With Holi coming up tomorrow, all you're probably thinking of is vibrant colours and drenching your friends in the spirit of celebration. And why not? It's one of the most enjoyable Indian festivals -- provided you take care of yourself, especially when it comes to your skin.

If you choose to ignore small measures taken to prevent untoward incidents, it's quite likely your colourful fun could turn into a disaster -- remember, rashes, itching and skin irritation are quite common after celebrating with coloured powders and water. Some people go so far as to use eggs and even mud on each other, so make sure to take some precautions for an enjoyable and fun-filled Holi this year.

Spread the awareness

Talk to your friends beforehand about the harmful effects of Holi and encourage them to use natural colours. Everyone is far more likely to listen before the celebrations kick off and they begin the revelry. The synthetic colours contain toxic and poisonous chemicals and can also contain acids, alkalis, powdered glass, asbestos and chalk paste, all of which have a negative and longterm impact on your skin.

Get together the day before Holi and create your own natural colours -- it's double the fun. Use flower petals, henna or haldi to create your own powders or just buy the organic ones available in the market.

Before you step out

Remember, prevention is better than cure. A few precautions taken before you step out to enjoy the colours of Holi will go a long way in protecting your skin from any kind of rashes, irritation, itching or dryness. Skincare consultant Mukta Mokashi was kind enough to provide a few tips for us to follow tomorrow:

• Wear thick clothes which cover up as much of your body as possible -- that way, if you're subjected to anything which has the potential to irritate your skin, it may not penetrate and sensitive skin areas will be protected.
  
• Apply a thick layer of sun screen or baby oil before stepping out -- it will form a protective coating on the skin, which makes it difficult for colours and water to penetrate. Also, your colours will wash out easier after you're done.
  
• Use reds or pinks -- hues which can be removed easily -- instead of blacks, greys, purples and oranges. The latter take a few days to fade off the skin.
  
• Apply vaseline or petroleum jelly on your nails, elbows and knees in advance -- nails, particularly, look most unsightly if the colour gets into their grooves and it's almost impossible to get them squeaky clean after.
  
• Use a lip balm to protect your lips from getting stained.

After you're done

• After the celebrations, wipe off the dry powder and then use plain running water to wash off the colour. Avoid using very hot water as it is likely to damage your skin instead of removing the powders.
  
• Gently wash, preferably with a moisturising soap. Avoid rubbing your skin vigorously using a scrubber -- it will be easier to get rid of the colours if you've used baby oil beforehand. Gently wipe your face with a cleanser.
  
• Make sure you moisturise after your cleansing routine; the colours and soap dry your skin out.
  
• According to your skin type, rejuvenate by using a mask or pack; add some aroma oils to de-stress you.
  
• In case of any kind of irritation, immediately wash off the area and apply a soothing lotion, antiseptic cream or oil.
  
• If the colour does not wear off easily, it should be left to fade on its own, and it eventually will, over the next few days. Refrain from using removers, kerosene, petrol or strong soaps to remove it. These can also cause skin irritation.

Follow this routine and you are sure to have a happy Holi. Cheers!

Illustration: Uttam Ghosh