Pre & Post Holi Skin Care Tips: A Guide
Holi is just round the corner and it’s time to gear up for the festivities. But before you choose a white kurta for the celebrations, it’s important to prioritise your skincare too. You need to take care of your skin before you step out to play holi and cleanse your skin after you have come back. We bring to you a detailed guide that will help you take care of your skin in the best possible way. These pre and post-holi skincare tips will really help you protect and nourish your skin.
Table Of Content
- Why is Pre & Post Holi Skin Care Important?
- How Do Holi Colours Affect My Skin?
- Pre Holi Skin Care Tips(How to Protect Your Skin Before Playing Holi)
- Post Holi Skin Care Tips
- How To Remove Holi Colour: 4 Simple Steps
- St.Botanica Recommends Face & Skin Care Products For Pre-Post Holi Skincare
- Additional Holi Skincare Tips for Different Skin Types
- Conclusion
- FAQs On Pre-Post Holi Skin Care
Why is Pre & Post Holi Skin Care Important?
Pre and post-Holi skincare is essential to protect your skin from harsh chemicals, dryness, and irritation caused by synthetic colours and prolonged sun exposure. A pre-Holi skincare routine helps create a protective barrier with coconut or almond oil, preventing colours from penetrating deep into the skin and making them easier to wash off. Applying a hydrating moisturiser and sunscreen shields the skin from excessive dryness, tanning, and sun damage.
On the other hand, post-Holi skincare focuses on gentle cleansing to remove colour residues without stripping natural moisture. Using aloe vera gel or rose water soothes irritation, while a hydrating face mask replenishes lost hydration. Following up with serums and nourishing creams helps repair the skin barrier and prevent breakouts caused by clogged pores. A well-prepared skincare routine before and after Holi ensures your skin remains healthy, glowing, and free from long-term damage.
How Do Holi Colours Affect My Skin?
Here are some harmful effects of gulal and other harsh colours for your skin.
Breakouts
Rashes
Skin allergies
Burning Sensation
Excessive Itching
Pre Holi Skin Care Tips(How to Protect Your Skin Before Playing Holi)

You You need to take care of your skin before stepping out to enjoy the Holi festivities. These pre-Holi skincare tips will help create a protective barrier and keep your skin safe from harsh colours, dryness, and sun damage.
1. Apply a Face Oil for Protection
Massaging your face with almond oil or argan oil before heading out creates a protective layer, preventing colours from seeping into the skin. This also keeps your skin nourished and makes it easier to remove colours later.
2. Coat Your Body with Coconut Oil
Generously applying coconut oil on your arms, legs, and exposed skin helps create a slippery barrier, making it easy to wash off colours without excessive scrubbing. It also prevents excessive dryness and irritation.
3. Never Skip Sunscreen
A broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 50 is essential to shield your skin from sunburn and tanning while playing Holi outdoors. Apply it at least 30 minutes before stepping out for maximum protection.
4. Protect Your Lips with an SPF Lip Balm
Holi colours can make your lips dry and chapped. Using an SPF-infused lip balm ensures your lips stay moisturised and safe from harmful UV rays and colour stains.
5. Hydrate Your Skin from Within
Drinking plenty of water before and during Holi helps maintain skin hydration, preventing dryness caused by colours and sun exposure. Well-hydrated skin recovers faster and looks healthier.
Post Holi Skin Care Tips

Once you are done with the celebrations, it’s time to get rid of the colours from your skin. Here are some effective post-Holi skincare tips to help cleanse, soothe, and moisturise your skin.
1. Use an Oil Cleanser for Gentle Colour Removal
Start by massaging your skin with coconut oil or almond oil to break down the colours. This helps lift the pigments from your skin while keeping it moisturised and preventing excessive dryness.
2. Double Cleanse with a Mild Face Wash
Follow up with a foaming or sulphate-free cleanser to remove any leftover colour and dirt. For sensitive skin, opt for a gentle, hydrating cleanser to avoid irritation and redness.
3. Soothe Skin with Ice Cubes
Rubbing ice cubes wrapped in a soft cloth over your face helps calm inflammation, reduce redness, and shrink pores. This step is especially helpful if your skin feels itchy or irritated after Holi.
