Monsoons beauty

Shahnaz Husain *

Monsoon is here. Are you one of those who enjoy when the rains come ?

After the dreaded season of sunburn and tan, the rainy season brings a refreshing change in the weather, but it also poses challenges for maintaining a flawless makeup look. Change of season affects your skin more than you think.

As the weather changes, a drastic increase in humidity can pose significant challenges for your skin. Our skin can suffer damage from humidity, moisture, and repeated exposure to rainwater, which can cause several issues like breakouts, blackheads, whiteheads, and excessive oiliness.

However, with a few essential tips and tricks, you can master the art of creating a flawless rainy-season makeup look. Always remember, the basic rule is to cleanse, tone, and moisturise your skin during monsoon season.

1) Cleansing : Increased humidity causes an increase in sebum secretion, which attracts dust and pollution particles that cause clogged pores and breakouts. To prevent clogged pores and breakouts, opt for a gentle cleanser that removes dirt, pollutants, and excess oil without stripping away your skin's natural moisture.

Cleanse your face at least twice a day using a mild, chemical-free cleanser which will help remove excess oil, dirt, and impurities from your skin. Natural ingredients like seaweed extracts in your face wash help maintain the skin's pH balance and ensure it stays nourished despite the changing weather.

2) Choose lightweight and waterproof products : The skin may feel sticky during the monsoon season due to high humidity. Heavy makeup can clog pores and lead to breakouts. Opt for oil-free formulas for foundation, concealer, and powder.

Look for waterproof makeup products that will last throughout the rainy and humid days. You can use a waterproof setting spray instead of powder to set the makeup. Choose lightweight formulas like tinted moisturisers or BB creams.

Finding the right moisturizer for the monsoon is essential, especially for acne-prone skin. A lightweight, waterproof or oil-free moisturizer can keep your skin oil and grease-free that can prevent acne and keep the skin hydrated.

3 ) Include Vitamin C in the diet : Vitamin C is an antioxidant that keeps the skin healthy during the monsoon season. Citrus fruits like lemons, oranges, and grapefruits are excellent sources of vitamin C. Kiwis, bell peppers, and broccoli are also rich in this essential nutrient.

Vitamin C helps in the production of white blood cells, which are crucial for fighting off infections and boosting your body's defenses Vitamin C serum can maintain the skin’s glow. It eliminates microorganisms, prevents the onset of age-related changes, and lessens scars and blemishes to give you clear, flawless skin.

4) Exfoliating regularly : Choose a gentle scrub to exfoliate at least 2-3 times every week to deeply cleanse the stubborn dirt deposit and remove any excess oil. Exfoliation removes dead skin cells from the top, making your skin brighter and lighter.

Exfoliating regularly to keep your skin glowing and soft. This will prevent clogged pores during the monsoon season and help you avoid breakouts.

It improves skin radiance and helps get rid of dead skin cells. It removes dead skin cells from the top and lets brighter and fresher skin appear. Additionally, it prevents the clogging of pores with dirt and sweat. Thus, you can also avoid blackheads.

5) Clay mask : When your skin appears flaky, dull, uneven, or even dry or oily, clay face masks have medicinal and cosmetic properties beneficial for any skin type. Use a face mask at least twice a week to draw out impurities, absorb excess sebum, and tighten your pores in addition to following a standard skincare regimen.

Selecting the right clay mask depends on your skin type. If you have oily skin, opt for a bentonite clay mask as it excels at absorbing oil. Those with dry or sensitive skin may find kaolin clay to be gentler and more suitable. Acne-prone individuals can benefit from a turmeric clay mask, which works wonders for all skin types.

In addition, the clay mask also aids acne and balances sebum production. Regular use of clay masks will leave your skin refreshed, balanced, and less prone to breakouts.