Get your skin monsoon ready with these expert tips

From acne to infections, the humid weather can wreak havoc on your skin. Asha Hariharan, education director at Enrich outlines some of the most common skincare issues and shares a list of easy-to-follow tips.

Some of the major skin care problems during the monsoon season:

Dull and dry skin
If you miss rinsing and using sunscreen for your face regularly during the monsoon, then there is a chance of your skin looking dull and dry due to the acidic rainwater.

Oily skin
This type of weather disrupts your skin's moisture balance, making it dull and oily. It has a negative impact on oily or combination skin, resulting in recurring acne breakouts.

Skin diseases
There is an even bigger change for people who are already prone to skin problems since pollutants are caught by the sweat on your skin.

Acne
Another major issue during the monsoon is that different skincare routines must be followed depending on one's skin type. Pimples are caused by excessive oil secretion from the skin. During the monsoon season, your skin becomes sticky and oily, which leads to clogged pores, eventually, acne and breakouts.

Dry lips and eyes
One point to consider is that the sensitive areas of your skin, such as your lips and the area around your eyes, are thinner and more sensitive than the rest of your face. Hence, it requires even more attention and care. Same with the eyes, they are equally neglected during this season. One should ensure they are cautious to avoid dryness, dark circles and puffiness in and around the eye area.

Not enough Vitamin C
Not having enough vitamin C can be a big problem as it boosts immune system which would help to fight some of the problems of their skin.

To combat these issues, follow these tips by Hariharan:

Know your skin type
Knowing your skin type will allow you to pick the right skincare products catering to your specific needs and be effective and minimise your skin concerns.

Wear a lightweight moisturiser
Moisturiser is essential for all skin types and all seasons. During the rainy season, it is recommended to use a gel-based moisturiser. However, if you have extremely dry skin, you can use a cream-based moisturiser to keep it nourished and oil-free.

Cleansing your skin
Oily skin during the monsoons is a common issue that can be resolved by washing your face frequently or using a cleanser on regular basis will keep your skin healthy.

Hydration is a must
This is one of the simplest ways to care for your skin's closed pores. Keep it naturally healthy is to detoxify it with a hydrating moisturiser.

Exfoliating, give it a go
Finding ways to remove dead skin is essential during this season as your skin loses moisture and its natural glow. Exfoliating using scrubs at least once or twice a week helps to remove dead skin, dirt and other unwanted particles. Gentle massage of your skin will help increase blood circulation, flush out toxins and restore its natural glow.

Use a skin toner
Adding an alcohol-free toner in your monsoon routine will keep your skin healthy and non-greasy which is good for your skin. Using a toner after cleansing your skin is very important to help get rid of the dirt and also help shrink pores.

Sunscreen
Whatever the season, sunscreen should always be your best friend. The only thing you need to change about your monsoon routine is to use a non-oily sunscreen. Also, if your skin is extremely sensitive, a minimum of 30 SPF should suffice but remember to reapply every couple of hours.

Take cool showers
A lukewarm or cool shower is ideal! A hot shower will open up your pores, making it more susceptible to acne formation. If you can't live without hot showers, make sure to finish with a splash of cold water to shrink your pores.

Drink a lot of water
While you sweat a lot, your skin tends to get dull and pale. This will also help in keeping the toxins away that cause acne and pimples.

Antifungal for the win
Using an antifungal powder on your body is very essential as your body and skin are prone to skin infections. The humidity in the air makes skin moist and causes dampness. It is necessary to dust some antifungal powder after taking a shower preferably during the monsoons to avoid these skin infections.

Don't forget your neck
Most people make this mistake, and the products you use to protect your face can also be used to protect your neck. It should be incorporated into every skincare routine.

Pay attention to your lips
Your lips are an extension of your face. It is critical to remember to scrub your lips, moisturise them and apply SPF to help retain moisture and peel off dry flakes.

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