Pre-Holi Skin Prep: 5 Things You Should Do Before Playing with Colours

Holi is almost here. And while we’re all excited about the colours, music, and pictures, our skin might not be as thrilled.

Let’s be honest those bright gulal powders aren’t always as harmless as they look. Some contain chemicals that can dry out your skin, cause rashes, or leave behind stubborn stains for days. If you’ve ever dealt with post-Holi redness or irritation, you know the struggle.

The good news? You don’t need expensive treatments. Just a little prep 2–3 days before Holi can protect your skin like a shield.

Here’s exactly what I’d recommend doing.

1. Start Hydrating Inside and Outside

If your skin is already dry, colours will cling to it more easily and become harder to remove. Start increasing your water intake a couple of days before Holi. Aim for around 2.5–3 litres daily. You can add cucumber or lemon if plain water feels boring.

At night, use a thick moisturizer. Don’t skip areas like elbows, knees, and neck. The more hydrated your skin is, the less colour it absorbs.

Think of it as building a soft barrier before the chaos begins.

2. Oil Up Before You Step Out

This is one tradition that actually works. Adore Skin, Hair and Laser Clinic has a smart hack: about 30 minutes before Holi fun starts, rub on a good layer of coconut, almond, or sesame oil over your face, neck, arms, and legs. It makes everything slippery so those colors won't cling too deep or cause trouble.

You don’t need to drench yourself just enough to give your skin a slight sheen. And yes, warming the oil slightly makes it spread better.

3. Don’t Skip Sunscreen

Holi usually means long hours in the sun. Add colours to that, and your skin is dealing with double stress. Dr. Niti Gaur from Citrine Clinic says slather on broad-spectrum SPF 50 sunscreen right after your moisturizer it's your best bet. If you're out in the sun all day for Holi, just reapply every couple of hours to stay protected.

Sun damage + colour stains can easily turn into pigmentation later. It’s not worth skipping this step.

4. Gently Exfoliate a Few Days Before Not On Holi Morning!

A few days before Holi, exfoliate gently 2–3 times using a mild scrub or oatmeal mix. This removes dead skin so colours don’t latch onto rough patches.

But avoid exfoliating on the same day. Freshly scrubbed skin is more sensitive and can react easily. After exfoliating, moisturize properly to keep your barrier strong.

5. Choose Safer Colours and Cover Up

If possible, try using organic or flower-based colours. You can even patch test a small amount on your arm 24–48 hours before. On the day itself, wear full sleeves, sunglasses, and apply lip balm. A cap or scarf helps protect your scalp and hairline too.

Little precautions make a huge difference later.

After Holi: Don’t Panic

When you’re done playing, resist the urge to scrub your skin aggressively. Start by massaging oil onto dry skin to loosen the colours. Then wash with a mild cleanser and lukewarm water. Avoid very hot water it can dry out your skin further.

Moisturize well afterward and let your skin recover.

Holi is meant to be fun, not followed by a week of skin damage. A little prep goes a long way. Play smart, glow longer

Disclaimer: This content is for general informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider with any questions about your health or treatment options.