Holi is all about vivid colors, laughing, and joy, but once the festivities end, your skin may reveal an entirely different story – dryness, inflammation, and stubborn color stains!
If scrubbing till you’re red isn’t working, it’s time for a smarter approach. Don't worry, we got you covered. With these proper Holi skin care tips, you can restore your natural radiance while keeping it healthy and happy.
While post-Holi skin care is important for repairing and renewing your skin, a little pre-Holi preparation can make your job a lot easier! Proper preparations before entering the colors will help avoid dryness, irritation, and stubborn stains. Here's how you can protect your skin before the festivities begin.
Pre-Holi Skincare Tips: Essential Steps to Protect Your Skin Before the Festivities
A little bit of preparation before Holi can make the post-Holi skincare process much more hassle-free. Here’s how you can protect your skin from harsh colors before all the fun begins:
-
Moisturize generously:
Apply coconut oil or any moisturizing oil that suits your skin type over your face, hands, and legs to create a protective barrier. -
Sunscreen is a must.
-
Minimal or no makeup can do wonders for your skin.
-
Apply petroleum jelly to your lips.
-
Clear any nail polish on your nails to avoid staining.
-
Apply coconut oil on your hair and preferably have it braided.
Tip: According to dermatologists, coconut oil acts as an emollient, breaking down color pigments while keeping the skin hydrated and preventing irritation.
Best Post Holi Skincare Routine:
-
Gentle Cleansing - No Harsh Scrubbing:
Scrubbing too harshly might damage your skin’s barrier in more ways than you think. After playing Holi, it’s natural to want to scrub away all those Holi colors - but DON’T.
This can lead to irritation and breakouts.
Instead, follow these steps:
a. Make use of an oil-based cleanser to dissolve pigments gradually.
b. Apply coconut or almond oil and gently massage
c. Follow it up with a moderate foamy face cleanser.
Bonus Tip: Avoid using hot water as it might further dry your skin. -
Hydrate your skin:
Holi colors - especially those synthetic ones - can strip away moisture from your skin. Experts suggest using products rich in ceramides and hyaluronic acid to lock in moisture post-Holi.
So our next goal is to restore this hydration:a. Apply aloe vera gel or rose water to calm any inflammation.
b. Use a lightweight, hydrating moisturizer to lock in this hydration
c. And this goes without saying, drink plenty of water to rehydrate from within. -
DIY Exfoliation:
After a day of playing Holi, a gentle skin exfoliation is recommended to remove lingering color and dead skin cells. However, dermatologists recommend waiting at least 24 hours before using scrubs or exfoliating treatments, as Holi colors may already cause minor abrasions on the skin.
Bonus Tip: Avoid chemical exfoliants after Holi as your skin might already be sensitive.
You can try:
a. An oatmeal scrub - 1 tbsp Honey + 1 tbsp ground oatmeal
b. Besan Haldi mix - 1 tbsp besan + ½ tsp turmeric + 1 tbsp Yoghurt
-
Treat Any Skin Irritation Immediately:
If your skin feels itchy or develops rashes post-Holi, here are some tips for you:
a. Cold compress - Apply ice packs on the irritated area
b. Use any dermat-recommended anti-inflammatory cream for relief
c. Stick to fragrance-free products. -
Don’t forget lip and hair care:
Something we tend to forget during Holi is proper care for our lips and scalp.
For lips: Sugar + Honey scrub followed by a lip balm
For hair: Wash with a mild sulfate-free shampoo as your hair might have already gone through a lot during Holi. Apply a deep-conditioning hair mask to restore softness.
After Holi, skincare shouldn’t be causing you any concern while enjoying the party. With these simple skincare tips, you can easily keep your skin clean, hydrated, moisturized, and protected from any irritation.
Related Read: If you’re looking for a post Holi skincare routine for your kids - we have a guide curated just for you
Great skincare is only one part of the post-Holi restoration plan. A good night's sleep and comfort help your skin repair and glow even better. So why not step it up a notch? Relax with Famyo's comfortable blankets - because self-care should feel as good as it looks.

Head to Famyo's website and find cute products for your loved ones.
FAQ's:
Q. How can I remove color from your lips after Holi?
A. Gently exfoliate with a sugar and honey scrub, cleanse with coconut oil, and apply a hydrating lip balm to restore moisture.
Q. How to clean your eyes after Holi?
A. Rinse your eyes immediately with cold water, use a mild saline solution for relief, and avoid rubbing to prevent irritation or redness.
Q. How to play Holi without damaging skin?
A. Apply coconut oil, sunscreen, and petroleum jelly before playing Holi to create a protective barrier against harsh colors and prevent dryness.
Q. How to clean up after Holi?
A. Use an oil-based cleanser to remove colors, take a lukewarm shower with a mild body wash, and follow up with a deep moisturizer to restore hydration.
Q. How do you take care of your skin after Holi?
A. After Holi, cleanse gently with an oil-based cleanser, hydrate with aloe vera or a moisturizer, and apply a soothing face mask to repair and nourish your skin.
Q. Should I apply oil after Holi as part of my post-Holi skincare routine?
A. Yes! Massaging coconut or almond oil helps dissolve stubborn Holi colors, deeply moisturizes the skin, and prevents dryness and irritation.