Your Detailed Guide for a Monsoon Skin-Care Routine

Many of us wait for these seasonal showers, don’t we? The fragrance of the rain-watered mud, the green landscapes, and the soothing breeze make this season an absolute soul-pleaser. But, as the beauty of the season embraces us, so do the many beauty woes. And, we usually have a good guide on how to revel in the many joys of this monsoon season, but not so much on the skin-care dilemmas. 

Of course, we’re always presented with tips and advice from our peers, the internet, our dermatologist, and of course, the media. But, do we know what works for our exact skin texture and type? Do you know what exactly is to be avoided and what is to be invited into your vanity? What about those harsh monsoon skin greasiness and rashes? There are way too many questions, aren’t there? And, we may be lying if we said we didn’t feel you.

Let’s just say, we’ve been there. And, because we have had our very own fair share of trials, errors, experimentation, season to season, we’ve got our practical guide ready for you. Here’s an in-depth guide for a monsoon skin-care routine that will serve your exact skin type and the issues it is prone to. 

But, before we get to the guide, let’s see what exactly our skin is prone to during this season? Here you go!

Skin Problems to Watch Out For

This pleasant, breezy weather obviously brings a great hiatus from the scorching heat, but it also brings along dozens of skin problems. In fact, you will be intrigued to know how monsoon provides the ideal environment for the breeding of viruses, infections, bacteria and even fungi. So, here is a roundup of the most common skin problems that this season may have lurking around the corner. 

Acne 

Acne is one of the most common skin problems that arrives with monsoon showers. And oh, if your skin is acne-prone in general, then there’s a chance that it may worsen during this season. The cause is simple. Humidity in the air leads to an unrestrained amount of sebum production, creating a suitable environment for the procreation of bacteria. Heavy amounts of sebum on the skin leads to dirt particles settling in your clogged pores if you happen to have them. And, this leads to acne breakouts. 

Monsoon humidity can lead to breakouts on the skin.

Your go-to trick to avoid acne in the first place can be as simple as a homemade paste. This thick paste requires only 2 ingredients - honey and cinnamon. Apply it gently on your face and wash off after 20 minutes with a refreshing face wash that is 100% vegan, paraben-free, sulphate-free and cruelty-free. We recommend consulting your dermatologist in case the acne is severe. 

Pigmentation

Another skin issue monsoon-induced humidity can cause is hyperpigmentation which can lead to dark patches on the skin, particularly on the face. Other than the gloomy weather affecting your skin, pigmentation is also caused due to hormone imbalance and post acne blemishes and dark spots. But here’s some good news! 

Pigmentation caused due to the monsoon humidity can be cured by home remedies, and that’s where your granny’s advice comes into play. So, if you are finally ready to dive into the natural world, then crushed tomato paste can be yours to claim. You can gently rub it over the dark patches for around 11-12 weeks and watch the magic work. And, if you are a tea lover, then soaked green tea bags in hot water works wonders too! Let them cool after soaking and place them on the parts of your face that are affected. 

Rashes 

Rashes are super common during monsoons! So, if you spot some on your skin, then don’t fret. Many different types of rashes can be caused due to a sudden rise of allergens in your hair that is, in turn, caused by increased humidity and fluctuation in the temperature. 

Eczema

Another common skin problem, Eczema is caused by the dip in temperature and increased sensitivity in the skin. Itchiness, dryness, and redness of the skin can be caused by this skin dilemma. Moisturizing the skin well, in this case, is the most effective remedy. Moreover, steering clear of hot water in showers and using organic and soothing soaps is another way to tame it. 

While these are some of the most common skin problems we may experience in this season, our skin may also be prone to Athlete’s foot, Scabies, Rabies, etc. But, fortunately, we are here to save you from all the meticulous research that you would have to do otherwise. Here are some tips to follow in order to avoid skin allergies that come along with monsoon.

1. Avoid having dusty carpets; they are a powerhouse of dust and mites.
2. If you are allergic to pets, avoid having them around as their hair shedding could be a trigger.
3. If you are prone to or aware of your allergens  or causes of allergy, then do follow all the necessary restrictions. For instance – Potted plants indoors can be the cause of pollen allergy.
4. If you are allergic to dust, ensure your house is cleaned, vacuumed, and mopped at all times.
5. Follow a post-bath moisturizing routine religiously to protect your skin from skin rash, bacteria and so on.
6. If you are prone to getting rashes frequently, apply calamine lotion to soothe the skin.
7. Most of all, keep your skin, shoes, and clothes clean and dry, so as to ward off breeding grounds for infections. 
8. Clean yourself up thoroughly after getting drenched in the rain. 

Why Does Monsoon Cause Skin Problems? 

There are times when you wake up in the morning and find your skin to be oily and sticky. That’s because the oil/sebum is produced by sebaceous glands that are already present on your face. This secretion can escalate due to genetic, hormonal, or even environmental factors. And, if you are a person with high sugar and carbohydrate intake, then you might want to consider cutting down. Such a diet does nothing but stimulate the sebaceous glands on your face. The weather and seasons such as monsoon and summer also play an important role when it comes to external environmental factors. The humidity in the atmosphere causes less evaporation of sweat, shooting up the oil and sebum secretion on your face too.

The changes in the temperature and the air around you can lead to increased sebum secretion, leading to skin problems.

A Monsoon-Friendly Routine for Your Skin

Changing weather calls for a change in your skincare routine. Monsoon’s excess humidity can leave your skin oily leading to an ample number of skin problems. It’s important we stay conscious, take precautions and make wise decisions towards our skincare routine in this case. Here’s an easy go-to monsoon friendly skin regime that will ensure your skin stays soft, fresh, and devoid of any skin issues. You can thank us later!  

1. Wash your face

Use a mild face wash to cleanse your face at least twice or thrice a day, depending on your skin type. This is especially important during this season, where excess oil and grime can leave your face feeling sticky and greasy, eventually clogging your pores and leading to acne or dullness or both.

2. Exfoliate

Exfoliation helps deep clean your skin and eliminate the dead skin cells on your face. It’s a great way to also keep your skin soft, clean and moisturized. We recommend exfoliating at least once a week depending on your skin type.

3. Moisturize

Just because the weather is breezy, doesn’t mean that you can skip your moisturizing ritual. No matter what the weather may be, you must always wear your moisturizer to keep your skin soft and hydrated at all times. Use a natural and light face wash that comes with cooling and healing properties but doesn’t leave your skin feeling heavy. 

4. Don’t forget to use your Sunscreen

Is skipping that sunscreen this monsoon on your mind? We say, skip that thought instead. If you’re thinking of skipping your sunscreen because of the gloom outside and the lack of sunshine, you are highly mistaken! UV rays are still capable of damaging your skin and they can still reach you no matter what season it is and where you are. Moreover, your skin requires SPF protection all year round! So, consider investing in a good sunscreen lotion since you will be using it round the clock every single day of the year. An organic product that provides you with good enough SPF protection is the way to go here! 

Well, if you have made it this far, it’s safe to conclude that monsoon, like any other weather, comes with its own set of skin problems. Whether it’s acne or oily skin issues, we need to take care of our skin with necessary precautionary measures and even consult an expert if the skin issues seem serious. Skincare, just like any other health care practice, must be one of our priorities every single day, season by season.