Care for your skin during Monsoons

What happens to the skin in monsoon?
During the rainy season the weather becomes very humid due to the presence of moisture in the atmosphere. Add to that the blazing sun, which scorches your skin, seeping through the clouds. When the heat rises but there are no rains to bring down your body temperature, the sebaceous glands, that are the oil glands, become overactive and start secreting oil. This oil forms a layer of film on the skin. Bacteria settle on the oily layer and cause itching, rash and allergies. As a result the skin looks dull and lifeless.

Simple and basic skincare
To take care of your skin in humid weather always carry wet tissues with you and keep wiping the face. Some of the wet tissues come with non-alcoholic astringent with a pleasant fragrance. Working women can use a water-based moisturizer. Avoid using creams in this weather. Also consider having facials done more regularly to cleanse your skin. It is always advisable to take aroma cream facials which are available for all kinds of skin. They are recommended because they don’t have any chemicals.

Consume more fresh fruits and vegetables. The pulp of papaya, banana, sweet lemon, plums and peaches can be used as face packs. Vegetables like cucumber, tomato juice, potato can be used as a cleanser and to shrink the pores. People with very oily skin can splash cold water with a few drops of lime added to it and then tone up the skin with aromatic skin toners which are alcohol free.

Housewives confined to the kitchen for a long time are exposed to oil fumes which settle on their skin leading to irritation, rash or itching. They should wash their face frequently with cold water with a few drops of eau de cologne added to it. Having cold juices and even cold soups would help your skin to a great extent.

Skincare tips in monsoon

• Use a clarifying facial wash or cleanser. This can help unclog pores that areworking overtime during the hotter months as skin sweats often.
• Drink plenty of water.
• Use an exfoliating scrub at least once per week to remove dull skin cells and increase circulation.
• Use a light moisturizer with SPF protection on a daily basis. The SPF grade depends on your skin type.
• Use an eye gel before bed. This can help reduce puffiness and any tenderness in the eye area.
• Avoid direct sun exposure; not only will you feel hotter, but your skin will be more at risk for sun damage.

Home remedies in humid heat
In humid, hot climates, cleansing is a top priority in order to remove oil and dirt, especially if you have oily or problem skin.

• Keep a mini skincare kit with you. Pack in it small or travel-sized bottles of wipe-off cleanser and toner and, if you need to, cleanse quickly at midday as well as morning and night, using tissues.
• Just use moisturizer where you need it and choose light or oil-free types rather than heavier creams.
• Wear a water-based foundation, especially if your skin is oily. If you prefer not towear foundation during hot weather, just sweep on a little translucent or bronze powder to control any shine.
• Look out for oil-blotting lotions that can be worn under foundation to keep your skin matte and shine-free. Apply only over the T-zone.
• If you are working in a city, consider having facials more regularly to cleanse your skin of pollution residues. Your pores open up in hot weather and so absorb these residues more readily than when it is cooler.

Always remember you have to rehydrate your skin to allow the skin to sustain self repair and suppleness. Enjoy the rains!