Traditionally spring flowers, berries, spices and other plants were used for making coloured Gulal and wet colours from flowers like hibiscus etc.

There is no doubt that Holi is one of the popular festivals of India, but there are dangers too associated with the event such as the blatant use of expensive, artificial and bright colours made with the help of chemical solvents and toxic agents like lead oxide, murcury sulphite and copper sulphate etc.

These can damage eyes, skin and lungs, says beauty expert Shahnaz Husain

But again, all of us love this carnival of colours, and according to Husain, can enjoy the festival with the use of organic and home-made colours.

These are available in markets, but cost more.

It is essential to take appropriate safety steps to prevent your skin or hair from getting damaged.

The dry "Gulal" and the wet colours of today are not derived from natural sources. They contain chemicals, shiny particles of mica and even lead, which not only irritate the skin, but collect on the scalp.

Since Holi is played outdoors, exposure to the sun can have a detrimental effect on the skin. Apart from harmful UV radiation, sun-exposure makes the skin dry by causing depletion of moisture and also tans the skin. The skin can become dry and dull after playing Holi.