Beauty wise, this season

Monsoon calls for a revamp in hair and skincare; experts give suggestions on how to go about it

Although rains are a welcome respite from the sweltering summer heat, the changing weather conditions tend to affect our skin and hair drastically. It is essential to change the daily routine of cleansing-toning-moisturising for skin, as well as shampooing and conditioning for hair. Depending on one’s skin and hair type, here are some expert-recommended ways to maintain their health.

OILY SKIN

Oily skin is a result of oil being excreted by skin glands in order to keep the skin nourished. Essentially, it is not a bad thing. However, excess oil is a problem as it attracts dirt and bacteria, which can prove to be harmful to the skin. Hence, it becomes necessary to clear the skin of the oily texture. Nourishing the skin with grapeseed carrier oil is recommended. In this humid weather, oily skin tends to get greasier as the pores are more dilated, and thus, end up having more of acne and seborrhoeic dermatitis. Those suffering from acne can add a few drops of tea tree essential oil to the carrier oil. Mild cleansers can be used with non-alcoholic toners and non-comedogenic sunscreens daily. Scrubbing should be done on regular basis like once a week. Recommended natural mask: Apply, fuller’s earth mixed with rose water, once a week.

COMBINATION SKIN

Improper diet habits along with use of chemical cosmetics or personal care products could lead to a combination skin condition. Grapeseed or jojoba oil with lavender could help rejuvenate this kind of skin’s health. Splashing your face either with clean water without touching the skin or with natural soap having papaya and cucumber extracts would work great too. As the weather turns humid, the T-zone gets oilier and the rest of the face gets dry. So, one can also get acne and skin dryness at the same time. Mild cleansers with a good toner and serum-based moisturisers are supposed to be used. A good sunscreen is important as well. Recommended natural mask: Apply, mild honey with lime juice on the face, once a week.

DRY SKIN

A skin condition that causes dry scaly patches on the skin making it lose its elasticity and become saggy. Jojoba oil works best for dry skin, while for everyday nourishment use soap having cocoa butter. Eczemas can flare up and one can end up having skin rashes as well. So, one has to use cream-based cleansers and follow the routine. Moisturisers have to be applied two to three times a day. Recommended natural mask: Apply a mix of avacado and curd, once a week.

SENSITIVE SKIN

Generally, skin becomes sensitive because of hormonal changes or chemical abuse. The best solution for sensitive skin is jojoba oil. In rains, the sensitive skin can also have atopic dermatitis — a kind of eczema where your skin turns very red and dry, so one has to use a very good cream-based cleanser. Don’t use toners on sensitive skin. Opt for a good cream-based moisturiser. Recommended natural mask: For sensitive skin, avoid packs. With inputs from experts Amit Sarda and Dr Soma Sarkar