4. Apply a Toner to Tighten Pores
Using rose water or an alcohol-free toner helps balance the skin’s pH and minimises the chances of breakouts. This step ensures your pores remain clean and free from trapped colour particles.
5. Hydrate with a Nourishing Moisturiser
Lock in moisture with a hydrating face gel or a thick cream if you have dry skin. This prevents flakiness and helps restore your skin’s lost hydration after exposure to colours and sun.
6. Use a Face Mask for Deep Nourishment
Applying a soothing face mask with aloe vera, honey, or yoghurt helps rejuvenate the skin. It removes any residual impurities and replenishes moisture for a healthy glow.
7. Exfoliate After 2-3 Days
Avoid scrubbing immediately after Holi, but after a couple of days, use a mild exfoliator to remove dead skin cells and any leftover colour stains. This ensures your skin stays smooth and even-toned.
8. Drink Plenty of Water for Skin Recovery
Hydrating from within is just as important. Drinking at least 8-10 glasses of water helps flush out toxins and keeps your skin plump, reducing post-Holi dullness.
9. Avoid Makeup for a Few Days
Give your skin time to heal by skipping heavy makeup. Allow your skin to breathe and focus on hydration and repair with skincare essentials instead.
How To Remove Holi Colour: 4 Simple Steps

It’s very important to cleanse your face thoroughly after the holi festivities. Here are four simple steps to follow if your want to remove holi colours from your face.
Step 1: Oil Cleanse
Use cold-pressed, organic coconut oil to get rid of colours. Massage the oil on your face and rest assured it will dissolve the dirt and grime from your face.
Step 2: Wash Your Face
After oil-cleansing, make sure to go in with a natural face wash. Cleanse your face well to remove any makeup residue.
Step 3: Detoxify & Tone
Use a multani mitti face pack to detoxify your skin and reduce pores on face. Mix some multani mitti and rosewater to form a purifying pack. Apply it on your face. Wait for 15-20 minutes before washing your face. Afterwards, spray a gentle face toner on your damp face.
Step 4: Moisturise
After all the cleansing and detoxifying, restore the moisture by opting for a face cream.
St.Botanica Recommends Face & Skin Care Products For Pre-Post Holi Skincare
How to protect skin from holi colours? It’s always better to protect your skin from the harsh holi colours. Here are some best skincare products that will cleanse, detoxify, and protect your skin.
Goji Berry Sunscreen Serum SPF 50 PA+++
St.Botanica Goji Berry Sunscreen Serum SPF 50 PA+++ shields your skin from the harmful effects of UV rays. Make sure to apply it before you step out to soak in the vibrant colours of holi. This sunscreen contains vitamin C, goji berry extract, gotu kola, cucumber extract, titanium oxide, zinc oxide, hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, and green tea extract. Apart from following the necessary pre-holi skincare tips, it’s always safe to use dollops of sunscreen to protect your skin.
Goji Berry Body Wash With Vitamin C, For Glowing Skin
Using St.Botanica Goji Berry Body Wash With Vitamin C, For Glowing Skin is the best way to cleanse your body after you come back from playing holi. This body wash helps remove all dirt and grime from your body. It ensures an even toned skin complexion. Formulated with the goodness of goji berry extract, vitamin C, and castor oil — this body wash cleanses your body gently.
Goji Berry Face Wash With Vitamin C
St.Botanica Goji Berry Face Wash With Vitamin C will remove even the most stubborn colour from your face after holi celebrations. This face wash will hydrate your skin and ensure an even-toned complexion. Endowed with natural ingredients like goji berry extract, niacinamide, vitamin C, and dragon fruit extract — this hydrating face wash is a must-have.
Goji Berry Clay Mask With Vitamin C, For Glowing Skin
Using St.Botanica Goji Berry Clay Mask With Vitamin C, For Glowing Skin is the best way to detoxify your skin post-celebration. This face pack tightens your pores and absorbs all the dirt from the skin. It soothes your skin and ensures a glowing complexion. This vitamin C face pack contains goji berry extract, kakadu plum extract, orange peel powder, beetroot extract, lemon oil, pro-vitamin B5, and aloe vera juice.
Additional Holi Skincare Tips for Different Skin Types
Different skin types react differently to Holi colours, so it’s essential to follow a tailored skincare routine. Here are some post-Holi skincare tips to suit your skin type.
