Holi is a celebration that has been enjoyed by people since centuries ago. This festival is to commemorate the victory of good over evil and to mark the beginning of spring and is celebrated by playing with colours and splashing water.
Even though this festival is known worldwide, and it means a lot of happiness and joy, the colorful powders that are thrown might be harmful not only to the skin, eyes, and hair but also to the lungs and other organs of the body.
The colorful powders used in Holi are called Gulal. These powders were made of natural organic elements at the beginning of this festival, centuries ago, but thanks to industrialization, these products began to be chemically produced several decades ago. Even though some groups have started producing organic colorful powders, many of the ones that are still used are made of chemical compounds.
Types of colours available-
Pastes- Chemicals contained are lead oxide (Black) which causes kidney failure, aluminium bromide(Silver) can cause cancer, copper sulphate (green) causing eye allergies, puffiness of eyes and temporary blindness, Prussian blue (blue) can cause irritant contact dermatitis, mercury sulfite (red) can cause skin cancer. They destroy the well-being of the skin, hair and cause dryness and brittleness of hair and nails.
Dry colours(Gulal)- Composed of a combination of heavy metals like Lead, chromium, cadmium, nickel, copper, mercury, zinc or iron with silica and asbestos and may contain Malachite green. Heavy metals can cause learning disability, affection of vital organs, affects fetal health, cause asthma, allergies, bronchitis, fragile bone, pneumonia, dermatitis causing dry, irritable skin which is highly sensitive to light, eye affection, liver and kidney diseases, nervous system affection and febrile illness. It may contain shiny glass particles which can damage eyes and enter the lungs and cause breathing difficulties.
Water colour– Commonly contains Gentian violet, an indigo blue dye, which is a highly toxic chemical. Exposure to this chemical can cause skin ailments and eye problems.
Oil colours consists of high alkaline base mixed with engine oil/ grease which can cause skin allergies and skin peeling. As they are difficult to remove they can last longer and cause irritation for longer time.
Therefore, looking for a skin care regimen is something people should do before and after celebrating Holi.
HOW DO WE PROTECT OURSELVES AND PLAY A SAFE HOLI
There are some things you can do in order to be more careful during Holi. For instance, you can wear sunglasses, so your eyes do not get affected by the Gulal. You can hydrate your skin before attending Holi, so it can be more resistant to the Gulal. You should apply coconut oil or olive oil or castor oil on skin and hair to prevent direct contact of harmful chemicals with the skin. Avoid too much sun exposure. Do not apply scrubbing or abrasive agents for 2-3 days prior to Holi so that the skin is not damaged when exposed to the colors as penetration of toxic elements will increase if the barrier function of our skin is damaged due to abrasions or dryness. Stay away from areas where accidental injury due to throwing of water balloons may occur. Better play with plain water and natural shades.
HOW TO CLEAN YOURSELF FROM HOLI COLOURS:
Use baby oil, coconut oil, olive oil or moisturizer with cotton to clean the colour on skin. Clean with mild soap. Rinse with plenty of water. Do not scrub.
Wash hair with mild shampoo. You may apply yoghurt and honey plus few drops of lemon prior to cleansing or apply a mask containing lemon juice, curd, sandalwood mixture, turmeric and white flour prior to washing. Rinse with clear tap water
Apply conditioner or oil immediately after wash on moist scalp.
Rinse eyes with plain water. Also rinse the nostrils, ears and all folds including the belly button with plain water to remove traces of colour.
THINGS YOU CAN DO WHILE BUYING HOLI COLOURS:
- Smell the colours before buying if they smell of engine oil or added chemicals with distinct smell
- Prepare natural colours at home using organic products like vegetable extracts, fruit extracts, etc.,
- Read the back of the colour packets for allergic reactions and
- Buy eco-friendly products only
- Look for shiny particles in dry colours as they contain glass particles
WHEN TO SEEK A DERMATOLOGIST?
When excessive irritation, dryness, redness, skin rashes, abrasions, wounds, etc., occur seek the advice of a dermatologist in Mumbai. Consult an ophthalmologist if you suffer from eye irritation. If you find difficulty in breathing see a general physician.
At SkinNSculpt you can seek for basic and detailed advice of skin and hair treatments that will help you to restore the resistance and well-being your skin and hair.
SkinNSculpt wishes you a happy and safe Holi!!