Matcha, Gunk Facials & Holi

Good Morning, it's Wednesday, March 12. There’s a matcha shortage in Japan, a new book on Black girl gardeners is out and for Holi we’re bringing you a skincare guide featuring a leading dermatologist in Mumbai 🍐🍭👩🏾‍🌾🍵

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This Friday is Holi and it means getting our skin ready for all those richly pigmented powders and time outdoors. For melanin-rich skin, this can lead to more pronounced skin concerns like hyperpigmentation and breakouts. 

Dr. Madhuri Agarwal, dermatologist and founder of Yavana Aesthetic Clinic in Mumbai shares her best tips for melanin-rich skin in festival time. 

Holi is typically spent outdoors, where you’re exposed to more sun rays, dust and other elements. These elements can worsen certain skin conditions people of colour are more prone to. 

“Skin of colour generally has certain concerns like hyperpigmentation, oiliness, and a tendency to acne, even more when compared to other skin types,” she explains, adding tips for protecting your skin. 

“Applying broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30-50 PA+++ is incredibly important as it gives maximum coverage and reduces your chances of increased pigmentation. If you’ll be wearing makeup, use your sunscreen as a base before doing other steps. It's also important to keep your sunscreen with you so you can reapply.”

However, there are times when you cannot reapply sunscreen so you can consider using oral sunscreens. 

“Oral sunscreens can be started preferably one month in advance for better results, but this should only be done in consultation with your dermatologist. Oral glutathione can also be administered as it protects your skin from free radical damage,” Dr. Agrawal adds. 

When the fun’s over, it's important to thoroughly remove all the Holi colours from your skin before you go to bed. 

“Sleeping with the pigments on can clog your pores, resulting in breakouts and dull-looking skin. Additionally, these breakouts can also leave dark spots, especially on skin of colour,” she states.

Rather than cleansing wipes or abrasive towels, cleansing balms and oils are a gentle removal option as they melt the colours without the need for rubbing.

Staying consistent with your skincare routine will before, during and after Holi will help your skin cope betetr.

“A regular skincare regimen with cleanser, a chemical exfoliant (twice a week), a vitamin C serum (for mornings) and regular use of sunscreen will help you achieve healthy, glowing skin. Use of retinols, peptides, and anti-acne serums at night is also encouraged,” Dr. Agrawal states.

Taking care of your skin from the outside is not enough when your diet is unhealthy. This is why Dr. Agrawal recommends keeping hydrated and eating a balanced diet with lots of green vegetables to avoid skin concerns. 

“It's also important to avoid foods with high salt content and hard alcoholic drinks”, she adds. 

If you’re looking to rejuvenate your skin after the celebrations, there are lots of Medifacials available in dermatology clinics these days, most of which Dr. Agrawal recommends for their ability to give women of colour an immediate glow. 

“Facials like Radiante, Golden Glow, Luxury Facial, Carbon Peels and Red Carpet Medifacials are great during the festive seasons. The Aqua Revive Medifacial also hydrates and boosts blood circulation to the skin after a period of having heavy makeup or colours on,” she says.

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