Reset Your Skincare Philosophy
During the monsoon, your skin's primary enemies are excess oil and bacterial growth thriving in the damp conditions. The mantra for this season is 'less is more'. Heavy creams and multi-step routines can clog pores and feel suffocating. Instead, focus
on a minimal routine that keeps your skin clean, balanced, and hydrated without feeling greasy. A gentle, soap-free cleanser used twice a day is your starting point. This removes dirt and excess oil without stripping your skin's natural moisture barrier. Follow this with an alcohol-free toner to help balance your skin's pH levels and minimise the appearance of pores. For moisturising, switch to a lightweight, gel-based, or water-based formula. These provide necessary hydration without adding extra shine.
Embrace Weekly Deep Cleaning
To combat the congestion caused by humidity, weekly deep cleaning is non-negotiable. Exfoliate once or twice a week to slough away dead skin cells that can clog pores and lead to breakouts. Opt for a gentle chemical exfoliant with ingredients like salicylic or glycolic acid, which are effective yet less abrasive than harsh physical scrubs. A weekly face mask is another crucial step. Clay-based masks, such as those with Multani Mitti (Fuller's Earth), are excellent for oily and acne-prone skin as they absorb excess sebum, leaving your skin feeling refreshed and mattified. For a simple DIY option, mix besan (gram flour) with a pinch of turmeric and rose water to create a paste that helps calm irritated skin and control oil.
Tame the Monsoon Frizz
Indian hair is particularly susceptible to frizz during the monsoon because the high humidity causes the hair cuticle to swell unevenly. Your first line of defence is to switch to a gentle, sulphate-free shampoo to avoid stripping natural oils. Washing your hair every other day is often sufficient; overwashing can lead to more problems. A crucial tip is to never tie up wet hair, as damp strands are at their weakest and most prone to breakage. Using a microfibre towel or an old cotton t-shirt to gently squeeze out excess water is much better than rubbing with a regular towel. Finally, a lightweight, anti-frizz serum applied to the mid-lengths and ends of damp hair can seal the cuticle and provide a protective barrier against humidity.
Adopt a Minimalist Makeup Approach
Heavy makeup is likely to slide, crease, or melt in the humid weather. This is the season to embrace a more natural look. If you wear foundation, choose a lightweight, water-resistant formula or switch to a tinted moisturiser or BB/CC cream. Applying product in thin layers with a damp sponge helps it set better. For cheeks, a cream or liquid blush can look more natural and last longer than powder formulas. When it comes to eye makeup, waterproof mascara and eyeliner are your best friends to avoid smudging. And don't forget sunscreen—UV rays easily penetrate monsoon clouds. A gel-based, non-comedogenic sunscreen with at least SPF 30 should be the final step of your routine every morning.
