MONSOON SKIN CARE
The rainy season is here and who doesn't love the cool relief we get after the scorching summer heat! We all wait for that alluring aroma of wet soil. Along with that hot cup of chai and pakodas we must also take care of our skin and hair. It also gives us that much needed respite from the sunburns, tans and sweaty days that have just gone by. However, the rainy season also invites humidity and dampness that invites several skin infections, fungus and allergies. We need a strategic skin care approach to deal with these issues and make our skin glow!
1. Cleanliness is the most important step we must follow in the rainy season. Clean your face at least three times a day with a no soap cleanser to remove traces of grime. This will help maintain clean and healthy skin without stripping your skin off its essential oils.
2. Exfoliating the skin once a week is necessary to get rid of the dead layers on your skin. Get a regular skin exfoliation treatment like microdermabrasion or a mild chemical peel to reduce the risk of falling prey to infection.
3. Don’t skip the toner. In summer, we tend to sweat a lot and this can cause our skin pores to open up. Use a toner after cleansing to help shrink these pores. Invest in an alcohol-free toner with antioxidant ingredients like green tea and glycolic acid that help tighten enlarged pores. This also helps to control blemishes and acne, while removing dead cells.
4. The humidity that is generated after rains can make your skin’s inner layer dry and brittle. Always use a nourishing moisturiser to make your skin moist, supple and healthy. Those who have oily skin should choose a water based moisturiser.
5. Always go for minimal make-up and products with natural and organic ingredients. Let your pores breathe. Apply a lip balm that can moisturize the lips and keep it handy so that you can use it anytime.
6. Just because it is cloudy do not avoid using sunscreen. The harmful UV rays can wreck havoc on your skin. Choosing the right sunscreen for the right complexion and skin type is extremely important. Use nothing below SPF 30. Apply generously where your skin gets exposed and reapply frequently or atleast every 2-3 hours.
7. Make sure you hydrate with lots of water in the monsoon. The excess humidity in the air tends to make us sweat. This in turn can make the skin pale and lack luster. Please drink lots of water to maintain that youthful glow!
8. It is also of utmost importance to look after our hair during the monsoon. In this season dirt and grime tends to get attracted to it. This can in turn cause a lot of frizz and hair fall. Wash your hair at least 2-3 times a week and use a sulphate and paraben free shampoo. Please make sure to use a conditioner.
Monsoon skin & hair concerns
#1: Fungal infections
“These are more common in the rainy season, mainly due to wet clothes and sweat. Armpits, groin, the skin under the breasts and the area between our toes are most commonly affected.”
Solution
“After bathing, dust some anti-fungal powder (clotrimazole dusting powder is available at all general chemists) on your feet, underarms, body folds and groin. Apply a clotrimazole or ketoconazole-based cream at bedtime.”
#2: Smelly feet
Wearing wet socks, shoes or any covered footwear through the day can create a damp atmosphere which breeds fungus, yeast and bacteria.
Solution
Wash your feet with soap and water if you've been exposed to puddles or rainwater. If your socks get wet on your way to work, change into dry socks when you get indoors. Apply anti-fungal dusting powder before you put your socks on. Dab a little anti-fungal ointment at night. If the condition doesn't improve, please consult a dermatologist.
#3: Acne
Humidity causes our skin to sweat and collect dirt and pollutants more easily. This attracts bacteria, leading to breakouts and boils.
Solution
When you step indoors, always clean your face to wash away the grime and dirt. To avoid accumulation of sweat and dust particles, use wet wipes or salyicylic acid wipes when outside for long hours. Apply an antiseptic cream at night, like Neosporin.
#4: Dandruff and dull hair
Normal and oily hair tends to get greasy in this season, while dry hair tends to frizz. The scalp is also likely to get itchy and flaky due to dandruff.
Solution
Use a shampoo containing two per cent ketoconazole and zinc pyrithione to combat dandruff. Wash and condition your hair regularly to regain its sheen. Use an anti-frizz serum if your hair tends to get frizzy.
