Image: Pexels
After the sweltering heat of summers, monsoons have come knocking on our doors with great gusto. Everybody loves the sight of rains and the relishes the respite it brings from the heat and sweating, however the busy and hectic schedules does not really give us the time to sit back and enjoy the rains let alone modify our skin care routine to suit the changing temperature.
Monsoons are a tough time for the skin, the increased humidity and the general ‘feel’ of dampness leads to a ‘shower’ of problem such as acne, blackheads, whiteheads, oily skin, itching, eczema, irritations, rashes, fungi and bacterial infections and decreases the skin’s ability to retain moisture. In the ideal conditions the skin has a perfect balance of acidity and alkalinity and keeps glowing and remains oil free. The sebum produced by skin glands maintains this balance and prevents the germs and toxins from attacking the skin. Monsoon robs the skin of moisture and as a result the oily skin becomes more oil, the dry skin dryer, the combination skin changes and the normal skin becomes unpredictable.
An accelerated ageing process because of disturbed pH balance of the skin further increases the perils of improper skin care. It is obvious that your summer skin care routine will not work in monsoon, here are some best tips shared by Dr Rinky Kapoor, cosmetic dermatologist and dermato-surgeon, The Esthetic Clinics, to keep your skin healthy, glowing and clear during the monsoon
- Wash the wet face with a gentle cleanser. Getting wet in the rains is fun but don’t let the rain water sit on your skin. Wash the rain water off your skin with gentle cleanser.
- Regulate the shower temperature to lukewarm. Hot water will harm the blood capillaries, which in turn will damage the skin barriers.
- Resist the urge to wash the sticky face too often in the day. Limit washing your face to twice or thrice a day and opt for gentle soaps and body washes for the skin. Keep a pack of soft tissues to wipe off sweat, grease, dirt and dust handy with you
- A good toner will help you restore the natural pH balance of the skin and take off the shine from the skin and make it appear glowing. You can use rose water or rice water as a homemade toner to clear out the clogged pores of the skin. When buying off the counter look for ingredients like tea tree, lemon juice, cucumber etc. to prevent acne, and clear up the blemishes on the skin.
- Use a light gel based matte finish moisturiser on the skin. This will help create a barrier on the skin and seal in the moisture keeping the skin supple and plump.
- Exfoliate twice a week to red rid of the accumulated germs on the skin. Exfoliation will get rid of the dead skin cells help the skin breathe ease.
Image: Pexels
- Sunscreen is a must before you step out of the house. Even when it is cloudy, the sun rays can reach your skin and cause damage. Chose a water resistant sunscreen to help you sail thought the monsoon. Also remember to apply the sunscreen at least 20 minutes before going out.
- Excessive sweating because of humidity can cause the skin to appear dull and pale. Drink a minimum of 8-10 glasses of water every day. It helps flush the toxins out of the body and keeps you looking fresh.
- Opt for minimal makeup especially if you are going to be outdoors. Just a thin layer of moisturising lip balm and a waterproof kajal will compliment your skin in the monsoons. If you have to wear makeup then make sure that you use the mineral based products.
- Always and always remove the makeup and cleanse your face before going to bed.
- Avoid wearing artificial jewellery during the monsoons. The metals can react with the sweat and cause rashes and discoloration on the skin.
- Exercise regularly to keep the body temperature warm.
- Include probiotics in your diet. Probiotics help restore the balance of the skin and prevent harmful bacterial. Fresh made seasonal vegetables and fresh cut fruits will help the feed the skin with essential nutrients and restore healthy colour and glow. Including garlic, pepper, ginger, turmeric, jeera powder, and coriander in your diet as they boost the immune system and help prevent infections.
- Invest in some homemade care. Give your skin some extra TLC with making masks and peels at home. You can use fresh ingredients like lemon, cucumber juice, yogurt, honey, rolled oats, gram flour, turmeric, mashed fresh fruits to make the face masks. They are all natural, fresh and very beneficial for your skin.
- Use a face mask of fresh strawberry pulp mixed with honey or fresh lemon juice for a radiant skin, papaya face mask and aloe vera gels keep the oily skin in control.
- Monsoons are not the best time to have bleaches and facials but you can benefit from chemical peels and microdermabrasion treatments. Consult a skin specialist about the types of peels that will suit you.
- Wash your lips at night and apply some milk on them before going to bed, this will help them stay soft and smooth.
Image: Pexels
- Go for regular waxing, manicure and pedicure treatments to clean the skin and give it a toned and well-kept look at all times.
- Last but not the least be judicious in using skin care products. Treat your skin gently and do not use any random products on the skin. If you are trying a new product then make sure that you do a patch test before regular use.
- Over scrubbing and over washing your face can tip the delicate balance of the skin.
Article Source - https://www.femina.in/beauty/skin/20-easy-tips-to-balance-your-skin-in-monsoon-202823.html