Holi and Kids: Essential Do’s and Don’ts for Protecting Delicate Skin During the Festival of Colours

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Holi is one of the most joyful festivals in India, especially for kids; it's pure magic. The excitement of splashing colours, running around with friends, and enjoying festive treats makes Holi fun for them. However, while Holi brings laughter and memories, it can also expose a child's delicate skin and hair to harsh chemicals, dryness, rashes, and irritation.

We spoke to Prasanna Vasanadu, Parent Educator and Founder of Tikitoro, who shared a complete guide with important dos and don'ts to keep your child's skin safe during the festival.

Why Kids Need A Little Extra Care During Holi

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Children's skin is more delicate than adults' because their skin barrier is still developing. This means their skin loses moisture faster and can react more easily to harsh ingredients. "Chemical-based colours can damage the skin barrier, cause dryness, trigger eczema flare-ups, lead to contact dermatitis, irritate the eyes, and even dry out the scalp and hair. Extra care is especially important if your child has sensitive skin, acne, or allergies," explained Vasanadu.

Do's For Safe Holi Play

Protect skin with moisturiser and oil

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Before your child goes out to play, apply almond or olive oil on exposed areas, such as the face, arms, legs, neck, and even behind the ears. "For the face, use a hydrating moisturiser. This creates a protective layer that stops colours from sticking and makes them easier to wash off later," advised Vasanadu.

Apply sunscreen

"Before going outside, put on a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher on your child's face, neck, arms, and legs. Reapply every two hours, especially if they are playing in water, to protect their skin from sunburn," added Vasanadu.

Keep kids hydrated

Keeping kids hydrated is key to healthy skin, especially during Holi. Make sure they drink enough water before, during, and after play.

Don'ts to keep in mind

Gentle cleansing after Holi

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Don't scrub your skin harshly to remove colour after playing holi as it can cause irritation, redness, or peeling. Instead, gently cleanse with lukewarm water, mild soap, or a soft cleansing oil to protect your skin's natural barrier while removing the colours safely.

Never skip your moisturiser and sunscreen

Never skip your moisturiser or sunscreen; these protect your skin from dryness, irritation, and sunburn. "Applying them about 30 minutes before going outside gives the best protection. For extra care, keep a small tube of sunscreen or hand cream with you so you can reapply during the day and keep your skin soft, healthy, and safe from sun damage," said Vasanadu.

Choose safe colours

Avoid letting them use synthetic or chemical-based colours, as these often contain harsh chemicals, toxic dyes, or even lead, which can cause rashes, allergies, or eye irritation. "Even bright-looking colours can be harmful. To keep your child safe, always supervise the colours they use and choose products only from trusted, reputable brands to ensure gentle and safe fun," suggested Vasanadu.

Keep an eye on allergic reactions

Some kids have sensitive skin or allergies, making them more likely to react during Holi. Look out for redness, itching, or rashes, and wash the area with clean water right away. Avoid using home remedies unless a doctor or dermatologist says it's safe.