The first wave of rain can serve as a welcome relief from the scorching glare of the summer. But once the petrichor and the romanticism of dewy mornings have all evaporated into thin air, there are a host of beauty concerns to contend with. Say hello to frizzy hair days and endless flyaways; and make room for all the skincare concerns entering the chat as well. With the increase in humidity leading to sudden acne flare-ups, it helps to stay one step ahead by adjusting your skincare routine accordingly. Dr Jamuna Pai, cosmetic physician and founder of SkinLab, shares her best monsoon skincare tips ahead.
“Monsoon leads to clogged pores and more frequent acne breakouts.”
This season comes with high humidity, which makes the skin sweaty and oily. The increased moisture causes more dust and dirt to stick to the skin, clogging the pores and leading to acne breakouts. The humid air also creates an ideal environment for microbes like fungi and bacteria to thrive. As a result, fungal infections become rampant during this season, often exacerbated by the friction of skin against damp clothing. Hence, it’s essential to stay vigilant about your skincare routine during the monsoon, ensuring your skin is cleansed and kept dry and free from the conditions that foster these issues.
“Your skincare routine needs to be adjusted for the monsoon season.”
When it comes to must-have skincare products, it’s crucial to recognise that there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Just because a product works well for someone else doesn’t mean that it will necessarily suit your skin type too. Maintaining a basic monsoon skincare routine is essential for healthy skin.
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Here’s how you can adjust your routine for the monsoon season.
Cleansing:
Face washes are non-negotiable for this season. However, the trick doesn’t lie in just finding the right formula, but also knowing how it is used. It is advisable to double cleanse your face to rinse off all the grime, pollutants and excessive sebum from the skin.
Tira recommends: Neutrogena Oil Free Acne Face Wash, DHC Beauty Deep Cleansing Oil
Hydrating:
Just because your skin has been feeling oily, you can’t expect a hall pass from moisturisation altogether. During the monsoon, switch to lighter face lotions that hydrate without clogging pores.
Tira recommends: Minimalist 10% Vitamin B5 Face Moisturizer For Oily acne prone Skin Cream
Exfoliation:
Your arsenal of monsoon skincare products also needs to make room for weekly exfoliation. It is advisable to opt for mild scrubs and acid-based exfoliants to gently unclog pores and get rid of any grime.
Tira recommends: The Derma Co 15% Aha + 1% Bha Beginner Face Peeling Solution
Spot treatments:
Need to deal with a breakout quickly? You’ll want to stash a few spot treatments at hand for any skincare SOS situations—hydrocolloid anti-acne patches can help.
Tira recommends: mCaffeine Matcha Tea Hydrocolloid Acne Patches
Sunscreen:
Sun protection is a must in every season. UV rays can penetrate clouds, so using a gel-based, waterproof sunscreen keeps the skin protected without feeling moist and sticky.
Tira recommends: Dr. Sheth’s Ceramide & Vitamin C Sunscreen
Keeping skin dry:
With increased humidity, it’s vital to keep not just the facial skin but also the body dry. Blotting sheets are handy for absorbing extra moisture and sweat from the face, while dusting powder can help keep areas like underarms, inner thighs and neck folds dry, preventing infections.
Beyond opting for the right monsoon skincare products, certain daily habits can also go a long way towards keeping unwanted breakouts at bay. Ensure that you use a gentle makeup remover to thoroughly take off any remnants of makeup and pollutants from the day. It is advisable to avoid touching your face as much as possible and to clean your hands thoroughly before making contact with your face. Likewise, you will also want to ensure a weekly clean-up of everything that comes in contact with your skin, from makeup brushes to pillowcases. Your phone screen can also harbour a surprising amount of bacteria and should be treated to a wipe-down at the end of every day.
“The right active ingredients can revolutionise your monsoon skincare routine.”
Opting for lightweight and gel-based products is the right approach. Additionally, choosing products with soothing ingredients like rose water, aloe vera gel and hyaluronic acid can further alleviate irritation, leaving your skin feeling happy and healthy.
Dos
● Cleanse: Cleanse your face twice every day to take off any pollutants and excess sebum.
● Exfoliate: Exfoliate weekly with a mild formula to remove dead skin cells and unclog pores.
● Spot treatment: Keep spot treatments at hand to deal with sudden flare-ups while on the go.
● Keep your skin dry: Use blotting sheets and avoid touching your face as much as possible.
Don’ts
● Heavy formulas: Do not opt for thick and emollient face moisturisers—make the switch to lightweight formulas for this season.
● Skip SPF: Do not skip sun protection as UV rays can penetrate clouds as well.
● Cakey makeup products: Do not opt for heavy makeup products. Instead, look for non-comedogenic and water-resistant options that will allow your skin to breathe through the day.
