Beat the Monsoon Blues

High humidity levels in this wet and sultry weather makes our skin, especially oily, highly prone to various fungal and bacterial infections, as airborne and waterborne microbes (that cause these infections) let loose under these conditions.

Regular baths go a long way in reducing the chances of infection. As fungus thrives on moisture, ensure the body is dried properly and moisture is retained in the body folds —Sprinkle some talc in armpits, neck etc, as it absorbs moisture from the skin surface. Do not share your towels, caps, combs and shaving blades with anyone. If someone in your family is suffering from a fungal infection, make sure the clothes of the infected person are washed separately.

Toner touch
Use of good anti-bacterial toners on the body is a pre requisite. Toners make skin less sticky, help tighten up the pores and prevent skin infections and eruptions. Anti-fungal soap or preferably soap free cleansers help ward off infections.
Use a mild cleanser to remove the dead skin and dirt from skin. Try ripe papaya pulp, it makes a good mild exfoliant.

Hair often becomes limp and lifeless owing to damp weather. Regular oiling with olive oil and daily cleansing with a mild shampoo would keep your hair healthy.

If you are afraid of going for the rain dance and getting drenched, we have the solution. Keep your makeup to the minimal. Rub ice on your face before applying any makeup as it helps to reduce sweat and allows make-up to stay on longer. Go in for light, water-based moisturizers during monsoons to avoid oily skin, acne and water loss due to perspiration. Opt for a water proof makeup and completely avoid wearing kajal or use kajal pencil to avoid smudgy eyes. Semi –matted lipsticks are a better choice.

Apply sunscreen when moving out. “Sunscreen is as necessary to apply in monsoons as it is during summer. Sun rays can reach you through clouds and harm your soft skin. Application of sunblocks or suncreen helps prevent those merciless UV”, advises Dr. Soni Nanda Sood, Dermatologist, Vasundhra Enclave, Delhi

Wash your feet with lukewarm water twice a day and keep them absolutely dry. Keep your shoes open and dry to prevent fungus.
Drink lots of water to keep your body hydrated. Water helps flush out the toxins and keep the skin healthy.

Keeping yourself dry, exfoliating your facial skin twice every week with a scrub and applying a good, preferably oil free moisturiser after drying off yourself are a few simple basics to beat the monsoon blues.