BRING ON THE RAIN

Is it raining on your beauty parade? Tweak your skincare routine and breeze through the cool showers

All of us thank the arrival of rains, which bring the much needed respite from heat. But this also means that we need to buck up for a different set of skin problems, which begin just as the weather starts to change. “Once the monsoon begins, it gets humid and hot. So, the skin needs extra attention. The skin fluctuates between oily and dry, depending on the humidity index. With higher humidity comes sweating and increased oiliness of the skin,” says Dr Rinky Kapoor, dermatologist, SL Raheja Fortis Hospital. Dr Mohan Thomas, cosmetic surgeon, Cosmetic Surgery Institute,says, “Running around in the rain for the first few showers feels good, but if done repeatedly, it can raise concerns.” Kapoor lists the problematic changes that the skin undergoes during the monsoon: Combination skin: The Tzone gets oilier, shinier and attracts dirt. This can increase breakouts in the T-zone. Also, since the dry zone can get drier, in case of dehydration due to excessive sweating and not drinking enough water, the skin barrier can get damaged and cause breakouts in that area as well. Dry skin: If an individual does not drink enough water and is prone to more sweating, the skin can get dehydrated and flake, causing itching, rashes, etc. Oily skin: The skin gets oilier, more prone to attracting dirt, pollution, and gets prone to acne. It goes without saying that all of us need to change our skincare routine to safeguard it from the harmful effects of weather. A common myth is that we do not need to use sunscreen during the rainy season as the sun hardly comes out of the clouds. However, the UVI is higher in monsoon. Hence, using a water-resistant sunscreen is a must. Dr Banani Choudhary, dermatologist, Jaslok Hospital and Dr Amit Karkhanis, cosmetologist, Dr Tvacha Clinic, suggest these tips: Combination skin Wash your face at least twice a day with a face wash that cleanses and moisturises Use a lightweight sunscreen with at least SPF 30 Dry skin Take shorter showers and baths, no more than once daily Use mild, gentle soaps or cleansers. Avoid deodorants and soaps Don’t scrub while bathing Apply a rich moisturiser right after bathing. Creams and ointments may work better than lotions for dry skin but are often messier. Reapply as needed throughout the day.

Oily skin:

Wash it no more than twice a day and after you sweat a lot Use a gentle cleanser and don’t scrub Don’t pick, pop, or squeeze pimples. They’ll take longer to heal Look for the word “noncomedogenic” on skin care products and cosmetics. This means it won’t clog pores. “Also avoid any steroid creams on fungal infections that can make things worse, check nails and in between finger web spaces. Wear dry, lightweight clothes that do not stick to your skin and increase sweating, and use an antifungal powder if you experience itching in any area as a precaution,” says Dr Geeta Fazalbhoy, dermatologist, Skin N You Clinic.

PREVENTIVE MEASURES

Dr Girish Shah, dermatologist, Skinzone Cosmetic Laser Clinic, suggests that refraining from doing the following things during monsoon is a great investment: Avoid deep-fried oily food, these may cause acne breakouts Avoid taking long hot water bath as it can make skin more dry Avoid wearing heavy makeup in monsoons. Maintain your natural glow and go for waterproof makeup products. Also, make sure that you are storing your makeup products hygienically in a cool and dry place Avoid getting drenched in the rain as it makes you prone to fungal and bacterial infections such as dhobi itch and boils respectively Avoid self-treating your itching or infections, or avoid buying creams from chemists without your doctor’s recommendations. With inputs from dermatologists Dr Shital Poojari, KJ Somaiya Hospital, Dr Saurabh Shah, Bhatia Hospital, Dr Shuba Dharmana, Lejeune Medspa and Dr Mahesh Patil, Global Hospitals, skincare experts Rashi Bahel Mehra, Alanna and Shankar Prasad, Plum, and aroma therapist Asenla Jamir, Ananda In The Himalayas