.
Hemp Seed oil: Hemp Seed oil is rich in vitamins and minerals that can help hydrate and nourish dry skin.
Apricot oil: Apricot oil is similar in composition to the natural oils produced by our skin, making it an excellent choice for dry skin.
Olive Oil: Olive oil is a rich, hydrating oil that can help soothe dry, irritated skin.
Avocado Oil: Avocado oil is rich in vitamins A, D, and E, as well as essential fatty acids, which can help nourish and hydrate dry skin.
Pre Holi skin care tips For oily skin
Jojoba Oil: Jojoba oil is similar in composition to the natural oils produced by our skin, making it an excellent choice for oily skin. It helps to regulate the skin's oil production, reducing the appearance of oiliness.
Cucumber seed oil: Cucumber seed oil is light and non-greasy, making it a great choice for oily skin. It helps to balance the skin's oil production, leaving it looking hydrated without feeling greasy.
Neem Oil: Neem oil has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, making it ideal for oily skin. It helps to regulate oil production and reduce the risk of breakouts.
Watermelon seed Oil: Watermelon seed oil is lightweight and non-greasy, making it a great choice for oily skin. It helps to balance the skin's oil production, leaving it looking hydrated without feeling greasy.
Pre Holi skin care tips For sensitive skin
Calendula Oil: Calendula oil is gentle and soothing, making it a great choice for sensitive skin. It has anti-inflammatory properties and can help soothe irritated skin.
Chamomile Oil: Chamomile oil is gentle and calming, making it ideal for sensitive skin. It has anti-inflammatory properties and can help soothe irritated skin.
Jojoba Oil: Jojoba oil is gentle and nourishing, making it a great choice for sensitive skin. It is rich in vitamins and antioxidants, which can help to soothe and protect sensitive skin.
Lavender Oil: Lavender oil is gentle and calming, making it ideal for sensitive skin. It has anti-inflammatory properties and can help soothe irritated skin.
When using essential oils, always dilute them in carrier oils like jojoba, watermelon, almond etc.
Post Holi Skin-Care Tips
Here are some post-Holi skin care tips to help you restore your skin after the festival:
Wash thoroughly: Wash your skin thoroughly with cool water and mild soap to remove any residual Holi colors.
Moisturize: Moisturize your skin to help restore its natural oils and prevent dryness and itching.
Use a gentle cleanser: Use a gentle, non-abrasive cleanser to clean your skin and avoid further irritation.
Avoid hot showers: Hot showers can strip your skin of its natural oils and make dryness and itching worse. Use cool water instead.
Avoid alcohol and smoking: Alcohol and smoking can dehydrate your skin, so it is best to avoid them after Holi.
Drink plenty of water: Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water to help your skin recover from any dryness or irritation caused by the Holi colors.
Consult a dermatologist: If you experience any severe skin reactions or irritation after playing with Holi colors, consult a dermatologist for treatment.
Importance of Holi to human Health
Holi is celebrated to promote good health with each of its rituals carrying major health benefits. It helps overcome season change with ease with its different rituals, driving and strengthening health and relations. Happy Holi.