Monsoon – Skin and Hair Care

Article by Written by: Dr. Manjiri Patankar Puranik, M.B.B.S., M.D., Founder, InstaSculpt




After the terrific heats of summer we all wait for the monsoons as we all love to enjoy the gloomy clouds and with the rains pouring in its pleasant and reviving but absolutely hate it when it comes to the rain damaging our hair or skin.

It is very crucial to take care of both hair and skin in the monsoon to avoid dryness which could damage them badly.

Coming to skin first, because of the humidity in air being increased the skin has a tendency to become dry very easily. Skin requires regular cleansing in order to keep it looking fresh and healthy. Taking the care of skin also depends on type of skin each one of us have. As per the skin type one needs to take necessary care.

Dry skin: Keeping the skin hydrated all the time is very important. Cleansing is important during the monsoons. The high humidity causes sweat, build-up dirt, and dust along with other toxins on the surface of skin. Keeps skin nourished. Loss of moisture from skin makes it appear dry and lifeless. Use a good moisturizer at least 2 to 3 times a day.




Oily Skin: Use a very mild cleanser to get the dead skin and dirt off from skin. Use pure oatmeal scrub to cleanse oily skin or use ripe papaya pulp as a mild exfoliant.




Apart from cleansing, Toning is a necessity at night. During monsoon, a lot of airborne and waterborne germs are let free. So a good anti-bacterial toner will go a long way to prevent skin infections and breakouts. It is a good idea to get anti-bacterial face wash too.

Moisturizing in the rains is as important as it is in summer. Monsoons can mean a de-hydrating effect on dry skin and an excessive-hydrating effect on oily skin. The skin gets wet often and with the constant wetting and drying, a lot of dehydration takes place. That explains the itchy feeling one gets during monsoons. Use a non-water based moisturizer, if you happen to get wet often. Otherwise a water- based moisturizer will do just fine.

Though its monsoon, still don’t avoid the usage of SPF, minimum is SPF 15 as UV A rays are all the time around us hence do follow the use of sunscreen on daily basis.

Since the temperature is humid make sure the skin is kept dry to avoid getting fungal infections.




Hair Care




Along with Skin is equally important to take care of hair. It’s very important to keep hair dry to avoid getting infections or lice infestations. The monsoons also bring in humid air which makes the hair drier so it’s very important to keep hair simple with fewer styles and less usage of any cosmetic products.

Styling can only be done when it goes suddenly from damp to dry. Damp hair is very flexible. It stretches easily and breaks. It needs to be handled cautiously. Towel dry gently and don’t pull or comb wet hair. Use your fingers or a blow dryer to dry hair until it’s just slightly damp.

Try to keep the hair as dry as possible so as to avoid any infections. Also hair could become brittle or lifeless if there is repetitive use of hair dryers to keep it dry hence allows it to dry naturally.




Important Tips for Clean and fresh hair:




* If possible keep your hair tied in the monsoons. Go for a shorter hair cut if you want to avoid dirt build up on your scalp or get splits ends. A well-groomed look is essential in the monsoons.
*Do not let your hair get wet in the rain. Pollution, floating toxins in the air come down with the rain and settle on your scalp. This makes your scalp feel itchy and may cause dandruff. Always cover your hair. Make umbrellas or raincoats your best friends, to avoid danger to your pretty locks.
* Rinse your hair with a gentle shampoo and condition it after, if your hair happens to get drenched in the rain.
* While traveling by public transport or perhaps on a two wheeler, keep the head covered with scraf/cap,etc. This protects hair from probable damage.

After all monsoons are there to be enjoyed, so take care of skin and hair with simple steps and enjoy the rains!!!!