Holi 2025 Celebration: Which Colours Are Chemical-Free? How to Prevent Skin Damage? Dermatologist Shares Key Tips

Holi is the festival of colours, which creates unforgettable memories of celebrations. This festival of colours falls on March 14 and will be celebrated across India. No Holi celebration is complete without throwing colours at each other among friends and family. 

But it is also crucial to know which colour we are using during the celebration. Some colours contain chemicals that can damage skin cells and hair and pollute water and the surrounding environment if not chosen wisely. How about using natural colours made at home?

Also Read | Acharya Vinod Kumar Ojha: Holi in 2025 Has Special Astrological Significance.

Doctor Shweta Saraswat, Dermatologist at Jodhpur Government Pavta District Hospital argued people play Holi with dry colours made from natural things and avoid wet chemical-made colours. "As we all know, Holi is a festival of colors and is celebrated with joy and enthusiasm. There are two types of colors – dry and wet. We should prefer playing with dry colors made from flowers or turmeric rather than chemical-based wet colors."

Dr Shweta, speaking to the news agency IANS, said using paint and mud during Holi celebrations can harm skin and should be avoided.  

Dermatologist Dr Shweta also shared an idea to prevent skin damage from colours while playing Holi. "Precautions should be taken while stepping out, such as wearing full-sleeved clothes and applying Vaseline or oil on the skin to reduce direct contact with colors, minimizing skin damage," she added.

Shweta said do not remove colours by forcefully rubbing or scrubbing the skin harshly. "Instead, mild cleansing and oiling should be done to allow the colors to fade naturally over time."

Precautions Tips for Safe Holi

Jodhpur, Rajasthan: Dr. Shweta Saraswat, Dermatologist at Government Pavta District Hospital, Jodhpur, says, "As we all know, Holi is a festival of colors and is celebrated with joy and enthusiasm. There are two types of colors – dry and wet. We should prefer playing with dry… pic.twitter.com/VgGIMMzK07

— IANS (@ians_india) March 12, 2025

1. Choose Natural Colours: Use Dry colors made from flowers or turmeric instead of chemical-based wet colours. 

2. Protective Clothing: Wear full-sleeved clothes to minimise direct contact with colors. This helps prevent skin irritation and allergic reactions.

3. Skin Protection: Apply Vaseline or oil on the skin before playing Holi. This creates a protective barrier that makes it easier to remove colors later and reduces the risk of skin damage.

5. Post-Holi Care: Avoid scrubbing the skin harshly to remove colors. Instead, use mild cleansing and oiling to allow the colors to fade naturally over time. This approach helps maintain skin health and prevents irritation.