For Dry Skin
Holi colours can strip moisture from the skin, making it drier and flaky. Use a cream-based cleanser followed by a thick moisturiser to restore hydration. Opt for nourishing face oils or aloe vera gel to soothe irritation and prevent rough patches.
For Oily Skin
Excess oil and Holi colours can clog pores, leading to breakouts. Use a sulphate-free foaming cleanser to remove excess oil without over-drying. Follow up with a lightweight, oil-free moisturiser and a toner with witch hazel or green tea to keep pores clean and refreshed.
For Sensitive Skin
Harsh colours can trigger irritation and redness in sensitive skin. Use a fragrance-free, gentle cleanser and cold compresses to calm inflammation. Apply rose water or cucumber-infused toner and a calming face gel to soothe and protect the skin barrier.
For Combination Skin
With dry patches and oily areas, combination skin needs balanced care. Use a mild gel-based cleanser followed by a hydrating yet lightweight moisturiser. Applying a soothing face mask with ingredients like honey or aloe vera helps balance moisture and reduce oiliness.
Conclusion
How to protect your face from holi colours? Just follow a dedicated skincare routine and use a sunscreen before you go out to enjoy the festivities. You can also protect your skin with a face oil to ensure easily remove colours from your face and body. Don’t forget to follow post and pre-holi skincare tips as well.
FAQs On Pre-Post Holi Skin Care
What should I apply on my face before playing Holi to prevent colour stains?
Before stepping out, apply coconut oil, almond oil, or a thick moisturiser to create a protective barrier on your skin. Follow up with a broad-spectrum sunscreen to prevent tanning and sun damage. This helps minimise colour absorption and makes it easier to wash off.
What should I do if Holi colours cause breakouts on my skin?
If you experience breakouts, cleanse your skin with a gentle, sulphate-free face wash to remove any remaining colour. Apply rose water or aloe vera gel to soothe inflammation and avoid picking or scrubbing the affected areas. Use a lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturiser to prevent further irritation.
How can I prepare my skin if I have acne or sensitive skin?
For acne-prone or sensitive skin, apply a non-greasy, fragrance-free moisturiser and a gel-based sunscreen before Holi. Avoid using harsh scrubs or chemical-based products before playing. Stick to mild cleansers and hydrating toners post-Holi to prevent breakouts and redness.
How can I restore moisture to my skin after Holi?
After removing the colours, apply a hydrating face mask with ingredients like yoghurt, honey, or aloe vera to replenish moisture. Follow up with a rich moisturiser or facial oil if you have dry skin. Drinking plenty of water also helps restore lost hydration from within.
What skincare routine should I follow after Holi?
Post-Holi, follow a double cleansing routine using oil cleansing followed by a mild face wash. Soothe your skin with ice cubes and a toner, then apply a nourishing moisturiser or gel-based cream. Avoid makeup for a few days and let your skin heal naturally with hydrating and calming products.
How can I protect my skin from stubborn holi colours?
To protect your skin from holi colours follow a dedicated skincare routine for summer and generously apply sunscreen before you step out to play holi. You can also apply face oils to protect your skin.
How do I make sure the holi colour doesn’t affect my skin?
Know your skin type and choose products that protect your skin best as possible. To ensure that holi colours don’t affect your skin apply copious amounts of moisturiser and sunscreen before you step out.
How can I soothe redness and skin irritation after holi colour removal?
Applying some aloe vera gel is one of the best skincare tips to calm your skin and reduce skin irritation. You can also wrap some ice in a clean muslin cloth to soothe your skin.
How to remove holi colour from skin without scrubbing the face?
Use organic coconut oil to remove holi colours from your skin. Just dip a clean cotton ball into the oil and start swiping it across the skin.
How to remove gulal from face?
Double-cleanse your face using an organic oil and face wash. Firstly, cleanse your face with a oil and then with a hydrating face wash. This will remove the gulal colour from your face.
How to remove holi colour from hands?
Use almond oil to remove holi colours from your hands. You can also use a nail polish remover to get rid of colour from your nails.
How to remove holi colour from the body?
You can opt for body scrubs to get rid of holi colours.
How to remove strong holi colour from face?
Use coconut oil to remove strong holi colours from your face. Massage some warm coconut oil on your face to dissolve the colours and then use a face wash to get rid of all the dirt.
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