Colour them safely

Bellevision Media Network

13 March 2011: With Holi coming up later this week, here are some tips to avoid skin and hair damage. The joyous and riotous festival of colours, Holi, is round the corner. Everyone wants to dance in clouds of gulal and get soaked in showers of coloured water.

 

However, today, the colours used contain industrial dyes, heavy metals, acids and powdered glass that can cause serious damage to your skin. This can range from extreme skin and hair dryness to allergic reactions like rashes and skin burns. But follow the ‘before and after’ tips and you can enjoy Holi without any fear. Encourage your friends and family to play a safe Holi this year!

 

 
Have fun: But follow safety tips.

 

Do’s

 

Apply coconut oil or cream all over your body and Vaseline on your lips on the morning of Holi. This will prevent harmful toxins from penetrating through the skin. Later this will help you wash off the colours easily.

 

Oil your hair well so that the dyes do not get stuck to your hair and scalp.

 

Apply a thick coating of paint on your finger nails and toe nails.

 

Wear clothes that cover as much of your body as possible like full sleeved shirt or t-shirt, socks and pants that cover your legs fully. Use a hat or cap or scarf to protect your hair from being coloured with hard-to-rinse dyes.

 

The combination of colours and sunlight may cause a “photo toxic” reaction, so sunscreens are a must.

 

Eyes are extremely vulnerable. Wear sunglasses to ensure that your eyes are protected. If any colour gets into your eye, wash with clean water. See a doctor if the irritation persists Do not use contact lens on that day since the colours contain lead, chromium, sulphates and other chemicals that result in excessive dryness of the lenses.

 

If powder is thrown on your face, keep your eyes and lips closed.

 

Choose organic or herbal colours. Make herbal colours at home by using mehendi (henna powder) for bright green, haldi (turmeric powder) for yellow and red sandalwood powder for red.

 

Take a bath only after the entire celebration is over. Avoid washing your face frequently as it will dry your skin.

 

When removing gulal, remove as much as possible with dry hands. Only then wash with water. If you apply water first, it will spread and stick more.

 

While washing off the colour, use lukewarm water and a mild moisturising soap. Apply moisturiser after taking a bath.

 

Don’ts

 

Avoid facials, waxing or threading in the week preceding Holi.

 

Avoid applying colours near eyes, nose, ears or open wounds.

 

Avoid using eggs, mud or dirt to play Holi.

 

Avoid running or jumping on wet floors, so that you don’t slip and injure yourself.

 

Do not buy synthetic colours and loose powdered dyes.

 

Don’t overdo fried foods and sweets. It might cause acne.

 

Do not inhale gulal or coloured powders as they may affect your respiratory tract causing irritation, cough and difficulty in breathing.

 

Do not drive if you are high on alcohol or bhang.

 

Stay away from bhang especially if you are pregnant or nursing.

 

If you want to ensure a joyous and colourful Holi, encourage your friends and family to play a safe Holi this year

 

If you are travelling, keep car windows tightly shut. Better still, avoid travelling.

 

- Dr. S. P. S. Bakshi, The Hindu