While the monsoons bring a welcome respite from summer heat, they also pose a lot of challenges to healthy skin. However, taking just a few simple precautions can save you from many humidity-induced skin problems.
The biggest skin complaint during the monsoon has to be fungal infections with itchy, circular, reddish, flaking patches on the body. Staying dry is the best way to avoid them. Carry a set of dry clothes and footwear to the office and change immediately if you’ve gotten drenched on your way. Use plenty of talcum powder to prevent accumulation of sweat and moisture in skin folds. Medicated powders like Absorb, Mycoderm etc. can be of use to those who are prone to skin infections.
Scabies caused by a mite infestation is characterized by a body itch that intensifies at night and also leads to a few red bumps or a rash on his/her hands, wrists, underarms, abdomen, groin and buttocks. One should immediately consult a doctor as this condition is highly contagious and invariably spreads to the family if not treated properly.
A few additional tips on how to keep your complexion glowing:
Use a face scrub twice a week to exfoliate and avoid heavy moisturising creams or oily foundations and cream-based color makeup. Use sunscreen regularly even on cloudy days.
Chemical peels are also an excellent way to freshen up dull skin and the monsoon is the best weather for them — there is no risk of sun exposure and sensitivity after the peeling session. There are a variety of peels available nowadays — skin-lightening peels, acne peels, peels for sensitive skin, arginine peels for under-eye circles etc.
For those who develop dry skin during this, a mixture of rosewater and glycerin applied on your face before bed time works wonders. A mild cleanser can be used to get rid of dead cells and grime for those with oily skin. Oatmeal and papaya are known to act as mild exfoliants.
Drink lot of fluids, in particular, water as the rainy season can be deceptively dehydrating.
Last but the most important piece of advice would be to keep your inside healthy. Eating vegetables, salads and drinking plenty of vegetable soup goes a long run in keeping you glowing during monsoons!!