If monsoon had a profile on Bumble, you best believe it’d look something like this:
- Name: Monsoons
- Age: Older than that tube of toothpaste that has almost reached its demise
- Positives: chai, pakodas, and the smell of petrichor
- Hobbies: sabotaging your hair and skin with minimal remorse
And it’s the last one that concerns us the most. Yeah — as much as we love sitting by the windows and sipping on hot tea during monsoons, this poetic season isn’t without flaws. And these flaws aren’t self-inflicting — they affect everything and everyone. Notice how your hair is frizzier than ever — how it degrades to resembling a mop at this time of the year? And your skin feels like it’s going to break out any minute?
We’re here for some damage-control today. I’ve roped in Dr Jamuna Pai of SkinLab and Dr Sravya Tipirneni, Consultant Dermatologist and Cosmetologist at Manipal Hospital, Bangalore — to explain to me the why and how evolving your skincare and hair-care routines during monsoons can counter the side-effects. Ahead — an abundance of tips.
Stop The Presses! It’s Raining Dermat-Approved Tips & Tricks!
What are some switches you’d suggest we make for the monsoons?
“First — switch to a watery, gel-based moisturiser from an oil-based or cream-based one. You don’t want any product clogging your pores. Secondly — apply the same logic to your sunscreen. Switch to something lighter and gel-based, and look for SPF-infused makeup like powder compacts for added sun protection. Your foundation and eye makeup — make sure they’re waterproof. And opt for lighter mousses or powdered formulations instead of continuing with your heavy-duty foundation,” Dr Sravya states.
And what kind of ingredients must we keep an eye out for while acting on this transition? Dr Pai names a few, “Switch to cooling and smoothening ingredients like Hyaluronic Gel, Aloe Vera Gel, Rose Water, and Glycerin.”
Can we make the switch instantly — or does our skin need to adapt to the product gradually?
Both experts agree that the switch can be made instantly. There is no specific manner to incorporate a change in skincare ingredients. As long as the correct ingredients are chosen, the switch can be made instantly. If hesitant, Dr Sravya suggests switching existing products over a one-week or two-week weaning period.
Can you explain why these switches are necessary?
Monsoon brings a lot of humidity along with it. On using thick emollient products, the pores could get clogged causing breakouts. It is important to make a switch in the kind of ingredients or products used with a change in weather. That explains why adapting to lighter and non-comedogenic products works perfectly for the skin during monsoons.
Dr Pai leaves us with a few tips on modifying our routines seamlessly:
Follow this basic skincare routine recommended by Dr Jamuna Pai of SkinLab for a healthy
skin even during the humid monsoons:
- The moisturisers used during the monsoon need to be light, and not as emollient and
thick. - Sunscreen is a must in every season. Use a gel-based water-proof sunscreen in
order to keep the skin from feeling moist and sticky throughout the day. Applying
sunscreen twice a day is required to keep your skin protected from the UVA as well as the
UVB rays of the sun (even on a cloudy day). It also protects the skin from harmful blue light from
our devices. - Even when it comes to using makeup products, use non-comedogenic and water-resistant
products to make the skin feel light. - Since the humidity may cause our skin to feel moist, it is important to keep not just the
facial skin but also the body skin dry. One may use blotting sheets instead of powder to
absorb any extra moisture/sweat from the face. Using dusting powder for the body folds
like underarms, inner thighs, and folds of the neck will help avoid any opportunistic infections. - As our hair tends to get wet during monsoons, the hair gets frizzy and looks
untidy. People choose to massage oil into the scalp, but a massage only improves
circulation. Oil doesn’t go into the shaft but it is good for the outer layer — coating
it like a hat. Conclude with an anti-frizz serum after you wash and towel-dry your hair. - Besides UV rays causing damage to the shaft of the hair, it alters the natural colour and
the texture of the hair too. A special word of caution here to all those who have coloured your
hair — the rains and dirt change the colour that has been used on your shaft and also shortens
the longevity of the result of hair colour. Please do use shampoos formulated for protecting
hair colour. Cover your hair with an umbrella while travelling.
We hope this guide helps you navigate your routine during monsoons!
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