The rains are here and while we enjoy the grey vistas and adjust to the damp roads, our skins too adjust with us. The humidity of the monsoon is a different ballpark from the scalding heat and our skin realises it immediately. Clogged pores and sweat outbreaks are ready to take over and we need to get ahead of them. With a little extra care and the tiniest changes to your skin care routine, you can be prepared to serve your skin the monsoon best.
7 Steps for effective monsoon skincare
Don’t bother switching up your entire skincare routine—it’s too much effort and unnecessary. All you need are a few tweaks here and there to create a monsoon skincare routine that works best for your skin. Let’s go through each step:
1. Cleansing:
Just because your skin is a bit more sweaty this season doesn’t mean you need to strip it with a harsh cleanser. Opting for a soap-free or gentle cleanser is best as it does away with the excess oil and dirt without drying it like the Sahara desert. Resist the urge to go overboard and follow this step only 2-3 times a day.
2. Exfoliating:
This is a must-do in the monsoon. With the dirt, grime and pollutants that settle cosily into your pores, there’s a lot your skin has to deal with. Get rid of the dead skin cells that match the dull weather and clear the impurities from your pores with a good exfoliating session. You can use chemical or mechanical exfoliants but don’t go overboard or you risk doing some serious damage with microtears.
3. Toning:
What better time to bust out the trusty toner? It hydrates the skin after the exfoliator clears it and gets the last of that dirt. The refreshing toner also helps with the greasiness that increasingly builds up on your skin. Go for toners with glycolic acid or green tea extracts for the best effect.
4. Brightening serums:
Your skin may be mimicking the dull skies outdoors. Even your skin tone and bring back the brightness it’s losing with a serum in your monsoon skincare routine, preferably a Vitamin C one. It protects against sun damage (even when it’s hidden behind clouds) and helps clear any hyperpigmentation.
5. Moisturising:
Your skin may be mimicking the dull skies outdoors. Even your skin tone and bring back the brightness it’s losing with a serum in your monsoon skincare routine, preferably a Vitamin C one. It protects against sun damage (even when it’s hidden behind clouds) and helps clear any hyperpigmentation.
6. Sunscreen:
The UVA/B rays of the sun can still get you through the clouds. Don’t forget to pack on a lightweight sunscreen that protects your skin while keeping the face feeling fresh. This is an important step especially with the Vitamin C that can make your skin photosensitive.
7. Makeup:
If you’re choosing to glam up despite the drowsy climate, go for a light makeup look. This is the perfect time to test out CC creams, BB creams, or skin tints that will not cake up your face or cause it to become an oil mine. Choosing powder products for blush, highlight and eyeshadow helps keep everything a little more matte. And of course, waterproof eyeliner and mascara for the win!
Taking care of different skin types
The weather may be the same for all of us but the effects on our skin can differ based on your skin type. Here are some tips for each skin type to follow this season:
Monsoon tips for oily skin
- Use oil-free or water-based products to prevent the skin from getting greasy
- Cleanse your face with a mild cleanser at least 2 times a day
- Use a lightweight moisturiser that have non-comodogenic ingredients; try a gel-based moisturiser
Monsoon tips for dry skin
- Resist the urge to take hot showers despite the cool weather; they will dry your skin further
- Opt for lightweight cleansers that won’t strip your skin of essential oils
- Do not skip out on moisturising and even add an extra layer of moisturisation with an overnight hydrating mask at nights
- Add a hydrating mist to the mix to get a spritz of refreshment in the day
Wrapping up, the monsoon season might throw some curveballs at your skin, but with the right routine and a few mindful tweaks, you can keep it glowing, healthy, and fresh. Whether your skin is oily, dry, or somewhere in between, these simple steps will ensure that you’re ready to tackle the season’s challenges head-on. Embrace the rainy days and enjoy the cosy vibes, all while giving your skin the love and care it needs to shine through the grey skies.
