The romantic monsoon season is a warm hug from a mug of masala chai and pakodas, relieving us from the dreaded heat and humidity of the summer. As the saying goes, 'every coin has two sides' and rightly so, the rains can rather have quite the gloomy and dull impact on the skin.
Despite being the largest organ, the skin is fragile and cannot withstand weather fluctuations. Therefore, it requires an extra bit of care from our end to safeguard it.
Monsoon and winter bring along the drop in temperature and increase in humidity and dampness. Though this season is pleasing to the eye, it can become the ideal breeding ground for what is invisible to the naked eye. Therefore, when the skin is not cared for properly, it can develop several problems. Some of the common monsoon/winter problems are listed below:
Chapped lips – due to the low temperature and humidity, moisture tends to be drawn out of the skin into the environment. The lips are the most sensitive region of the face, therefore, they tend to get dry and chapped when there is not enough moisture and hydration.
Acne – the gushing winds, raindrops and dampness might introduce acne-causing microbes to your face via cross-contamination. The additional use of thick, residual moisturizer can also help trap said bacteria in the pores, leading to a breakout.
Cracked heels – this is a very common winter problem due to the lack of hydration and neglect that feet typically receive. Cracked heels can be reduced and prevented by using topical creams, socks and occasionally exfoliating using a foot mask.
Chaffing – is another popular problem that occurs due to friction and dryness. Chaffing commonly occurs near the neck, joints and thighs, which eventually lead to hyperpigmentation.
Dry skin – when the skin is not well hydrated and moisturized, it can lead to dry, itchy and flaky patches during winters.
Eczema – the skin can become irritated, dry, itchy and flaky due to the lack of care and hydration.
Psoriasis – the dry winter air can trigger dry patches of psoriasis when the skin has been neglected.
Rosacea – created a ’flush’ of pinkish-redness caused due to irritated and inflamed skin.
Athlete’s foot – walking in slush or dirty water can trap microbes in the feet and when they aren’t cleaned it can cause this infection. Athlete’s foot can be prevented by wearing dry shoes and socks and keeping the feet hygienic and dry.
Fungal infections – due to the damp weather, it is easy to develop infections in the hands, feet, underarms and nail crevices. The best way to avoid this is to always keep your body clean and dry.
More than the brand of the bottle, the ingredients that go into the bottle is what’s truly important in preventing these common problems. Here are some ingredients you must include during the monsoon/winter season:
Just like there are ingredients your skin loves during the winter, there are also ingredients that can do you more harm than good. Here are some ingredients you need to watch out for this season:
A skincare regime is crucial to pamper your fragile skin during this rainy season. Keeping in mind the above ingredients, we have suggested a routine for all skin types below. This skin routine can be sued both by men and women alike.
Step 1: Cleanse
Begin with a hydrating cleanser with glycerin to remove product residue and dirt. Ingredients like glycerin help not to strip the skin of its excess oils.
Step 2: Tone
Use a hydrating toner with humectants like hyaluronic acid. This toner will ensure that moisture seeps into the skin leaving it hydrated.
Step 3: Serum
Follow up the toner with an antioxidant serum rich in vitamin C to help brighten the skin and lighten dark spots.
Step 5: Moisturize
To seal in the product and moisturize the skin, top the skin with a non-comedogenic cream-based moisturizer. Jojoba, argan, chia seed and olive oil have good moisturizing properties that soothe dry skin without clogging pores.
Step 6: Protect
Though the weather may seem gloomy, the ultraviolet rays are still present in the environment. Therefore, it is important to use a water-resistant, broad-spectrum sunscreen of a minimum 30 sun protection factor.
Essentially, only a few steps would change from morning to night.
Step 1: Remove and cleanse
If any makeup is worn during the day, it should be removed using a makeup remover like micellar water, emulsion balms or microfiber makeup cloth before cleansing. Cleansing alone is not sufficient to remove makeup, however, it is important to remove the residual makeup leftover after removal.
Step 3: Rejuvenate
The antioxidant serum should be replaced with a serum containing retinoid derivatives. Retinol is a potent anti-ageing treatment that helps smoothen out the harsh effects of cold weather on dry skin.
Step 5: Moisturize and repair
A thicker moisturizer containing ceramides and butter can be used to provide intense moisture to the skin and help repair the skin barrier overnight. Butters like shea, kokum and mango are hypo-allergenic and help soothe dry skin.
And finally, for obvious reasons, sun protection would be omitted.
Step 1: Cleanse
Begin with a hydrating cleanser with glycerin or castile soap to remove excess product residue and dirt. Ingredients like glycerin and castile soap help not to strip the skin of its excess oils.
Step 2: Tone
Use a hydrating toner with humectants like hyaluronic acid. This toner will ensure that moisture seeps into the skin leaving it hydrated.
Step 3: Serum
Follow up the toner with an antioxidant serum rich in vitamin C to help brighten the skin and lighten dark spots. Green tea extracts can also help revive dull skin.
Step 5: Moisturize
To encapsulate the products and moisturize the skin, a gel-based moisturizer can be used. During the day combination skin types can have oily areas like the T-zone and using a cream-based formula can lead to breakouts.
Step 6: Protect
Though the climate may appear dim, the ultraviolet rays remain present in the atmosphere. Hence, it is important to use a water-resistant, broad-spectrum sunscreen of a minimum 30 sun protection factor.
During the night, only certain steps would be modified in the skincare regime.
Step 1: Remove and cleanse
If any makeup is worn during the day, it should be removed using a makeup remover like micellar water, emulsion balms or microfiber makeup cloth before cleansing. Cleansing alone is not sufficient to remove makeup, however, it is important to remove the residual makeup leftover after removal.
