The festivities of Holi are picking up in the country and people are busy collecting coloured powders and pichkaris. The festival of colors can however to dangerous too if proper care is not taken.
Holi is a festival which is celebrated on the full moon day of March, marking the arrival of spring. Mythologically there are different stories to the origin of the festival.
The colors that spread on that day not only makes the cloths and walls dirty but also affect the skin and even the scalp, believes the experts. Most of thecolors available in the markets have harsh chemicals and contains chemicals like mica and even lead.
The Synthetic colours often include lead oxide, engine oil, diesel, chromium iodine and copper sulphate which can cause skin irritation and even blindness if the exposure is very high.
Most people prefer the use of herbal colors but are not available everywhere. Experts also say that the people should use natural colours and herbal dyes.
Experts have said that one should wear a cap and well covered clothing to protect as much body as can be protected. It is usually the opposite as people look to wear lesser cloths for Holi, experts say that the people should cover themselves properly.
Famous beauty expert Shahnaz Hussain said that Holi is mostly played outside and hence people should sun creams. She said, “Sun exposure can also have a detrimental effect on the skin. Apart from harmful ultraviolet radiation, sun exposure makes the skin dry by causing depletion of moisture and also tans the skin.”
The use of castor or olive oil can help remove the colors easily and one should not rub the skin for removing the chemicals, she added.
The experts also suggest against using hot water as it leaves color lines. People with a history of eczema or Atopic Dermatitis are at a high risk of developing allergic contact dermatitis to Holi colours and dyes.
In other suggestions she said that the people can use lemon juice with water to condition hair and two tablespoons of honey with half a cup of yogurt and a pinch of turmeric to remove the tan.
The use of soyabean flour or besan with milk is also advised to remove colour and replenish and rejuvenate the skin.