After-Holi Self-Care: 5 Relaxing Practices to Nourish Your Skin and Hair

After indulging in the spirited celebration of Holi, you are not only exhausted from within but also need rejuvenation from the outside. Your skin and hair may need some extra care and attention especially to recover from the harsh effects of dyes, sun exposure and environmental pollutants. Sanath Dutta, wellness expert and co-founder, Elia Wellness suggests five self-care practices to pamper yourself after Holi:

Gentle cleansing and exfoliation
Start your post-Holi pampering session with a gentle cleansing to remove any residual color, dirt and impurities from your skin. Choose a gentle, sulfate-free cleanser that won't strip your skin of its natural oils. Wet your face and apply a cleanser, massage gently in circular motions and then rinse. After this, apply an exfoliating scrub to get rid of dead skin cells. Use a mild exfoliant with natural ingredients like oatmeal, almonds, or sugar. Massage the scrub into damp skin in gentle circular motions, focusing especially on areas such as elbows, knees and feet. After exfoliating, wash off with lukewarm water.

Nourishing hair mask
Revitalize your hair with a nourishing mask to replenish moisture and restore vitality after exposure to harsh colors and sun damage. Choose a hair mask that contains hydrating ingredients like coconut oil, argan oil or shea butter to condition dry, damaged strands well.
Apply the hair mask generously from roots to ends, focusing on areas that feel more dry or brittle. Gently massage the mask into your scalp to stimulate blood circulation and promote healthy hair growth. Leave the mask on for 15-20 minutes and then wash thoroughly with a mild shampoo and conditioner for smooth, silky hair.

Soothing Face Mask:
Apply a soothing face mask specially designed to soothe and rejuvenate the skin. Choose a mask with ingredients like aloe vera, cucumber and chamomile extracts, known for their soothing and anti-inflammatory properties.
Apply the face mask evenly on clean, dry skin, avoiding the eye and lip areas. Keep it on your face for 15-20 minutes and let the mask do its magic. Finally, rinse with water and pat your skin dry with a soft towel, using a lightweight moisturizer to lock in moisture and keep your skin soft and supple.

Moisturizing Body Lotion:
After you've cleansed and exfoliated, apply a moisturizing and hydrating body lotion to moisturize and soothe your skin. Apply body lotion to damp skin immediately after showering, focusing on dry areas such as elbows, knees and heels. Massage the lotion properly in gentle circular motions to ensure proper absorption.

Comfortable bath sock:
Indulge in a luxurious bath filled with soothing essential oils and nourishing ingredients. Fill your bathtub with warm water and add a generous amount of bath salts or bath oil to create a soothing environment.

You can also light some scented candles, play soft music and take a dip in warm, fragrant water to release all stress and tension. Relax by closing your eyes and taking deep breaths. The gentle warmth of the bath will help soothe sore muscles and relax you. After soaking for 20-30 minutes, step out of the bath feeling refreshed, rejuvenated. Pat your skin dry with a soft towel and then apply a moisturizer to lock in the moisture.