Step 3: Rejuvenate
The antioxidant serum should be replaced with a serum containing retinoid derivatives. Retinol is a potent anti-ageing treatment that helps rejuvenate the skin and prevent it from becoming dry.
Step 5: Intense repair
To seal in the product and moisturize the skin, top the skin with a non-comedogenic light moisturizer or emulsion. Chia seed, grape seed, sunflower and evening primrose oil have good moisturizing properties that soothe dry skin without clogging pores. Instead of an emulsion, a sleeping mask can also be used to provide intense moisturizing.
Step 1: Cleanse
The routine begins with a foaming cleanser that contains BHA or salicylic acid. BHA is an effective ingredient that ensures to clean the pores to prevent breakouts due to excess sebum accumulation.
Step 2: Tone
The next step involves using a sebum control toner that is alcohol-free. Tea tree essential oil and apple cider vinegar-based toners are good to mattify the skin and curb excess sebum production.
Step 3: Serum
Follow up the toner with an antioxidant-humectant serum rich in vitamin C and hyaluronic acid. Vitamin C helps brighten the skin and lighten dark spots, whereas, hyaluronic acid helps hydrate the skin. Green tea extract is another option that can also help revive dull skin.
Step 5: Moisturize
To encapsulate the products and moisturize the skin, a gel-based moisturizer can be used. Gel-based moisturizers help curb excess sebum production that can make the face look greasy and sticky.
Step 6: Protect
Though the cold may seem dreary, the ultraviolet rays continue to remain present in the background. Consequently, it is important to use a water-resistant, broad-spectrum sunscreen of a minimum 30 sun protection factor. A mattifying sunscreen will additionally help reduce sebum production.
The night skincare routine can be adapted by changing a few products to repair the skin while you receive your beauty sleep.
Step 1: Double cleansing
Double cleansing is an important step that involves two types of cleansing. The first is an oil cleanser that helps dissolve waterproof and matte makeup that was worn during the day. The second step involves a foaming cleanser that helps remove any excess residue trapped within the pores and prevent breakouts.
Step 3: Rejuvenate
The antioxidant serum should be replaced with a serum containing retinoid derivatives. Retinol is a potent anti-ageing treatment that helps reduce the fine lines and wrinkles that can be caused due to the high humidity in the weather. Keep in mind that retinol should not be used along with salicylic acid, therefore, use a normal foaming cleanser in the night.
Step 5: Intense repair
The use of a sleeping mask with niacinamide, ceramide and humectants can help intensely moisturize the skin while repairing the skin barrier function.
The skin on the body can change when it is neglected. Here are a few tips to keep your skin healthy as a whole:
Exfoliation is a very crucial part of a skincare routine that helps slough off dead cells and reveals brighter skin beneath. This step can help prevent flaking and reduce the appearance of brown spots and acne scars. The type of exfoliant should be chosen depending on skin type and skin concern.
Dry skin can opt for a cream-based physical exfoliant with rolled oats, walnut shell, apricot shell or they can use homemade scrubs to gently remove dry patches. Combination skin can use a mild chemical peel that uses a combination of AHA’s like kojic acid, lactic acid or glycolic acid to exfoliate the skin and also help tighten pores. Oily skin can opt for a combination exfoliant containing both physical and chemical exfoliants.
Home-made scrubs are a cost-effective way to exfoliate the body or scalp weekly.
To create your skincare routine, find your perfect products at Tamira pharmacy. We provide high-quality ingredients at unbeatable prices and a hassle-free process to get your products at your doorstep.
Face pack – rolled oats powder mixed along with goat milk and lavender is an easy yet lush face pack that doubles as an exfoliant. This mix can be used on the face and the body to soothe irritated skin. To make this pack vegan, goat milk can be substituted for oat/almond/coconut milk and rose water.
This pack should be made fresh before every use and cannot be stored
Body oils – are a quick and efficient way to moisturize your skin right out of the shower. To make body oil at home, take lightweight carrier oil like grapeseed, sunflower, jojoba or olive oil and add in a few drops of vitamin E and your favourite essential oils to create your unique blend. Just remember that for every 15ml of carrier oil, you can use 5 drops of essential oil.
Our pick would be a blend of grape seed and sunflower oil with lavender, rosemary and patchouli essential oils. To make your body oil ultra-luxurious, opt for infused carrier oils like; vetiver or green tea infused sunflower. It is best stored in an airtight container for up to 6 months.
Body soak – there's nothing like a hot bath during the cold winter rains and body soaks simply take all that to the next level. To make a body soak take equal quantities of Epsom salt and rock salt/Himalayan salt. To this mixture add in one or two drops of rose, cinnamon and eucalyptus essential oils. To add a regal touch, pop in some dried rose petals and mix well. Store it in an airtight jar till one month.
This body soak can also be used to have the extravagant Cleopatra bath and feel majestic. Just add your body soaks in equal parts of goat milk and water and soak away your sorrows.
Foot soak – winter comes along with foot cramps and the perfect way to end a long day is to soak your feet in warm water. To make a foot soak, take equal parts of Epsom salt and crystal salt. Add some peppermint, tea tree, lavender and jasmine essential oils and mix well. Store it in an airtight jar till a month.
The foot soak can be added to warm water and the feet should be soaked for at least 20 minutes to help relax cramps and curb cracked heels.
Cuticle oil – Our cuticles are often neglected during the winters and they can become rough and painful. Using a cuticle oil can help moisturize both the cuticles and the nails to prevent any chapping.
To make cuticle oil, take equal parts of almond and castor oil as the base. To this, add a few drops of vitamin E (for stabilization and hydration) and essential oils like; calendula, ylang-ylang and rosewood. Mix well and store in an airtight bottle for up to six months.