Myth: You can skip sunscreen on cloudy days
This is perhaps the most dangerous skincare myth. Don't let grey skies fool you; up to 80% of the sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays can penetrate cloud cover. UVA rays, which are responsible for premature ageing, pigmentation, and long-term skin damage,
are present year-round, regardless of the weather. Many people notice increased tanning or uneven skin tone after the monsoon because they’ve unknowingly accumulated UV damage. To protect your skin, dermatologists recommend using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher every single day. For humid conditions, opt for a lightweight, water-resistant, and non-greasy formula. Remember to reapply every few hours, especially if you've been in the rain or sweating.
Myth: Oily skin doesn't need moisturiser in the monsoon
When your skin feels greasy and sticky, reaching for a moisturiser seems counterintuitive. However, humidity and oiliness are not the same as hydration. In fact, skipping moisturiser can make your skin even oilier. When your skin becomes dehydrated—which can happen from over-washing or even being in air-conditioned rooms—its moisture barrier gets damaged. To compensate, your skin produces even more oil, leading to a vicious cycle of shine and breakouts. The key is to choose the right kind of moisturiser. Instead of heavy creams, look for lightweight, non-comedogenic (meaning it won't clog pores), and gel-based or water-based formulas. Ingredients like hyaluronic acid and niacinamide can provide essential hydration without adding extra grease.
Myth: Washing your face frequently controls oiliness
The constant sticky feeling during the monsoon might tempt you to wash your face multiple times a day. While cleansing is crucial, overwashing is a common mistake that does more harm than good. Aggressively scrubbing or using harsh cleansers strips the skin of its natural oils and damages its protective barrier. This disruption signals your skin to produce more oil to compensate, making the problem worse. Most dermatologists agree that cleansing twice a day with a gentle, pH-balanced face wash is sufficient for most people, even in humid weather. If you feel excessively greasy during the day, consider using blotting papers to absorb oil without stripping your skin.
Myth: You should stop exfoliating during the monsoon
Some believe that with the skin being more sensitive during the monsoon, exfoliation should be avoided. The opposite is often true. The combination of humidity, sweat, and increased oil production creates a perfect environment for dead skin cells and grime to build up, leading to clogged pores, dullness, and acne. Gentle exfoliation is essential to slough away this buildup and promote cell renewal. However, the key word is 'gentle'. Over-exfoliating can cause irritation and damage your skin barrier. Aim to exfoliate once or twice a week with a mild chemical exfoliant (like those with salicylic acid) or a gentle physical scrub. This helps keep your skin clear, prevents blackheads, and allows your other skincare products to penetrate more effectively.
Myth: Waterproof makeup is the best choice for rain
It seems logical to use waterproof makeup to prevent it from running in the rain or melting in the humidity. While it can be effective for special occasions, relying on it daily during the monsoon can be problematic. Waterproof formulas are designed to be occlusive, meaning they can trap sweat, oil, and bacteria against your skin. In a humid climate where you're already prone to clogged pores, this can easily lead to breakouts and acne. Furthermore, removing heavy-duty waterproof makeup often requires aggressive rubbing and harsh cleansers, which can irritate the skin and compromise its barrier. For daily wear, it's better to opt for minimal makeup or lightweight, non-comedogenic products and ensure you cleanse thoroughly at the end of the day.
