Monsoon season is a much-anticipated respite from the summer heat, bringing with it cool breezes and the pitter-patter of raindrops. However, along with the pleasant weather, it also ushers in high humidity levels, which can significantly impact our skin. For many, this season brings about increased skin sensitivity, leading to issues such as acne breakouts, fungal infections, and rashes. Understanding these changes and adapting your skincare routine accordingly is crucial to maintaining healthy skin during the monsoon. Let’s learn from Dr Monica Kapoor, Celebrity Cosmetologist and Director of Flawless Cosmetic Clinic & ILACAD the right skincare routine for people with sensitive skin during the rainy season.
Understanding Skin Sensitivity During Monsoon
The increased humidity and fluctuating temperatures during the rainy season allow bacteria and fungi to grow. This can lead to various skin issues, especially for those with sensitive skin. Here are some common skin problems faced during the monsoon:
Acne and Breakouts: Increased humidity leads to excess sweating and oil production, which can clog pores and result in acne.
Fungal Infections: The damp and humid conditions are perfect breeding grounds for fungi, leading to infections such as ringworm, athlete’s foot, and other fungal rashes.
Allergic Reactions: Pollen and other allergens are more prevalent in the air during monsoon, which can trigger skin allergies and reactions in sensitive individuals.
Dryness and Flakiness: Paradoxically, while some may suffer from oily skin, others may experience dryness due to the erratic weather conditions, leading to flaky and irritated skin.
Adapting Monsoon Skincare Routine
To combat these issues and protect your skin, it’s important to tweak your skincare routine to suit the monsoon climate. Here are some essential tips to keep your skin healthy and glowing during the rainy season:
Cleansing:
- Frequency: Increase the frequency of cleansing to two to three times a day to remove excess oil and sweat.
- Product: Use a mild, soap-free cleanser that won’t strip your skin of its natural oils. Look for ingredients like salicylic acid for acne-prone skin or hydrating components like glycerin for dry skin.
Exfoliation:
- Gentle Exfoliation: Exfoliate your skin gently once or twice a week to remove dead skin cells and unclog pores. Avoid using harsh scrubs that are dry and trigger sensitive skin.
- Ingredients: Opt for exfoliants containing natural ingredients like oatmeal or fruit enzymes, which are gentle yet effective.
Moisturising:
- Lightweight Moisturisers: Switch to lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturisers that hydrate without clogging pores. Gel-based or water-based moisturisers are ideal for this season.
- Hydrating Serums: Incorporate hydrating serums with ingredients like hyaluronic acid to maintain moisture balance without feeling heavy on the skin.
Sun Protection:
- SPF: Don’t skip sunscreen just because it’s cloudy. UV rays can penetrate clouds and still affect your skin. Always use a sunscreen with SPF 30 and above.
- Water-Resistant Formulas: Opt for water-resistant formulas to ensure your sunscreen stays effective even if you get caught in the rain.
Special Care for Sensitive Areas
Fungal infection-prone areas: Your underarms, area between your toes, groin, etc. are prone to fungal infections. You need to take extra care of these sensitive areas. Always keep them dry and use antifungal products to prevent infections.
Hydration: Ensure that you keep your skin well-hydrated but not overly oily. Drinking plenty of water also helps to keep your skin hydrated from within.
Diet and Hydration:
- Balanced Diet: Maintain a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to provide your skin with essential nutrients. Foods high in antioxidants can help combat environmental stressors.
- Hydration: Keep yourself hydrated as water helps in detoxifying the skin and keeping it nourished. Consuming fresh fruit juices, herbal teas and drinks is also beneficial.
Lifestyle Adjustments:
- Clean Towels and Linens: Regularly change your towels, pillowcases, and bedsheets to prevent bacterial buildup.
- Avoid Touching Your Face: Minimise touching your face to reduce the transfer of bacteria and oils from your hands.
By making these adjustments to your skincare routine, you can effectively manage skin sensitivity during the monsoon season. Remember, the key is to maintain a balance – keeping your skin clean and hydrated without overloading it with products. Listen to your skin’s needs and adapt accordingly to enjoy a healthy, glowing complexion all through the rainy season.