As the monsoon arrives in India, it brings with it a long respite from the scorching summer heat. The rainy season demands some funny, highly-spirited and light-hearted memories. However, wouldn’t you hate it if, amidst all these, you notice pimples growing on your skin? An absolute buzzkill! Due to the increased humidity in the air during this season, we are more susceptible to skin troubles like acne, rashes, irritations and pimples. It may also cause dehydration of the skin. In addition to the humidity, the rainwater itself, along with stagnant water, can cause various skin problems including fungal infections and lacklustre complexion.
If you want to retain the natural glow of your skin, then you must follow a disciplined skincare routine which tailors to the specific needs of your skin during the season. Here’s a detailed monsoon skincare guide curated just for you!
During the rainy season, you must ensure a thorough cleansing of your skin with a gentle, pH-balanced cleanser twice a day. This process will remove excess oil, dirt and impurities from your skin which can block the pores. Using a cleanser will keep your skin refreshed. Following this, use a mild toner to readjust your skin’s pH balance, and make the pores less visible.
Although during the monsoon season, the air is humid, it is important that you still hydrate your skin. Choose a gentle, water-based moisturiser for this regime. Make sure the moisturiser is very light and it doesn't make your skin greasy. Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid while shopping for your desired moisturiser. Hyaluronic acid attracts and retains moisture, thus keeping your skin hydrated and refreshed. If you particularly suffer from dehydrated skin, then you should consult a dermatologist who might prescribe you hyaluronic supplements.
The sky might be cloudy, but that doesn't mean you can ignore the sun’s intensity during the monsoon. UV rays can still reach you penetrating the clouds, causing damage to your skin. To keep your skin protected from the Sun’s harmful UV rays, opt for a broad-spectrum sunscreen, and apply it at least 15 minutes before going out. If you are outdoors for prolonged periods, make sure to re-apply the sunscreen every two or three hours.
Exfoliation is a necessary skincare measure that you must take during the monsoon season. Exfoliation removes dead skin cells and prevents the skin pores from getting clogged. However, you must keep away from coarse-grained scrubbers as they can irritate and cause further damage to the skin. Opt for mild exfoliants which contain natural ingredients like fruit enzymes and alpha hydroxy acids (AHA). These components assist in cell turnover, which ultimately leads to better skin complexion. Restrict exfoliation to one to two days a week, and overdoing can turn out to be detrimental to your skin. You can also get a monthly medical or chemical peel to maintain regular exfoliation. This way your skin would look so bright and fresh!
In the middle layer of the skin, near the hair follicles, there’s a gland termed the ‘sebaceous gland’. This gland produces an oily and sticky substance called the ‘sebum’. During the rainy season, this sebum production increases, leading to oily and acne-prone skin. Opt for an oil-free or clay-based face mask once every week to manage excess oil production and control acne growth. Furthermore, if you are outside, and you feel your skin to be very oily, then keeping oil-absorbing blotting sheets handy would prove to be really useful.
Increased humidity in the air makes you susceptible to various fungal infections like athlete’s foot and ringworm. Always ensure that you are keeping your skin dry and clean, especially the covered and sweaty regions like in between the toes, the underarms, and the groin, to avoid accumulation of any sort of fungi or bacteria. Wear light-fitting, breathable clothes made of natural fabrics like cotton. Change wet clothes frequently.
Besides, all these essential skincare measures, you also need to drink lots of water to keep you hydrated and consume a balanced diet full of nutrition. Hydration and a healthy balanced diet also significantly contribute to glowing and healthier skin. So, shine bright in the rain and make fun memoirs with your friends and family! Happy monsoon!
