Colors used in Holi, their effects on the skin and ways to stay safe

 Colors used in Holi, their effects on the skin and ways to stay safe

From a chemical point of view, various heavy metals and artificial pigments are mixed in the artificial colors of Holi.

Colors used in Holi, their effects on the skin and ways to stay safe

Today's artificial colors contain heavy metals such as chromium, mercury, and lead, which pose a risk to the skin and health.

Applying moisturizer before playing Holi, using sunscreen, and choosing natural colors are the main ways to protect your health.

Holi is not just a festival of playing colors, it is a celebration of the arrival of spring, social harmony, and happiness. This festival is also associated with religious and cultural importance. In recent years, the form of colors associated with Holi has been changing. Colors made from natural flowers, plants, and soil are gradually disappearing, and the use of chemical colors available in the market has increased. Experience also shows that skin, eye, and hair problems increase significantly every year in the days after Holi.

Based on this experience and scientific basis, I have focused this article on the types of colors, their chemical origin, health risks and preventive measures.

The colors used in traditional Holi were mostly natural. Turmeric, saffron or saffron flowers were used for yellow. Red flowers like palash were used for red, spinach or fenugreek leaves for green. Sources like indigo blue powder were used for blue. Such colors were skin-friendly, easily soluble in water and environmentally friendly.

With industrial production, the original nature of colors changed. Many colors available in the market today are made from industrial dyes used to dye fabrics and plastics. Warnings about the risks of using them on the skin are neither written on the packet nor are consumers informed.

From a chemical point of view, artificial colors of Holi are mixed with various heavy metals and artificial pigments. For example, green dyes are often made from chromium oxide, red dyes from mercury sulfide or rhodamine-B, black dyes from lead oxide, blue dyes from Prussian blue, and yellow dyes from lead chromate. These substances can penetrate the skin, not just the surface. They can cause minor skin irritation, rashes, allergic reactions, or dryness. Engine oil, diesel, or cheap mineral oil used to make dyes smoother can make the problem worse.

Skin reactions can be both immediate and delayed. Immediate reactions can include burning, stinging, redness, itching, swelling, blisters, and blisters. This is called irritant or allergic contact dermatitis. Some people experience itching and rash within minutes of applying the dye.

Such dyes are more harmful to people with pre-existing skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, dandruff, eczema, lupus, etc.

Delayed effects include post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (darkening of the skin), thinning of the skin, or chronic allergies.

Some heavy metals can accumulate in the body over a long period of time and even affect the internal organs.

Not only the skin, but the eyes and hair also become direct victims of dyes. Chemical dyes that get into the eyes can cause conjunctivitis, corneal erosion, sensitivity to light, or blurred vision. When dyes and greasy chemicals accumulate in the hair, the hair becomes dry, split or brittle, dandruff increases, and hair loss occurs.

In people with asthma or allergies, problems such as coughing and difficulty breathing can occur when dye dust reaches the lungs along with the breath.

What precautions should be taken when using dyes?

Despite all these risks, it does not mean that Holi should not be celebrated. The problem lies in the choice and use of colors. Preventive measures are simple but effective. Applying sufficient moisturizer or coconut oil to the skin before playing Holi makes it difficult for the colors to penetrate the skin.

It is important to use sunscreen when playing in the sun, because the combined effect of chemical colors and the sun has a greater effect on the skin. Keeping nails short and applying lip balm to the lips are more useful measures. Glasses are safer than contact lenses for eye protection.

The most important thing is the choice of color. Use certified herbal or natural colors made at home as much as possible. It is wise to stay away from cheap colors that are sold as 'strong', 'permanent' or 'smooth'. Children's skin is more sensitive, so they need special care. It is better for pregnant women, people with chronic skin diseases and those taking medications to avoid contact with colors as much as possible.

How to clean?

The way to clean the skin after Holi is also equally important. Rubbing vigorously with soap can further damage the skin's protective layer. It is best to first remove the color slowly with plain water or a mild cleanser, then apply a moisturizer. Mild shampoo and conditioner are sufficient for hair. If the color is difficult to remove, it is better to wait a few days and let it fade naturally, do not use chemical removers. If there is irritation, blisters on the skin, or unbearable itching, it is necessary to immediately consult a dermatologist.

The essence of Holi is not in the intensity of colors, but in the sweetness of relationships. Returning to natural colors, adopting safe practices, and respecting the health of others is the need of the day.