11 Holi Skin Damage Fixes That Work Overnight

3. Cold compress for redness and itching

If your skin is red, warm to the touch, or itchy after exposure to Holi colors, a cold compress is the fastest way to calm inflammation. Wrap ice or frozen peas in a clean cloth and press gently to the affected area for ten minutes, then rest for ten minutes and repeat. Cold lowers blood flow and slows the inflammatory signals that cause redness and itch. For a softer overnight approach, place a cooled, damp muslin cloth over the skin for a few minutes before bed; this reduces surface heat and prepares skin for soothing treatments. Avoid direct ice-on-skin contact because that can damage fragile tissue. If the irritation is limited to small patches, a short cold compress session followed by a light layer of aloe vera gel or a fragrance-free moisturizer can reduce symptoms through the night. If swelling increases after applying cold, or if you develop hives or breathing difficulty, seek immediate medical care. Frequent brief compresses are more effective and safer than prolonged icing.