The Rain Goddess
From frizzy and limp hair to patchy, clogged skin, humidity can play havoc with your looks during the monsoons. Follow these tips for an all- round beauty treatment to beat the rainy blues.
Wash your face several times a day to prevent your skin from getting sticky and attracting dirt
FACE FIRST
1 Pimples Keep your skin squeaky clean as dirt and oil can clog pores, resulting in pimples, blackheads and other problems. Wash your face frequently and use a toner to close the pores to restore your skin’s pH balance. Exfoliate twice a week with a good face scrub.
2 Makeup Use minimum makeup in the monsoons, and try using products that are waterproof to prevent makeup from running. Cream- based colour makeup tends to form ugly patches during the rainy season, so ditch oily foundations, blushes and eye shadows for their powder- based counterparts. Instead of kajal, you can use water- resistant eye- liners and mascaras. Opt for a coloured lip balm or soft matte lipsticks in shades of brown and pink. Don’t forget to use sun- tan lotion even in this weather.
3 Diet Drink plenty of water and eat a protein- rich diet with lots of fresh fruits and green vegetables. Avoid fermented, fried and spicy foods. A nutritious diet will naturally make your skin healthy. You can ask your physician to suggest the right supplements according to your needs.
Hair products with fungicides such as ketoconazole, zinc pyrithione and selenium sulphide help eliminate dandruff from the roots
MANE TALK
1 Frizz Hair tends to absorb moisture from the air. Dirt particles stick to this moisture, making hair sticky, frizzy and unmanageable in the monsoons. Wash your hair more often than usual and keep it well moisturised. Use mild cream- based shampoos and leave- in conditioners to lock in the moisture. Hair masks for dry and frizzy hair will help improve its quality.
2 Oily/ Dry and Limp hair Oily hair tends to become dirtier while dry hair becomes very dull in this season. For oily hair, opt for a gentle shampoo and conditioner ( preferably gel- based products that do not leave your hair sticky). They can be used everyday to get rid of excess oil and dirt. Those with dry hair should oil their hair every fortnight. Treat your hair to spas enriched with protein at least once a month. This will lock in moisture, adding gloss to dull hair. Use volume boosting shampoos and conditioners to make fine hair look thicker.
3 Hairfall Monsoon tends to aggravate breakage of hair so oil your hair regularly. To avoid breakage, comb your hair on the edges first and then start combing from the roots. Use wide toothed combs to untangle hair, and opt for anti- hair fall shampoos and conditioners. Masks and spas can help strengthen hair from the roots and also impact its length.
4 Dandruff Humidity leads to itchy, flaky scalp in monsoons. To get rid of dandruff, always oil your hair before a wash. It will also make them tangle- free and manageable. Use an effective anti- dandruff shampoo, and condition your hair with curd and egg to make it shine.
Bathing with lukewarm water opens up pores, keeps the glands functioning properly and invigorates the body
BODY BASICS
1 Allergies
Various skin allergies like itching and red rashes, skin eruptions and acne, and Urticaria reactions ( an insect bite like rash) become rampant during this season. One may also encounter exacerbation of pre- existing conditions of Eczema, Psoriasis etc. The most important precaution that one can take during the monsoons is to keep yourself clean. Also, keep your clothes and footwear dry and hygienic.
2 Infections
Fungal and bacterial infections are some of the other concerns that one can be faced with during the rainy season. Bathe regularly and use an antiseptic soap/ body wash. Always gently rub your body dry with a soft, clean towel, especially after getting wet in the rain. You can use gram flour or green gram flour optionally mixed with buttermilk, honey, milk, rosewater or aloe vera as a scrub before a bath. This helps to cleanse the body and also works as a moisturiser and a skin purifier.
3 Clammy skin
The skin can feel oily, cold and clammy due to humidity and heat in the monsoons. This dampness also makes one more prone to contracting infections and allergies, especially when caused by dirty rain water. You can use appropriate body scrubs every now and then to keep the dirt and germs away. You can also make a scrub at home by boiling water with herbs like Manjishta, Indian Sarsaparilla ( Sariva), Usheer/ Khus ( Vetiveria), Retha, Lodhra and Yastimadhu ( liquorice). This will be effective in preventing any form of skin problems.
4 Dryness
Monsoons can also make the body dry, depending upon your skin type. Application of a little almond and coconut oil after a bath protects the skin from cracking due to dryness. This also protects the body from insect rashes and mosquito bites that can cause serious allergies and ailments.
5 Body ache
One can also be faced with aches and stiffness in various parts of the body. Applying warm oil on the head ( Siroabhyangam) and the body ( Abhyangam) before bathing, at least weekly or thrice weekly, helps to prevent most problems that afflict it.