The monsoon season is welcomed by all with open arms after dealing with the scorching summer heat. But apart from bringing respite from the heat, the rains also bring with them challenges for skin and hair due to increased humidity and fluctuating temperatures along with frequent rains. Due to high humidity levels, issues such as skin oiliness and skin breakouts, frizz, and scalp infections that lead to prone to dandruff can arise in this weather.
In order to combat these issues and enjoy the monsoon weather with good food and brewing hot tea/coffee with radiant skin and soft hair, taking care of yourself is of paramount importance. In order to do so, let us first understand what are the various ways in which the rainy season can play havoc on our skin and hair quality.
Dr. Ipshita Johri, Dermatology & Aesthetic Consultant, Laser Specialist & Founder, Skinfinity Derma reiterates, “Rainy weather deserves much care and attention towards your skin and hair. This is due to the conducive atmosphere for microbial growth such as high temperatures and humidity. Fungal infections on the skin are quite frequent such as ringworm and athlete’s foot.”
Talking about a major factor playing spoilsport to one’s skin, i.e. humidity Dr Ipshita says, “Humidity triggers more sebum production which in turn clogs the skin pores and causes acne. Skin gets dull in this weather and extreme sweating may lead to allergic reactions too. There are also various hair challenges in this weather such as weakened hair shafts leading to hair fall, greasy and oily hair due to profuse sweating, frizzy hair, and dandruff or fungal-infected scalp.”
We frequently hear from dermatologists that our face is more sensitive compared to our other body parts and our skin should be protected and nourished to avoid breakouts and skin infections. This becomes doubly important during monsoons. Dr. Nishtha Patel, MBBS, MD Dermatologist, Consultant Dermatologist, Kosmoderma shares some tips to take extra care of your face and also your scalp during monsoons. She says, “Your skin deserves extra attention during the days when it is raining. So, begin your skincare regime with gentle face cleansing at least twice a day to clear out sweat, dirt, and extra sebum. Additionally, exfoliation once or twice a week unclogs the skin pores. To not make the skin look dull and dehydrated, choose a non-greasy moisturizer and top it up with a layer of sunscreen. Prefer to reapply sunscreen every two hours if outdoors.”
Highlighting the need to take extra precautions to avoid skin infections, it is important that one takes the necessary steps. Dr Nishtha explains, “Before going out, use anti-fungal powders on sweaty areas such as groin or armpits. Hair also needs your attention during rainy days so prefer washing your hair regularly, followed by conditioner to keep it dirt-free. Apply anti-frizz serums or use weekly hair masks for deep conditioning. Also, avoid using extra heat treatment on your hair to prevent hair damage.”
Drinking plenty of water throughout the day is the universal solution to stay hydrated in any weather condition. It remains the same during monsoons. However, there is more that we can do, to keep our skin and hair in the best possible condition even during the rains.
Kiran Bhatt, Cosmetologist, and Vice President, Junoesque talks about the wonders that coconut oil can do during monsoons. She says, “One product that is exceptionally great for skin and hair care during monsoons is coconut oil. This oil is highly nutritious and has antimicrobial and hydrating characteristics. You can apply this oil on your skin to keep it smooth and hydrated as well as to remove makeup efficiently, not drying up the skin. Also, it can be a great aid to treat various skin infections such as bacterial or fungal, owing to its antimicrobial functions. On top of this, even this oil works wonders for applying on your hair before washing, making the hair smoother, shinier, and frizz-free. It’s also a great treatment for nourishing the scalp, rendering it dandruff-free. For inclusion in your diet, make your meals with coconut oil or add coconut water as a drink.”
The experts have spoken and the onus is on us to heed their advice and keep our hair and skin healthy during the rainy season.
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