As the rainy season starts, the weather becomes humid thus signifying monsoon’s return. You may begin to notice some not-so-fun changes in your skin. Your skin might appear more oily or dry than usual or if you are acne-prone, may be your pimples are more inflamed than ever.

According to dermatologists, these adverse changes in your skin condition can more than likely be attributed to the rainy season. Your skin has to adapt again according to the sudden switch in weather. If you notice your skin is taking a turn for the worse, make an appointment with your dermatologist as they can recommend specific products or treatments that will help your skin regulate itself and get back to a harmonious state.

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While the monsoon is uncontrollable, skin health is not! There are a few things you can do at home while taking extra care of your skin during the wet months. These include:

Cleansing: Monsoon may lead to bacterial and various other infections. So keeping the skin deeply clean all the time is crucial. Use a mild soap-free cleanser or any natural face wash to remove all sorts of harmful debris and infection spreading germs.

Exfoliate: Regular exfoliation removes the barrier of dead skin cells clogging the skin and uncovers fresh new cells below. This opens the way for moisturisers to penetrate more deeply into the skin which makes them more effective. It will leave your skin looking fresh, young and healthy. Exfoliation not only unclogs pores but reduces blackheads and whiteheads, softens skin texture, enhances skin clarity, lightens hyperpigmentation, improves overall skin tone, sweeps away fine lines and wrinkles and controls excess oil. For physical scrubs, apply a pea sized amount of any natural scrub to moist skin and gently apply it by massaging in circular motion. Make sure to keep your motions gentle. Rinse off with water.

Toning: Toning makes your skin feel fresh and rejuvenated. Rose water is one of the best toners that suits all skin types. Just spray it on our face to freshen your skin.

Moisturising: Exfoliation does not alone keeps your skin healthy. The fate of your skin lies in the hands of the post-exfoliation care. The main takeaway is to stay moisturised. During exfoliating process, we tend to get rid of protective natural oils produced by our skin besides the dead skin cells. So it is necessary to replenish the skin of the moisture it needs to function properly. Use a moisturising product that contains ultra-hydrating oils and humectants like glycerine as they are extra efficient in moisturising.

Protect skin with sunscreen: You need to apply sunscreen at all times, rain or sunshine, when you know that your skin will be exposed to UV rays. Applying sunscreen becomes all the more important especially after exfoliation because of the highly sensitive state, the skin is left in. Opt for a moisturising sunscreen that is light and comfortable on the skin. Avoid strictly the chemical protectants as they are harsh on the skin.

Water-proof makeup: During rainy season, you certainly need to be prepared for the worst scenario, like caught in the sudden shower while going to work or catching up with friends for a brunch and your makeup is all drowned in that outpour. So if you want your makeup to stay on your face even if you caught up in an impromptu rain scene, use high-quality water-proof makeup products. Wear a primer beneath your makeup. It will impart a subtle glow to your face and it will give you that long wear time with makeup unless you remove it on your own. Use a lipstick that stays in place without any trace of smudging. Include longest stay water-proof foundation, face powder, kajal, mascara, eye liner etc. in your makeup collection. The products should stay for up to at least eight hours as fresh as they can be as if you have just applied them. These products are surely pricey but you would not mind splurging on skin once you use them.

Skin likes consistency. So, when factors like weather change take place, it is like a shock to the system. Monsoon can take its toll on your skin as it adjusts to newer environment. As we shift from summer to rainy season, drastic changes in the humidity levels in the atmosphere take place. It becomes too humid and stuffy. So the skin has to work harder to maintain itself in a healthy state and it has to fight an array of bacterial and fungal infections that start to kick in. Using more natural and herbal ingredients instead of chemical laden products is a good choice during rainy season.