While monsoons are a boon from the sweltering heat, they can also be a bane for our skin. Rains and humidity bring along with them a host of problems. Hence, it is important to have a monsoon skin care routine to keep your skin healthy and glowing during the rainy season. An effective monsoon skin care helps prevent common issues like acne, infections, dryness and damage caused by other environmental stressors. High levels of humidity can lead to excessive sweating and oil production on the skin. The excess moisture can lead to stickiness and greasiness, and it can contribute to clogged pores and breakouts. In this article, we will give you a low down on monsoon skin care tips, a guide to establish an essential skin care routine and monsoon makeup tips.
Due to the changes in weather and environmental factors, your skin’s needs may also change during the monsoon. Adapting your skin care routine accordingly is essential to address these specific needs. Rainwater and increased exposure to moisture during the monsoon can affect the skin’s natural protective barrier. Prolonged exposure to rainwater can strip away the skin’s natural oils and disrupt its pH balance. This can lead to dryness, irritation and sensitivity. In this article, we will tell you on how to combat dry and oily skin in monsoon.
Mastering Monsoon Skincare: Top Guide to an Everlasting Beauty Ritual: The Basics
1. Cleanse and Refresh
Cleansing is the first step in a skin care routine that helps in removing dirt, sweat and excess oil that can accumulate during the monsoons. The damp and humid environment during the monsoon provides favourable conditions for the growth of bacteria and fungi on the skin. Cleansing helps to remove these micro-organisms from surface, reducing the risk of infections.
Cleansing with a gentle and hydrating cleanser helps to remove impurities without stripping away the skin’s natural oils, maintaining a proper balance of hydration. Choosing a right cleanser for your skin type is essential to address specific concerns. Clean, well-cleansed skin allows for better absorption of skin care products, enhancing their effectiveness. Wash your face twice a day, morning and night, to keep your skin refreshed and free from the environmental impacts of the monsoon season.
For example, oily skin requires foaming cleansers and dry skin requires cream cleansers. We recommend choosing Simple Kind to Skin Refreshing Facial Foam for oily skin. This cleanser contains vital vitamins such as vitamin C and pro-vitamin B5 to help replenish, nourish and soften your skin without irritation.
2. Exfoliate and Detoxify
During the monsoon, humidity can contribute to an accumulation of dead skin cells, leading to a dull and uneven complexion. Exfoliation helps to slough off dead skin cells from the surface of the skin, and helps remove impurities, prevent clogged pores and reduce the chances of breakouts and blackheads. Choose Pond’s Bright Beauty Face Scrub to gently exfoliate the skin. This scrub is enriched with the goodness of vitamin B3 and E and washes away the dullness and tanned cells to bring out bright cells for instant glowing skin.
Detoxification and exfoliation involve removing toxins from the skin. During monsoons, grime in the air can settle on the skin and contribute to skin congestion and dullness. When the skin is properly exfoliated and detoxified, moisturisers, serums and other skin care products can penetrate deeper into the skin, maximising their efficacy. Moderation is key when it comes to exfoliation. Over-exfoliation using harsh exfoliants can irritate the skin and cause dryness.
3. Hydrate and Nourish
Hydration is key for healthy, plump and glowing skin. Even though the humidity may be high during the monsoon, it’s important to use a moisturiser to keep your skin hydrated. Look for moisturisers with ingredients like, vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, glycerin or ceramides to replenish moisture and strengthen the skin barrier. Opt for lightweight, non-greasy formulas that provide hydration without clogging your pores.
Incorporate hydrating face masks once or twice a week for a boost of hydration and nourishment to the skin. We recommend using Lakme Blush and Glow Strawberry Sheet Mask to give a burst of freshness to your skin. You can also DIY homemade masks infusing ingredients like cucumber, aloe vera or honey. Use serums or facial oils for an extra layer of hydration and nourishment to your skin.
4. Targeted Treatments
During monsoons, certain skin concerns may become more prevalent due to increased humidity. The humidity can contribute to acne breakouts. Look for acne treatments that contain ingredients like salicylic acid to unclog pores, reduce inflammation and control acne-causing bacteria.
Targeted oil-control treatments, such as mattifying moisturisers, oil-absorbing masks and spot treatment serums, can help control excess oil and shine. We suggest using Pond’s Bright Beauty Anti-Pigmentation Serum. With the goodness of 12% Gluta Niacinamide, this serum helps dissolve deep-seated hyperpigmentation, repair any skin damage and boost the brightness of your skin from within.
Monsoon Makeup Tips
1) Prime Your Face: Applying a mattifying or oil-control primer on oily skin before makeup to create a smooth canvas and to make your makeup last longer. For dry skin, look for hydrating primers.
2) Use Lightweight Formulas: It is preferrable to skip a foundation, but if you do use, opt for water-based foundations or tinted moisturisers that offer good coverage without feeling heavy on the skin.
3) Waterproof Eye Makeup: Invest in waterproof or long-wearing formulas for your eyeliner, mascara and eyeshadows to prevent smudging due to humidity or rain.
4) Set Your Makeup: Use translucent setting powders to help your makeup set it in place and control shine. Focus on the T-zone and areas prone to oiliness. Lock everything with a setting spray to ensure longevity.
5) Carry Blotting Papers: Keep blotting papers in your bag to control excess shine or oiliness throughout the day. Gently blot your face whenever needed, without disturbing your makeup.
FAQs about Mastering Monsoon Skincare: Top Guide to an Everlasting Beauty Ritual
Q1. Is sunscreen important during monsoon season?
A. Yes, sunscreen is a non-negotiable in your skin care routine, no matter the weather. UV rays penetrate through clouds, leading to sun damage and skin ageing. Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 and apply it generously on all exposed areas of your skin, even on cloudy or rainy days.
Q2. Which DIY face mask is best for rainy season?
A. For dry skin, use hydrating mask made of yogurt, honey and aloe vera gel. For oily skin, use mattifying face mask using Fuller’s earth or Multani mitti mixed with rose water and glycerin. And for sensitive skin type, use oatmeal, honey and yogurt. Oats have soothing properties and can help calm irritated skin.
Q3. How to practice good hygiene during rains?
A. To prevent fungal infections like athlete’s foot or ringworm, keep your skin clean and dry, especially between toes and groin. Avoid sharing personal items like towels, shoes and socks. Wear breathable clothing like cotton and linen.
To have the best time during monsoons, it is important to follow a healthy skin care routine as per your skin requirements. By adopting a suitable skin care routine, you can keep your skin clean, hydrated, and protected throughout the monsoon.
Written by Sania Dhirwani on Jul 26, 2023