The monsoon brings much-needed relief from the scorching summer heat, but it also comes with its own set of skin challenges. Humidity, constant stickiness and frequent exposure to rainwater may cause heavy damage on your skin. You might experience increased oiliness, unexpected breakouts, fungal infections, or even generic dullness. However, with the right skincare routine, you can enjoy the monsoon while keeping your skin radiant and healthy.
Come rains and we feel it’s time for a refreshing change, but does your skin feel the same too? To help you overcome these skincare hurdles and keep it looking fresh and glowing, we have listed the top skincare tips to follow during the monsoon season just for you. During this sticky and humid weather, your skincare regime calls for alterations and simple additions to keep the pH level intact in the middle of fluctuating humidity levels. Oily skin in monsoon can be a real nightmare, leading to acne treatment being adopted for those sudden zits and breakouts.
Here are the top skincare tips for monsoon season to help you achieve glowing skin all season long.
Top Skincare Tips for Monsoon Season
- Daily Cleansing (Twice) – During monsoon, your skin tends to accumulate sweat, oil and dirt more easily due to increased humidity. Use a gentle, non-comedogenic face wash twice a day (Example Cetaphil gentle cleanser) — in the morning and before bedtime — to keep your skin clean and pores unclogged. For oily and acne-prone skin, a face wash with salicylic acid or tea tree oil is the ideal choice, while those with dry skin can opt for hydrating cleansers. (Cetaphil/Bioderma/Neutrogena) have an excellent range of products that work like magic on your skin.
- Gentle & Regular Exfoliation – Exfoliation helps in removing the dead skin cells and allowing new skin to emerge, giving you that fresh and glowing look. However, during monsoon one must be careful and exfoliate only once or twice a week, using a mild scrub or a chemical exfoliant with active ingredients like lactic acid or glycolic acid. Avoid harsh scrubs that can irritate the skin or worsen your acne in humid conditions.
- Stay Hydrated – One of the most important tips to ensure you get the perfect radiance and glow on your skin, is hydration. Hydration isn’t only topical (face-application based). Drinking enough water during the monsoon is essential to flush out toxins, prevent dehydration, and keep your skin plump. Include coconut water, green tea, and fresh fruits with high water content like watermelon, cucumber, and oranges in your diet. One must avoid excess caffeine and aerated drinks, as they can dehydrate your skin.
- Use a Light Moisturizer – Even if your skin feels oily due to the humidity, it still needs hydration. Choose a gel-based or water-based moisturizer that locks in moisture without clogging pores. Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerine, and aloe vera that offer hydration without heaviness. It is enriched with essential vitamins and gets absorbed easily, providing long-lasting moisture for a supple-hydrated skin.
- Never Skip Sunscreen – Just as a thumb rule – do not miss out on sunscreen even on cloudy days, as UV rays can penetrate through the clouds and cause damage to your skin. Make sure your sunscreen has a minimum SPF of 30 and is water-resistant and effective during humid weather. UV rays can cause damage to your skin, leading to premature aging, pigmentation, and dullness. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen which is gel or matte-effect based and reapply every 3-4 hours if you’re outdoors.
- Choose Minimal Makeup – During the monsoon, heavy makeup can clog your pores, especially if the skin type is oily or sensitive. Opt for lightweight, waterproof and breathable makeup product. Always remove makeup thoroughly at night using a gentle makeup remover or micellar water. Allow your skin to breathe during the monsoons by using non-comedogenic products; you can choose to apply tinted moisturizers and waterproof formulas instead of a heavy foundation base.
Some Additional Tips to Follow:
- Maintain a regular night care regime – remove all the makeup and follow the cleansing, toning and moisturization (CTM) without fail
- Be consistent with your schedule and listen to your skin – it’s the best indicator of what steps to follow
- Choose natural home-made packs – DIY ideas work amazing (clay mask/fuller’s earth for cooling, turmeric and curd for detan)
- Opt for diet that contains seasonal fruits, leafy vegetables and fibre-rich food items to keep the nutritional content high
- Keep your skin sweat-free and greasy – avoid excessively humid areas
While the rains bring a natural freshness to the environment, they can also make your skin more prone to infections, oiliness, and dullness. However, with the right skincare practices — such as gentle cleansing, lightweight moisturization, sun protection, and natural care — you can ensure your skin remains radiant, healthy and glowing throughout the rather gloomy season.
So go ahead, enjoy the vibrant monsoon vibes without worrying about your skin. Just follow these simple tips and let your natural glow shine through!
FAQs on Monsoon Skincare Tips
1) How often should I exfoliate in monsoon?
During the monsoon season, exfoliate only once or twice a week using a mild scrub or chemical exfoliants such as glycolic acid to keep the skin nourished.
2) What does SPF stand for in sunscreen?
Whenever you choose a sunscreen, check for the SPF content in it, which stands for Sun Protection Factor. SPF is a measure of how well a sunscreen protects your skin from UVB rays, the ones that cause sunburn.
3) Which food items are best to eat in monsoon?
During the monsoon season, it’s best to focus on foods that support digestion, boost immunity, and are less likely to be contaminated. Opt for seasonal fruits, fibre-rich vegetables, whole-grains, like oats and barley, and probiotic-rich foods like yogurt, can improve digestion.