Follow these simple nightly rituals to keep monsoon skin woes at bay.

It is midnight and you can’t wait to hit the sack after a long day at work. But before you turn off the lights and head straight for the comfort of your mattress don’t forget to pamper your skin. Here are some tips to make sure you don’t end up with a skin infection this monsoon.

Step 1: Jump in the shower

Monsoons make you mucky. The first thing to do when you reach home after being outdoors is head for a shower. Soak yourself in warm water for about 10 to 15 minutes. Warm water will open up the pores and release the toxins. You could add in a few drops of ylang ylang or lavender-scented oil to calm down stressed muscles and relax your mind before sleep.

Step 2: Use a loofah or scrub

Once the basic cleansing is done, pour a few drops of your shower gel / body wash on a soft loofah and lather it on your body in a circular motion. You could also opt for an exfoliating scrub (see Beauty Kit for recommendations) or use gram flour from the kitchen. This will help in blood circulation and evacuate dirt from the skin’s superficial layer. Concentrate on areas such as armpits, neck, inner thighs, as these are more prone to a fungal infection.

Step 3: Foot soak

Your feet are prone to numerous infections during monsoons so, treat them separately. Fill a large tub with hot water and add some sea salt and a few drops of antiseptic solvents. Soak your feet in this mixture for at least 10 minutes. Use a soft brush to gently scrape off the muck in between toes. Pat dry your feet and apply a thin layer of body lotion (see Beauty Kit for recommendations). Wrap them in warm socks and snuggle up!

Step 4: Cleanse

Your face is also to be treated with extra care, as the pollutants in the rainwater can affect your skin. Cleanse your face thoroughly with a deep cleanser (see Beauty Kit for recommendations). Dip cotton in your cleanser and gently apply it on your face, concentrating on lips, eyelids, cheeks and other make-up centric areas. NEVER sleep with make-up on.

Step 5: Tone

Toning is a necessity at night. Skin toners help in keeping environmental debris and monsoon pollutants at bay. Also, toner helps you avoid breakouts.

Step 6: Moisturise

Monsoons have a dehydrating effect on certain skin types. Finish off your nighttime monsoon ritual with a light application of moisturiser, as it is important to seal the pores with the goodness of a moisturiser. Pick the one that suits your skin type. (See Beauty Kit for recommendations).
Inputs by Dr. Meha Mhatre, Trichologist, Skin Specialist and Owner of Tressez Trichology & Advanced Skincare Centre, Mumbai.