Here are some tips on saving your skin this Holi

CHEMICAL BROTHERS: Colours may contain chemicals like heavy metals, alkalis, powered glass and acids.

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Keywords: Holi, colours

New Delhi: Shalini still shudders when she remembers her Holi celebrations last year. What was supposed to be a fun-filled play with colours, turned out to be a bitter and painful experience.

“It was a terrible Holi. I got skin allergy, there was a burning sensation that lasted for quite a few days. All this was compounded by hair fall and eye infection,” Shalini, who is a business manager at Via Media, said.

In cases like Shalini, the main culprit is the synthetic colors that are available widely in the market. The colours contain chemicals like heavy metals, alkalis, powered glass and acids.

Many of these are actually dyes meant for industrial use. Surveys by NGOs and medical bodies have found also toxic ingredients in most colours.

“The black colour which has lead oxide is known to cause renal failure. Red colour consists of mercury sulphate and can cause skin cancer,” dermatologist with the Capital’s Apollo Hospital, Dr Bose said.

So, we suggest you go for natural and eco-friendly colours. They are made from natural substances, which are safe and soothing both for you and your environment. Ranging from Rs 25 to Rs 100 per gram, they are costlier, but worth their price.

“Not only safe but they are actually beneficial because when they don’t pollute the environment,” senior advisor, Development Alternatives, Usha Srinivasan said.

Here are some tips to have a healthy Holi:

• Apply vaseline on your face and hands
• Apply olive oil on your hair
• Use products like derma shield on skin
• Wear glasses to protect your eyes
• Wash off colours with a moisturising soap
• And in case of any irritation, get immediate medical attention