With the changing weather, you also have to change your skin care routine. The damp and humid weather takes a toll on your skin – no matter what your skin type is. Pollution, dirt, grime and the harmful UV rays of the sun are the main reasons why your skin is prone to damage during the rainy season.

Says Dr. Abhijit Desai, makeover expert and dermatologist, Evolve Medspa, “It is extremely important to take care of your skin during the rains. Even though the temperature is cooler, a whole new set of problems -greasy skin, flaky itching skin and acne are common at this time.”

Oily skin
Even though the summer heat is almost gone, facial skin tends to become oily due to the humid weather. Says Desai, “Those with oily skin should be extremely careful during the monsoons. The skin tends to get oilier and eventually lead to breakouts.”

If you have oily skin, make sure to use a light-weight moisturiser after bath. Scrub your face twice in a week to remove dirt and grime. Before stepping out in the sun, apply a water or a gel-based sunscreen with an SPF 30, to avoid tanning. Use a floral toner before bedtime to keep your skin hydrated. Opt for light-weight and water-proof make-up during this time.

Dry skin
If you have dry skin, during the monsoons, your skin tends to get drier and dehydrated. Says beauty expert, VLCC, Dr Swati Srivastava, “If you have dry skin, you need to be cautious at this time. The skin tends to get flaky and itchy. Use a good moisturising lotion or cream to keep your skin healthy and nourished.” Use a heavy-weight sunscreen with SPF 30 or more before you step out.

Cleansing the skin is extremely important for those with dry skin. Use a cream based cleanser to keep your skin hydrated and an alcohol-free toner to keep it moisturised. During the monsoons, foundations work best for those with dry skin. Opt for water-proof make-up.

Combination skin
You have a tricky skin type – a combination of both dry and oily. The T-zone (forehead, nose and chin are mostly oily than the rest of the
face). Says cosmetic dermatologist, Dr Chytra V Anand, “For those with combination skin, cleansing is extremely important. Make sure to use a gentle moisturising non-soap cleanser to strip away excess oil while also moisturising and hydrating the dry areas on the skin.”
Scrub your face at least twice a week to remove dust and blackheads. Says Desai, “Moisturise twice in a day with a light-weight moisturiser and make sure to apply a gel-based sunscreen with an SPF 15 or more, before going out in the sun.” While choosing make-up, make sure you opt for the mineral range, as this works the best for combination skin.

Tips for healthy skin

  • There is a lot of humidity in the atmosphere during the monsoon and the climate keeps changing – make sure you stay hydrated during this time.
  • Beauty is not restricted to external application only. Make sure you are eating right. Says Srivastava, “Include vitamin E and Omega 3 in your diet. These nutrients are rich in oils and will keep your skin nourished. It is advisable to take vitamin C during the monsoons to
    boost your resistance against diseases.”
  • Avoid wearing heavy make-up. Opt for the sweat-proof or water-proof products.
  • Cleansing is important during the monsoons. The high humidity can cause sweat to run in rivulets over your face. This creates a build-up of dirt, dust and grime along with other toxins on the surface of your skin.
  • Dermatologist Dr Jaishree Sharad says, “Moisturise your skin religiously by using moisturisers with natural ingredients like coconuts, as they penetrate deep into the skin and get absorbed quickly, making the skin feel moisturised and fresh.”
  • This is the time to go in for detox facials to help drain the body lymphatic and toxins. Exfoliating the skin is necessary to get rid of the dead layers of cells on your skin.

Monsoon skin problems
Don’t forget, skin infections are very common during the monsoons. Fungal and bacterial infections are dangerous. Says Dr Mohan Thomas, Sr. Cosmetic Surgeon, Breach Candy Hospital, “Use an anti-fungal powder on all body folds to avoid any infection.” Other skin infections include – rashes, ringworms and discolouration of skin due to the harmful UV rays of the sun.

Source: http://idiva.com/news-style-beauty/a-guide-to-monsoon-skincare/13379