In monsoons, skin behaves in an unpredictable manner and fluctuates from oily to dry state. A good skin care daily regime with a well balanced diet and exercise routine is the key for maintaining a balanced skin.

1. Use a mild, soap free cleanser twice daily for washing face. A facial scrub for dead skin exfoliation twice a week is recommended. This must be followed by a mild alcohol free toner to clear residual skin impurities and reduce pores at least once daily.
2. A sunscreen is essential even on a cloudy day as the UV rays can penetrate the cloud cover and harm the skin. Sunscreen must be used daily to prevent skin damage in monsoons.
3.  Due to the constant wetting the skin tends to dry and there will be general body itchiness. A lukewarm water bath followed by good moisture twice daily helps to minimize this discomfort.
4. Mild chemical peels under dermatologist supervision rejuvenate dull skin in monsoon and maintains the skin pH balance.
5. Plenty of fluids especially water is extremely important.
6. Heavy makeup in monsoons must be avoided. Ideally, waterproof and transfer resistant makeup products must be used. Nowadays, there are new, dermatologically tested light, sheer makeup products available. Use of waterproof eyeliners, mascara and light transfer resistant lipsticks is advisable. Avoid heavy foundation base and use lightweight mousse or souffle powders as a base. Sheer coat of light pink or brown lipsticks and lip gloss must be used. Guarantee a complete removal of makeup at the day end followed with a light moisture.
7. Make sure you sterilize the makeup tools like brushes and applicators on regular basis to prevent skin infections.
8. One also need to take care of their hair in monsoons as hair is affected in both .The scalp tends to become oily, hair becomes limp, dry and rough. This could also lead to hair fall and dandruff problems. A proper hair care regime can help in preventing these issues. A good volumising shampoo and conditioner is essential at least 2-3 times weekly. Avoid too many styling products and gels as they would make the hair greasy. Oiling once a week is beneficial. Wear hair in simple hairstyles or keep it short for easy manageability.
9. Have more of vegetables, salads n soups after appropriate cleansing and boiling.
10. Due to constant wetness and humidity, fungal and bacterial infections are common in monsoons as these organisms flourish in moisture. It is necessary to keep the feet and clean. It is advisable to store an extra pair of dry (if required formal) footwear at work. Wear open footwear to work and change after completely drying the feet. Regular use of antifungal dusting powder twice -thrice daily helps to prevent these infections. Clean your footwear before wearing them to clear any fungal moulds in them. A proper cleansing with warm water containing disinfectants also ensures the infections at bay.
11. A regular pedicure session will help. However make sure your beautician uses sterilised and hygienic instruments.

Skin Infections and Allergies During Monsoon:

Monsoon is a high humidity and wet season. The clothes, hair and feet get and stay wet due to rains. Due to this reason, the skin is more prone to skin infections like fungal, bacterial and parasitic and also skin allergies are commonly seen in this season.

The wet clothes lead to fungal infections in underarms, under the blouse area and groin areas of the body. Wet feet give rise to mixed infections or athlete’s foot commonly in males. This is seen in males as they wear closed shoes for long period of time throughout the day. Bacterial infections like pyoderma, impetigo, etc are usually seen in children in this season due to the moisture laden climate .Parasitic infections like scabies is also seen in this weather especially in children as it is a highly contagious skin problem.

Dandruff again is a frequent concern as it increase in the humidity and leads to flaking, itching and rashes on nape of neck and breakouts on forehead.

Allergies and skin eczema tends to flare and increase in monsoon .People commonly approach dermatologist with eczema of hand and feet.

People with oily skin – The oiliness shoots up due to the heavy humidity and worsens existing acne and proliferates whiteheads, blackheads and pimples.

People with dry skin – The skin dryness increases in rains make the skin look dull and old.