The skincare bracket is a playground for hits and misses, it’s part and parcel of curating the right skincare routine. Likewise, in light of the ongoing monsoon season, we have experts weighing in on the hits and misses of monsoon skincare.
Just when we get used to the winter breeze, summers start to knock on the doors and just when the summer sun starts to settle we are greeted by rains. Much like ourselves, the seasons are as moody as they can get and amidst these series of changes, the one to throw a fit is our skin. Season after season it’s not just our wardrobes that demand change, but our skincare shelves too. After the scorching summer heat, the monsoon season brings a bitter-sweet feeling to our vanities. While we wish to rejoice in the rainy breeze, our skin dreads the humidity that comes in later. Even your basic skincare routine needs a change when it comes to the monsoon season. Speaking of monsoon skincare, no matter how much you may read up, research or visit dermatologists you tend to make mistakes, and just one mistake might end you up with a zit or another tantrum thrown by your skin.
Since monsoon skincare puts us into a conundrum about whether to go for the hydrating products or thick layers; to snap us out of this we have two experts giving us all the details to curate a thoughtful and effective skincare routine.
A detailed guide into monsoon skincare
Dr Gurveen Waraich Garekar’s nine-step guide to monsoon skincare
After the intense and burning heat of summer, the monsoon brings relief from the scorching heat but also introduces new challenges for our skin posed by increased humidity and fluctuating weather conditions that contribute to a range of skin issues. To cope with monsoon woes, let’s explore some essential monsoon skincare tips to maintain healthy and radiant skin during the season:
Simplify your morning skincare routine
Layering too many skincare products on the face, especially in the morning, can make skin feel oily and sticky, especially in humid conditions. It may also hinder the skin’s ability to breathe and can clog pores, potentially leading to breakouts. Hence, avoid overlaying and allow the skin to breathe naturally throughout the day.
Use lightweight Moisturisers
Replace heavy, creamy, and fragrant moisturiser with a gel-based one. It is light on the skin and non-comedogenic, which alleviates the trouble of heaviness on the skin. While providing essential nourishment to the skin, gel-based moisturiser protects the skin from dryness, and irritation without any feeling of oiliness.
Use Sunscreen Daily
A common misconception during the monsoon season is that cloudy skies mean less sun exposure. Clouds can block some sunlight, but they do not filter out harmful UV rays. Up to 80% of UV rays can still get through clouds and reach the skin. This means you can still get sunburned even on a cloudy day. So, it is important to use sunscreen of SPF 30 PA+++ and protect from harmful damaging UV rays, discolouration and sunburn.
Go for Light Coverage Makeup
Traditional foundations can falter in humid conditions, leading to an uneven, cakey appearance. In contrast, tinted sunscreens and BB creams with SPF protection provide coverage while allowing multiple benefits including hydration, sun protection, long-lasting finish, and allowing the skin to breathe amidst fluctuating moisture levels.
Use AHA/BHA Toners
The deep cleaning property of AHA/BHA penetrates deep into the pores and removes the excess oil, impurities, and sebum from the skin. By gently exfoliating and unclogging pores, they reduce the appearance of blackheads and whiteheads, while removing dead skin cells. Use them 2-3 times a week to maintain clear, congestion-free skin and prevent future breakouts.
Stay Hydrated
Regardless of cooler temperatures, the monsoon season can still dehydrate the skin to increase humidity. To maintain hydration and skin elasticity it is essential to drink plenty of water aiming for at least 2.5-3 litres every day.
Double Cleansing at Night
Cleansing the face at night is a crucial step of the skincare routine as it reduces all the impurities of the day like dirt, pollution, makeup, and excess oil. By double cleansing the face, you can unclog pores and minimize the size. This helps prevent acne breakouts and keep skin from looking dull.
Use a hydrating face mist
Always use hydrating and refreshing face mist/ toner when the skin is in dire need of hydration. It helps to keep the skin looking calm, rejuvenated, and refreshing and minimises the size of the pores.
Use Antibacterial or Antifungal Soaps
Using antibacterial or antifungal soap for bathing once or twice a week can significantly reduce the risk of athlete’s foot, ringworm, fungal rashes, and other infections common during the monsoon.
Dr Madhu Chopra on the common skincare mistakes to avoid during monsoons
The monsoon season brings much-needed relief from the scorching summer heat, but it also comes with its own set of skincare challenges. High humidity and fluctuating temperatures can wreak havoc on your skin if not managed properly. Here are some common skincare mistakes to avoid during the monsoon season, along with product recommendations to keep your skin healthy and glowing.
One of the biggest skincare mistakes during monsoons is skipping sunscreen. Even on cloudy days, UV rays can penetrate the clouds and cause skin damage. It is important to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Look for a waterproof formula that will provide protection even in the rain.
While moisturising is essential, overdoing it can clog pores and lead to breakouts, especially with increased humidity. Choose a light, non-comedogenic moisturiser. Gel or water-based moisturisers are an excellent choice for the monsoon season as they provide hydration without making your skin feel greasy.
Increased humidity can cause sweat and dirt to accumulate on the skin, leading to clogged pores and acne. That’s why it’s important to use a gentle, foaming cleanser twice a day to remove excess oil and impurities without stripping the skin of its natural moisture.
Heavy makeup can block pores and cause breakouts, especially in humid conditions. Choose light, non-comedogenic makeup products. BB creams or tinted moisturisers are a good alternative to heavy makeup and offer coverage without suffocating your skin.
While external skin care is key, neglecting to hydrate from the inside can also affect your skin’s health. Drink plenty of water and include hydrating foods such as fruits and vegetables in your diet. Herbal teas and coconut water are also great for staying hydrated and keeping your skin supple.
Exfoliating too often can irritate the skin, but not exfoliating at all can lead to a build-up of dead skin cells. Once or twice a week, gently exfoliate with a gentle scrub to keep your skin smooth and clean. This helps in keeping the skin fresh and glowing even during monsoons.
Toner is often overlooked, but it plays a key role in maintaining the skin’s pH balance and controlling oil production. Use an alcohol-free toner with ingredients like witch hazel or rose water to refresh and balance your skin and prevent it from becoming too oily or dry.
Using hydrating and purifying face masks once a week can rejuvenate your skin and provide it with the nutrients and moisture it needs. Don’t touch your face often to prevent the transfer of dirt and bacteria, which leads to fewer pimples. Maintaining hygiene by changing your pillowcases regularly and keeping your hair clean also helps prevent oil and dirt from transferring to your face.
Hero and Featured Image: Courtesy Shutterstock
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Written by
Jhanvi Duggal
Lifestyle Writer
Jhanvi Duggal is an avid follower of all things beauty and fashion. Her inquisitive side led her into the digital lifestyle space. She has previously contributed as a writer for Wedding Affair, Global Spa and Peaklife. She is all about aesthetics, organic products and inspirational brand stories. If not on her laptop, she's usually taking an aesthetic shot for the gram or burying herself in books.
