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Even though rain drops provide relief from the heat, excessive humidity in the atmosphere creates many new challenges for the skin. Humidity reaches its peak with monsoon winds in Indian cities like Lucknow, Kanpur, Delhi-NCR and Mumbai. During this time, the sebaceous glands of the skin start secreting more oil (sebum) than normal. Excessive sebum combined with sweat and microscopic dust particles present in air pollution clogs the pores. Bacteria grow in clogged pores, causing stubborn acne, blackheads, whiteheads and fungal infections to spread rapidly on the face. Dermatologists say that the old winter or summer skincare routine does not work during the rainy season, rather special care is needed in this season to keep the pH balance of the skin stable.
It is mandatory to clean the skin with a right face wash at least twice a day during monsoon. Avoid using overly creamy or heavy moisturizing cleansers as they leave an excess greasiness on the skin surface. Instead, opt for a foaming cleanser containing 1% to 2% salicylic acid (BHA) or natural extracts of tea tree oil and neem. Salicylic acid is oil soluble, which penetrates deep into the pores and completely removes excess sebum and dead skin cells. Keep in mind that do not make the mistake of washing your face too often, because using face wash more than three times a day breaks the skin’s natural lipid barrier, due to which the skin starts producing more oil in response.
Many people assume that during the rainy season there is already moisture in the air and the face remains sticky, hence there is no need for moisturizer. This is the biggest and most harmful misconception related to skincare. There is a big difference between oily skin and dehydrated skin. When you skip moisturizer, the skin becomes dehydrated from within and releases more sebum to protect itself. Avoid heavy, oil-based creams during the rainy season and use water-based or oil-free gel moisturizers. Lightweight formulas with hyaluronic acid, aloe vera and niacinamide deeply hydrate the skin without leaving it heavy or sticky and help control sebum production.
During rainy days, people often stop applying sunscreen when the sky is covered with thick dark clouds. In fact, a thick layer of clouds simply blocks the sun’s heat, but up to 80 percent of ultraviolet-A (UVA) and ultraviolet-B (UVB) rays penetrate clouds and rain and reach the skin directly. These rays cause premature wrinkles, pigmentation and dark spots on the skin. So, whether it’s raining outside or you’re indoors, don’t skip applying a non-comedogenic gel or matte-finish sunscreen with a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or 50. Mattifying sunscreen reduces the shine of sweat on the face and keeps the skin fresh throughout the day.
It is considered safest to use natural face packs once or twice a week for deep cleansing of the skin and absorbing excess oil. To avoid chemical-laden peel-off masks, you can prepare a smooth paste at home by mixing one teaspoon multani mitti, half teaspoon pure sandalwood powder, a pinch of turmeric and rose water as required. Multani mitti absorbs excess oil from the skin like a sponge, while sandalwood and rose water instantly soothe redness, itching and irritation caused by the humidity of the rain. Apply this pack on the face and after 10 to 15 minutes, when it dries 80 percent, wash it gently with plain cold water. Do not let the pack dry completely, so as not to strain the skin’s natural elasticity.
Along with external skincare, it is equally essential to take care of internal health and hygiene during the rainy season. Eating fried, street food and extremely spicy food during the rainy season makes the digestive system sluggish, the direct effect of which is visible in the form of pimples on the face. Include seasonal fruits, lemon water, coconut water and antioxidant-rich green tea in your diet to keep the toxins out of the body. Avoid repeatedly touching your face with dirty hands, wash your towels and pillowcases in hot water twice a week, and immediately wash and dry your face and feet thoroughly with antibacterial soap after contact with dirty rain water.