We’re bang in the middle of the monsoon. And while we enjoy every moment of this season when indoors, unfortunately, it’s not very kind to the skin. Fluctuating temperatures, exposure to acidic rainwater and excessive humidity and moisture in the air, all come together to wreak havoc within our pores. This is the season when our skin constantly feels sticky and greasy and therefore becomes a magnet for the dirt and grime that surrounds it, resulting in breakouts. This is also the season where the skin barrier can get inflamed and irritated.
However, there are a few precautionary measures one can take to combat the impact. Of course, tweaking your skincare routine to suit the weather is necessary, but what’s more important is to include skincare ingredients that are appropriate for the season. Here’s exactly what your stash needs.
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AHAs and BHAs
Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) and Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHAs) are a must in your monsoon skincare routine, owing to their exfoliation properties. Essentially, AHAs are water-soluble ingredients like glycolic, lactic and mandelic acids, which help exfoliate dead skin cells from the surface of the skin. BHAs, on the other hand, are oil-soluble which means they dive deeper into your pores and exfoliate the dead skin cells from within—an example of this would be salicylic acid. These acids even help kill bacteria, which aids in treating breakouts and acne.
During monsoons, the sebaceous glands in your pores tend to go overdrive resulting in excess oiliness and greasiness, which can lead to clogged pores. By exfoliating the skin with an AHA or a BHA (or both), you take away the grime and dead skin cells, reducing the chances of clogging. Plus, using a BHA exfoliant will help reduce excess oil and will also treat any existing acne. AHAs work well for sensitive skin, while BHAs are perfect for oily to combination skin types.
Tira recommends: Wishful Yo Glow AHA & BHA Facial Enzyme Scrub
The Formularx 2% BHA Exfoliator With 2% Salicylic Acid & Niacinamide
Nip+Fab Glycolic Fix Daily Cleansing Pads
Retinol
A derivative of vitamin A, retinol is known for its anti-ageing properties. But did you know it makes for an excellent exfoliant too? Adding retinol to your monsoon skincare routine will help boost skin cell turnover, stimulate collagen production and reduce the appearance of pores. It also tackles any bacteria-causing acne and treats inflamed and irritated skin. Just remember to slather on sunscreen the next morning, or else it’ll damage your skin even further.
Tira recommends: Foxtale 0.15% Encapsulated Retinol Night Serum
The Derma Co. - Dr V SkinRenew Peptide Retinol Serum-Cream
Green tea extract
If you’re looking for a milder yet effective monsoon skincare ingredient, we recommend giving green tea extract a go. It contains anti-bacterial properties that help soothe monsoon skincare woes such as acne, while controlling excess sebum production. It’s the perfect go-to if you’re someone with oily skin that tends to break out due to the weather.
Tira recommends: Plum Green Tea Clear Face Mask, Fights Pimples, Control Excess Oil, Unclogs Pores
Allies Of Skin Molecular Silk Amino Hydrating Cleanser
Ceramides
Due to pollution, the rainwater we receive isn’t pure in any way, especially if you live in a city. When your skin comes into contact with this rainwater, it can often experience irritation or infections, resulting in a damaged skin barrier. Incorporating skincare products like a lightweight moisturiser that contains ceramides will help restore and strengthen the skin’s barrier while providing it with intense moisture. This monsoon skincare ingredient works well for sensitive skin too.
Tira recommends: Dr. Sheth's Cica & Ceramide Oil Free Moisturizer
The Face Shop Rice & Ceramide Moisturizing Emulsion Cream
Benzoyl peroxide
Another acne-soother, benzoyl peroxide makes for the perfect spot treatment during the monsoon. It contains anti-bacterial properties that aid in treating any sort of rash or inflammation triggered by the rainwater. Benzoyl peroxide is also known for its exfoliating properties, as it helps slough away dead skin cells and remove other blemishes such as blackheads and whiteheads.
Niacinamide
If you’re on an oil control mission during the monsoon, then niacinamide will be your BFF. As the excess humidity in the air drives your skin to produce more oil, resulting in excess greasiness, niacinamide will go deep into your pores, control sebaceous glands and regulate oil production. It also strengthens your skin’s lipid barrier, which means it helps those with dry skin types too. Lastly, niacinamide helps fade away dullness, dark spots or any pigmentation caused by acne, resulting in brighter, more radiant skin.
Tira recommends: Minimalist 5% Niacinamide Face Serum With Bifida Ferment & Oat Extract For Healing & Soothing Skin
Hyaluronic acid
A naturally occurring acid in the skin, hyaluronic acid helps maintain the skin’s moisture levels. Using hyaluronic acid topically, especially during the monsoon, helps stimulate these moisture levels, which in turn regulates and controls sebum production. Your skin is left with a hydrated, plump glow that isn’t greasy or oily.
Tira recommends: Neemli Naturals Hyaluronic & Oat Amino Acid Moisturizer
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Face Moisturizer With Hyaluronic Acid For 72 Hours Hydration
