Monsoon Skincare: Take Care of Your Skin this Rainy Season

Rain and humidity can make your skin look dull and expose you to bacterial and fungal infections. The basic rule remains the same, exfoliate, cleanse, tone and moisturise but we can share some tips to combat monsoon skin issues.

Cleanse and Exfoliate

Cleansing your face twice a day is key, especially in the evening before going to bed, to remove all the grime, dirt and sweat. Follow up by using a toner to balance the pH levels of your skin. Make sure to exfoliate your skin two-three times a week. Use a mild scrub that will gently sough off dead skin cells and piled up dirt. Make a facial scrub at home by mixing rice flour or ground almonds with curd. Dry and powdered lemon or orange peels can be added to the scrub. Using a hydrating mask a few times a week will keep your skin looking supple and healthy. You can make it at home using dried flower powder and mix with honey which nourishes dry skin.

Eat Right

Monsoon brings a lot of healthy seasonal fruits which can do wonders for your skin. Most of the fruits available in this season are high in their antioxidant content which also prevent free radical activity. Excessive free radical activity can make your skin dull and dehydrated but fruits like lychee, peaches, java plum, black currant will make your skin healthy and stimulate collagen production. Drink plenty of water, juices and especially coconut water to keep you healthy and hydrated. Black tea without milk also helps to smooth and refine skin.

Moisturise

Humidity can dehydrate your skin and make it dull. Use a lightweight moisturiser. You can also use a matte finish moisturiser to avoid excess oil on the face. Heavy formula moisturisers should be avoided as they can tend to clog your pores. Choose a light serum for the day or wear it under your sunscreen. Avoid heavy make-up as it can clog your pores. Some of the natural moisturisers include organic coconut oil, hemp seed oil and olive oil which can be used day and night and will not leave your skin oily instead it will moisturise and hydrate the skin leaving it smooth and wrinkle free.

Acne in Monsoon

Acne can be a problem in monsoon for some people as humidity is breeding ground for bacteria and you are more prone to breaking out. Keep tea tree oil handy as it’s a great anti-bacterial. If your skin is too oily, use a clay-based face mask twice a day to cleanse pores and remove excess oil from the skin. Since oil on the skin can make it look even more oily and dull, due to sweat and oil secretion, a flower based skin tonic or rose water which is a natural toner and can be mixed with cucumber juice can tone, tighten and clear the skin surface.

Sunscreen both Indoors and Outdoors

Overcast weather may hide the sun but its UV rays are still present and can be harmful to your skin. That is why use of sunscreen is one of the most essential parts of your skincare regime even during rains. Even if the weather is cloudy, make sure to use sunscreen to protect your skin from the harmful UV rays. In monsoon try using waterproof or water-resistant sunscreen or even gel based sunscreen to avoid too much moisture on the face.